What to do if your tire blows on the road

A tire rarely fails at a convenient moment. What you do in the first thirty seconds matters more than how fast anyone reaches you.

The first 30 seconds

Hold the wheel firmly — the car will pull to one side. Do not brake hard. Ease off the accelerator, let the car slow on its own, then brake gently once you have control back.

Where and how to stop

Put your hazards on and move gradually as far right as you can — onto the shoulder, a car park or a side street if one is close. On a highway, get behind the barrier if possible rather than staying in the car beside the road. Place the warning triangle at the required distance and put on a hi-vis vest before you get out.

Change it yourself or wait for help

If you have a sound spare, tools and a safe, level spot, changing it yourself is fine. On a narrow shoulder, in the dark, in rain or on a busy road, it is safer to wait than to jack the car up next to traffic.

When to call mobile tire service

No spare, a flat or damaged spare, a van or truck involved, or simply not wanting to risk it roadside — call us. Tell us your location and vehicle type; we bring the tools and a spare if needed, and change or repair the tire where you stopped.