What to Do If You Get a Flat Tyre on the Motorway

Getting a flat tyre on a busy motorway can be one of the most stressful situations a driver faces. With vehicles speeding past at 70mph, it’s vital to know exactly what to do — and what not to do — to keep yourself and your passengers safe.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to do if you get a flat tyre on the motorway, step-by-step. Whether it’s a sudden blowout or a slow puncture that turns into a serious issue, being prepared can make all the difference.

1. Stay Calm and Don’t Brake Hard

If you notice a flat tyre or feel the car pulling to one side, vibrating, or becoming hard to control:

• Stay calm and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel.
• Do not slam on the brakes. Sudden braking may cause you to lose control.
• Take your foot off the accelerator and let the vehicle slow down gradually.

2. Indicate and Pull Over Safely

As soon as it’s safe:

• Put on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
• Carefully move onto the hard shoulder or an emergency refuge area (ERA) if available.
• Try to stop as far left as possible, with your wheels turned left.
• Ensure you and any passengers exit the vehicle using the left-hand doors and wait behind the barrier, away from traffic.

Never attempt to change a tyre yourself on the motorway, especially if you are near live traffic lanes. It’s not safe.

3. Call for Breakdown or Emergency Tyre Assistance

Once you're in a safe location:

• Use your mobile phone to call a breakdown provider or mobile tyre fitting service.
• If you don’t have access to a breakdown service, call a specialist 24-hour emergency mobile tyre fitter — many can reach you on the motorway within the hour.

Be ready to share:

• Your exact location (use motorway marker signs or apps like What3Words).
• Your vehicle make and model.
• The issue (e.g. “front left tyre blowout” or “completely flat rear tyre”).

4. Use an Emergency Phone If You Don’t Have a Mobile

If you can’t call from your mobile:

• Walk to the nearest orange SOS emergency phone, located approximately every mile along UK motorways.
• These phones connect directly to National Highways, who will send help or advise on what to do next.

5. Don’t Try to Rejoin the Motorway With a Damaged Tyre

Even if the tyre isn’t completely flat or looks partially inflated:

• Never try to continue driving, even to the next junction.
• Driving on a damaged or deflated tyre can cause further vehicle damage and put lives at risk.

Instead, wait for a professional to assess the tyre and replace or repair it on the spot.

6. What If You're on a Smart Motorway With No Hard Shoulder?

Smart motorways don’t always have a continuous hard shoulder. If you get a flat tyre:

• Look for the nearest emergency refuge area (ERA), marked with blue signs and an SOS phone.
• If there’s no ERA in reach, move as far left as possible and stop with hazard lights on.
• Stay in the vehicle with seatbelts fastened if it's unsafe to exit.
• Call 999 immediately if you're in a live lane with no protection.

7. Book a Mobile Tyre Fitting Service to Get Back on the Road

Mobile tyre fitters are often faster and more convenient than waiting for a tow truck. With many offering nationwide 24/7 coverage, you can have a tyre repaired or replaced right on the hard shoulder or nearby service station.

We provide:

• Emergency mobile tyre fitting on UK motorways
• Rapid callout, usually within 30–60 minutes
• New tyres for all vehicle types: cars, vans, 4x4s
• Safe, roadside-compliant tyre changes

If you're stuck with a flat tyre on the M25, M1, M4, or M40, help is just a call away.

Final Thoughts

Getting a flat tyre on the motorway is an emergency situation that requires quick thinking, but most importantly - safety first. Knowing what to do, who to call, and how to stay safe can reduce panic and prevent further accidents.

If you're unsure about your tyre's condition or you've had a close call recently, consider booking a professional tyre check or mobile tyre replacement before your next long journey.