Driving on a flat tyre is one of the most common ways a cheap puncture repair turns into a new tyre and a damaged wheel.
Short answer: You should not drive on a flat tyre except very slowly for a short distance to get somewhere safe. Driving on a flat destroys the tyre from the inside, can damage the wheel and makes the car hard to control. Pull in safely and call a mobile tyre fitter instead, such as MODS on 085 196 9572.
What happens when you drive on a flat
- The sidewall is crushed and the inside of the tyre is damaged, so it can no longer be repaired.
- The wheel rim can be bent or scraped on the road.
- Steering and braking become unpredictable.
How far can I go?
Only as far as you need to stop safely: off a busy road, out of a junction or onto a hard shoulder. Every extra metre makes a repair less likely.
What about run-flat tyres?
Run-flat tyres are designed to let you drive a limited distance at reduced speed after a puncture. Check your car handbook for the exact limits and get the tyre checked as soon as possible.
What to do instead
- Slow down, hazard lights on, and pull in somewhere safe.
- If you are on a motorway, get behind the barrier.
- Call 085 196 9572 or send your location on WhatsApp. We come to you 24/7.