Flat Tyres

Tyres are tough, but they’re not indestructible. Because they’re made of rubber, sharp items like nails or screws can easily puncture them, while potholes, rocks, or metal debris can also cause damage. A flat tyre is inconvenient, but knowing what to do can keep you safe and prevent further damage to your vehicle.

Can You Drive on a Flat Tyre?

If you notice a tyre has gone flat, the safest action is to stop as soon as you can in a secure location. Driving on a flat tyre can cause serious damage to the wheel and suspension and may even lead to losing control of your car. Even with a slow puncture, it’s best to pull over and sort it immediately, as continuing to drive increases the risk of a blowout. While driving a very short distance to move your car to safety is usually acceptable, travelling further with a known fault is unsafe and could result in fines or penalty points for dangerous driving.

How Far Can You Travel on a Flat?

At most, you might get up to 50 miles on a completely flat tyre, but this is strongly discouraged. Driving with no air pressure is hazardous, can cause permanent damage to your rim, and puts you and others at risk.

What Happens if You Keep Driving?

If you carry on driving with a flat tyre, you may experience:

• Internal tyre damage that can’t be repaired.
• Wheel rim distortion or cracking.
• Poor steering and handling.
• The car pulling sharply to one side.
• An increased risk of losing control and causing an accident.

Even short distances can ruin both the tyre and the wheel, making a small problem far more expensive.

Using Tyre Foam or Sealant

Tyre foam is a temporary fix that allows you to drive to a garage. It seals the puncture from inside the tyre without removing the wheel. However, it is not a permanent solution. On average, sealant will last 50–100 miles before it becomes ineffective. It’s best to get the tyre inspected and replaced the same day you use foam.

How to Use a Tyre Plug Kit

If your puncture is located on the tyre tread (not the sidewall), you may be able to use a plug kit. Here’s a simplified process:

1. Use a jack to lift the vehicle safely.
2. Locate the puncture and clean it using the reamer tool.
3. Apply adhesive to a rubber strip, then thread it through the insertion tool.
4. Push the strip firmly into the hole, then pull the tool back out quickly.
5. rim off the excess strip.

This type of repair is only temporary. For your safety, the tyre should still be professionally checked and replaced as soon as possible.

Using a Tyre Inflation Kit

Many modern cars come with an inflation kit instead of a spare wheel. These kits contain a compressor and sealant to reinflate the tyre enough to drive to a garage. Steps to follow:

1. Park safely, turn on hazards, and if possible, wear a hi-vis vest.
2. Secure the car with the handbrake and have passengers exit.
3. Inspect the tyre – if the sidewall is damaged or the hole is larger than 4mm, the kit won’t work.
4. Attach the sealant to the valve (manually or via compressor, depending on the kit).
5. Inflate the tyre to the correct pressure (check your car’s door sticker or handbook).
6. Drive carefully to the nearest garage for a permanent repair.

Always remember, inflation kits are temporary fixes – they’ll help you get moving again but aren’t designed for long-term use.

Can You Drive with a Screw in Your Tyre?

Finding a screw in your tyre is common, but your first instinct to remove it might be the wrong move. In fact, the screw could be stopping air from escaping. Pulling it out may make the puncture worse. It’s generally best to leave it in place and drive only a short distance to a garage for proper repair. Continuing to drive for long periods with a screw in your tyre is risky, as it can turn into a blowout, causing loss of control. If dealt with quickly, the puncture may be repairable at low cost. Delay, and it could mean needing a whole new tyre – or even a new wheel.