A roadside tyre failure is stressful, but knowing exactly what to do keeps you safe. Follow this step-by-step guide for UK drivers.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Get to Safety
The most important thing when a tyre fails while driving is to stay calm. Do not brake suddenly or make sharp steering corrections. Grip the steering wheel firmly, gradually ease off the accelerator, and steer the vehicle to the left — onto the hard shoulder if on a motorway, or to a safe parking area on other roads. Indicate and check mirrors as normal but prioritise stability over everything else. Once you are off the road and in a safe location, apply your handbrake and switch on your hazard lights.
On a motorway, exit the vehicle from the passenger side if possible, as this keeps you away from live traffic. Move behind the safety barrier if one is present, and stay well away from the vehicle and the carriageway. Place a warning triangle at least 45 metres behind your vehicle on an ordinary road, but do not attempt to place one on a motorway hard shoulder. Call for assistance from a safe location.
Step 2: Assess Your Options
Once you are safe, assess what resources you have. Does your vehicle have a spare wheel, a temporary spare, or a tyre inflation kit? If you have a full spare and are confident changing it safely away from traffic, this is a reasonable option in many situations. However, if you are on a motorway, in heavy rain, in the dark, or feel unsafe, it is always better to call for assistance rather than attempt a roadside change yourself.
Call Just Mobile Tyres on 07855 123 711 for emergency mobile tyre fitting across Northamptonshire. We respond as quickly as possible to emergency callouts and will get a technician to you with the correct replacement tyre. If you are on a motorway, you should first contact your breakdown provider or call National Highways on 0300 123 5000. Wherever you are in Northamptonshire or the surrounding counties, Just Mobile Tyres is ready to help you get back on the road safely.
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