You’ve got a flat — and you open the boot to find no spare wheel. You’re not alone: most new cars now come with a repair kit or nothing at all instead of a spare. Here’s what to do.
First, get to safety
Don’t drive far on a flat — you’ll destroy the tyre and possibly the wheel. Pull over somewhere safe, hazards on, and well clear of traffic.
Your options
- Repair kit / sealant — if your car came with one, it can seal small punctures enough to reach a garage. It won’t fix a blowout or sidewall damage.
- Space-saver spare — if you have one, fit it (mind the reduced speed limit) and get to a tyre shop.
- Recovery — no spare, no working kit, or a badly damaged tyre? The safe move is to get recovered to a garage rather than risk a wheel or a roadside change on a live road.
Stranded on a fast road?
Never attempt a tyre change on a motorway hard shoulder or a busy carriageway — get behind the barrier and call for recovery. Your safety is worth far more than the tyre.
Flat with no spare? Call 07301 118118 — 24/7, nationwide.