How far can you drive on a flat or punctured tyre?
Friday 28th February 2025
Do you have a flat tyre and want to know if you can risk driving with it? Not sure if you’ll make it to a garage? Find out how long you can drive on a flat tyre and how to fix it.
How far can I drive without damaging the wheel?
Not very far. It’s recommended that you don’t drive with a flat tyre at all. You should replace your flat tyres as soon as possible at your nearest Formula One Autocentre garage.
If you have run-flat tyres, you can safely travel up to 50 miles at 50mph. This allows you to safely get onto a slip road and ensure your car is out of the way of traffic and hazards.
What happens if I drive on a flat tyre?
Driving on a flat tyre not only puts you and your passengers in danger, but could cause costly repairs and even result in a costly fine.
Driving on a flat tyre isn’t always obvious, you could have driven with a punctured tyre for weeks before you notice any issues. For instance, a nail in your tyre would initially prevent air escaping, but over time, the tyre would begin to lose pressure resulting in a slow puncture. It’s important to check your tyre quality regularly to avoid this.
However, there are sudden changes you may notice if you have a flat tyre. These can be factors like significantly altered driving control, your vehicle pulling to one side, and clunking noises with bouncing motions.?
The drop in internal tyre pressure can damage the wheel and rim, along with other vehicle components, and you risk losing control of your car and putting yourself and your passengers in danger. So, if you find yourself with a flat tyre, it’s important to get it seen to by a specialist as soon as possible.
Formula One Autocentres has over 130 locations in England which offer free tyre checks. Find your nearest branch for a comprehensive inspection today, and repair your punctured tyre or get a new one fitted.
How do I know what type of tyre I will need?
If you’re unsure of what tyre you have, learn how to read your tyre markings here.
If your vehicle is fitted with run flat tyres, you will need to ensure your replacement tyre is also a run flat. If you drive long distances, especially on motorways, run flat tyres allow you to continue driving until you find a safe place to stop.
Reinforced tyres are often confused with run flats, but they are not the same. Reinforced tyres are designed for heavier or commercial vehicles, and although they are strong and durable, you should not continue driving on them with a puncture.
What to do when you get a flat tyre
- Keep calm and act fast. If you have a ‘blow out’ while driving, resist the temptation to brake sharply as a puncture can cause your car to skid. Ease off the accelerator, put your hazard warning lights on and keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel. As soon as you can, indicate and pull into a safe place.
- Tyre repair or replacement? Assess whether your tyre needs repairing or replacing. You can replace your tyre with the spare in your boot, and follow this guide on how to change it. If you don’t have a spare tyre, you may need to call for roadside assistance and book in for a tyre replacement.
- Locate your nearest tyre garage. A spare tyre may be a temporary space-saver tyre or may be a full-size tyre. Space-saver tyres aren’t designed for long-term use but will enable you to safely get to your nearest garage. Choose the most suitable tyre replacement for your car at Formula One Autocentres – where you can find premium and budget tyres from all the leading tyre manufacturers.
