Stay Calm and Stay Safe
A flat tyre is stressful, especially if it happens at night or in bad weather. The first thing to do is get your vehicle to a safe position. If you're on a motorway or dual carriageway, pull onto the hard shoulder or the nearest safe layby. Turn on your hazard lights immediately.
Assess the Situation
Once you're safe, take a look at the damage. Is the tyre completely flat or just losing pressure slowly? If it's a slow puncture, you might be able to drive carefully to a safer location. If the tyre is shredded or the rim is on the ground, don't try to drive — you'll damage the wheel.
Do You Have a Spare?
Many modern cars don't come with a spare tyre. If you have one and you're confident changing it in your current location, go ahead. But if you're on a busy road, it's dark, or the weather is bad, it's safer to call for help.
Use Your Tyre Repair Kit
Some cars come with a tyre inflation and sealant kit instead of a spare. These work for small punctures but won't fix a blowout or sidewall damage. Follow the instructions in your kit, then drive to a tyre shop to get a proper repair or replacement.
Call a 24-Hour Mobile Tyre Fitter
If you can't change the tyre yourself, or you don't have a spare, call a mobile tyre fitting service. At Crumpsall 24Hr Callout, we cover all of Greater Manchester and can usually reach you within 20-40 minutes. We carry a wide range of tyres on our van, so we can fit a replacement on the spot.
What About the M60, M62, or M56?
If you're on a motorway, use the SOS phone or call Highways England on 0300 123 5000 as well as your tyre service. Stay behind the barrier if there is one, and never attempt to change a tyre on the live side of a motorway.
Prevention Tips
Check your tyre pressures monthly — underinflated tyres are the number one cause of blowouts. Look for cuts, bulges, or embedded objects regularly. And consider keeping a reflective vest and torch in your boot for emergencies.
Need Help Right Now?
Call us on 0161 399 4859 (Option 1) — we're available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anywhere in Greater Manchester.