What to do when you experience a flat tyre

A flat tyre is an inconvenience at best and a dangerous situation at worst. Knowing what to do when you experience a flat can help you stay safe and minimise damage to your car. Here’s a guide on how to handle a flat tyre safely and efficiently. 
 
Do not drive on a flat tyre 
You shouldn’t drive on a flat tyre, unless your car has run-flat tyres. Having a flat tyre makes it difficult to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident. Additionally, continuing to drive could result in further damage to the tyre, wheels, brakes, suspension, or even the vehicle itself. In extreme cases, friction from a flat tyre can cause a fire in the wheel well, which could spread to the rest of the car. 

Pull over as soon as possible 
If your car gets a flat tyre while driving, slow down and find a safe place to stop on the side of the road. Be cautious if you’re on a busy highway – turn on your car’s hazard lights, gradually reduce speed and pull over. If you are in a situation where stopping straight away could put you in danger, your safety comes first. Keep driving at a slow speed, around 30 km/h, until you reach a secure location. Only go as far as necessary. While this may cause damage to the rim, it is a small price to pay compared to personal safety. 

When you have stopped 
Turn on your car’s hazard lights if you haven’t already done so. If you can change the tyre yourself, make sure the car is stopped safely away from traffic. Otherwise call a friend or family member, or roadside assistance for help. Tracker Care includes an assist button on the Tracker Connect Mobile App that you can press in a roadside or medical emergency. Additionally, Tracker CareGuard offers extra peace of mind by dispatching an armed guard to stand with you until your roadside service provider arrives. This service is available 24/7, 365 days a year.