Can I drive with a flat tyre?

You should check your tyres regularly to make sure that they are inflated to the correct pressure, that the tread has sufficient depth. Also check that there is no visible damage, for example, nothing sticking in the tread and no damage to the sidewalls.
 
Not only is driving with a worn or damaged tyre dangerous, it’s also an offence under the Road Traffic Act that could risk a fine and three points on your licence. If you have a flat or otherwise faulty tyre, therefore, you need to get it attended to as soon as possible.

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On modern cars, it can be quite hard to know when you’re driving that you have a flat tyre. The steering may feel strange or the car may not seem to be handling correctly. If you notice symptoms like this, you should find a safe space to pull over and check if anything is wrong. Only in rare cases does a tyre fail completely in what’s known as a ‘blow out’. in this case, you should hold the wheel firmly and allow the car to coast to a stop, avoiding hard braking.
 
Many current cars have tyre pressure monitoring systems that will give you early warning of a problem. A flat tyre should be visually obvious from the outside of the car. If you have a flat, you shouldn’t drive on it. Doing so could result in complete destruction of the tyre and damage to the wheel. If you have a spare wheel and it’s safe to do so, you can change the tyre at the roadside. If you don’t feel confident doing this - or if you’re on a motorway - call your breakdown service for help.
 
Most cars no longer have a full-sized spare. They will either have a space saver or a puncture repair kit. In either case, these will keep you going in an emergency but you will need to keep your speed down below 50 mph and be aware that the handling of the vehicle will be affected.
 
The only exception to all of this is if your car is fitted with ‘run-flat’ tyres. These are designed to continue being driven following a puncture, but again you need to keep your speed down and get to somewhere like Protyre as soon as possible so that our tyre professionals can repair or replace the tyre.
 
Depending on where a tyre is punctured, it may be possible to repair it, but in other circumstances, you may need a new tyre.
 
At Protyre we stock a number of leading brands including Pirelli, Falken and Sumitomo and our qualified fitters can advise as to the best choice for your needs.

Choosing the Right Tyre Made Easy

When it comes to your car's safety and performance, tyres can play a huge role. That's why we've put together a collection of helpful articles to guide you through the process of selecting the perfect tyres for your ride and maintaining your vehicle in general.

If you're looking for a smoother, more luxurious driving experience, premium car tyres might be the way to go. Or, if you want added security against flats, run flat car tyres could be your best bet. Trying to decide between summer car tyres and winter car tyres? We've got you covered there, too.

We also dive into the world of tyre brands, comparing top manufacturers like BF Goodrich tyres, Bridgestone tyres, Continental tyres, Dunlop tyres, Falken tyres, General tyres, Goodyear tyres, GT Radial tyres , Hankook tyres, Michelin tyres, Pirelli tyres, Runway tyres, Sumitomo tyres, and Toyo tyres.

But we don't just stop at helping you choose the right tyres – we also share tips on how to keep them in tip-top shape. From checking your tread depth and keeping your tyres properly inflated to extending their life through regular rotation and balancing, our articles have got you covered.

So, whether you're a car enthusiast or just looking to keep your vehicle safe and reliable, our car help and advice articles are here to help you make informed decisions about your tyres. Check them out and feel confident in your tyre choices!
 
Why not try our online search tool to find the right tyres for your vehicle - and your pocket.