Don’t change tyres on busy roads, says safety campaigner

Changing a flat tyre at the side of a busy road could cost you your life, says the car review website dogandlemon.com.

Editor Clive Matthew-Wilson, who is an outspoken road safety campaigner, says its better to wreck a tyre by driving when its flat, than risk changing a flat wheel in the path of oncoming vehicles.

“If you get a flat tyre, put your hazard lights on and drive very slowly to a place of safety before attempting to change the wheel. A car can drive for quite a long way, even with a completely flat tyre.”

“When you get to a place of safety, pull off the road as far as you can, with your hazard lights on. It’s a really good idea to carry a hi-viz vest in the car so that you can be seen by other motorists."

"Make sure your vehicle is in gear and has the handbrake on. Don't attempt to jack up your vehicle on a steep slope. Do not attempt to change the wheel if there are vehicles approaching at speed, or on a busy road. If it’s wet or dark, don't assume other motorists can see you. They may not spot you until it's too late.”

“If in doubt, take a cab or bus home and come back when it’s clear.”

“If you get a flat tyre on a motorway or busy highway, call 111. The Police will tell you what to do and, if there’s a police car handy, they’ll keep the traffic at bay.”

“The AA can change your wheel for you, if you've stopped somewhere that's safe for them to work. If you're not a member of AA you can join up on the spot.”

Matthew-Wilson adds:

“Never assume other motorists can see you or that they can stop in time. If you can’t change a wheel in a safe place, you shouldn’t change it at all.”

Release ends

If you get a flat tyre:
• Put your hazard lights on and drive very slowly to somewhere safe

• You can drive quite a distance on a flat tyre, as long as you drive very slowly

• Pull up as far off the road as possible. Keep your hazard lights on.

• Don't attempt to change the tyre on a busy road or where there are fast-moving vehicles

• On a motorway or busy highway, call 111 and Police will assist you and/or organise traffic management

• When it's dark or wet, don't assume other motorists can see you.

Changing the tyre:
• Wear a hi-viz vest

• Make sure the handbrake is on and the car is in gear.

• Don't attempt to change a tyre on a steep slope.

• Put the jack in the position indicated in your car manual.

• Loosen off the wheel nuts before using the jack to raise the car
After you've got the spare tyre installed
• If your spare is a “space saver” (small) wheel, drive slowly and carefully to the tyre repair facility. Space saver tyres are not designed to drive at speed and are intended for short journeys only.
Things to keep in your car
• Hi-viz vest

• LED headlamp or torch

• An old raincoat to wear when lifting the tyre on and off to keep you clean

• A wheelbrace to make it easier to loosen off and replace wheel nuts

Release ends.

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