What to Do If You Get a Flat Tyre: A Practical Guide for Australian Drivers

What to Do If You Get a Flat Tyre: A Practical Guide for Australian Drivers

A flat tyre can happen when you least expect it, on the way to work, during a weekend drive, or even while parked overnight. Knowing what to do when it happens can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what causes a flat tyre, whether it’s safe to keep driving, how to change a tyre safely, and when a repair or replacement is required.

 

What Causes a Flat Tyre?

A flat tyre occurs when air escapes from the tyre faster than it should. This can happen suddenly or gradually, depending on the cause. Common reasons include:

  • Driving over sharp objects such as nails, screws, or glass
  • Slow leaks caused by small punctures that go unnoticed
  • Damaged or worn tyres that can no longer hold pressure
  • Faulty valve stems or missing valve caps
  • Incorrect tyre fitting or sealing issues from poor workmanship

If you notice your steering pulling to one side, increased vibration, or a warning light on your dashboard, it’s important to slow down and assess the situation safely.

 

At HTR, we always recommend pulling over as soon as it’s safe and avoiding further driving until the issue is properly checked.

 

Should You Drive on a Flat Tyre?

Short answer: no.

Driving on a flat tyre, even for a short distance can cause serious damage. When a tyre loses air, it no longer cushions the wheel. This means the metal rim is forced to take the full weight of the vehicle, which often results in:

  • Bent or cracked wheels
  • Internal tyre damage that makes repairs impossible
  • Increased risk of losing control of the vehicle

What could have been a simple tyre repair can quickly turn into an expensive wheel replacement. If a tyre goes flat while driving, pull over immediately in a safe location and use a spare tyre, a puncture repair kit, or roadside assistance.

 

Flat Tyre vs Puncture: What’s the Difference?

Many drivers ask whether their tyre is simply flat or actually punctured. The difference usually comes down to how quickly the air is lost:

  • Slow air loss over weeks or days is often due to natural pressure loss, valve issues, or ageing tyres
  • Rapid deflation usually indicates a puncture or sidewall damage

If the tyre deflates but you can’t see a nail or obvious hole, check the valve stem and ensure the valve cap is fitted. Older tyres with worn rubber may also lose pressure faster and need replacing.

How to Change a Flat Tyre Safely

If you’re comfortable changing a tyre yourself, follow these steps carefully. Always refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for specific instructions.

Before You Start

  • Pull over on a flat, stable surface away from traffic
  • Turn on hazard lights
  • Apply the handbrake and put the vehicle in park or gear
  • Use a reflective triangle and high-visibility vest if available

Step-by-Step Tyre Change

  1. Check your owner’s manual for jack points and spare tyre location
  2. Remove the hubcap if fitted
  3. Loosen the wheel nuts slightly (do not remove yet)
  4. Position the jack at the correct lifting point
  5. Raise the vehicle until the tyre is about 10–15 cm off the ground
  6. Fully remove the wheel nuts
  7. Remove the flat tyre and place it flat on the ground
  8. Mount the spare tyre onto the wheel studs
  9. Hand-tighten the wheel nuts
  10. Lower the vehicle until the tyre touches the ground
  11. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in a star pattern
  12. Lower the jack completely and remove it
  13. Refit the hubcap if applicable
  14. Store the flat tyre and tools securely
  15. Check the spare tyre pressure
  16. Drive carefully to the nearest tyre specialist

⚠️ Temporary spare tyres are not designed for long-term use and should only be driven short distances at reduced speeds.

 

Repair or Replace? Flat Tyre Repair vs New Tyres

Not all flat tyres need replacing, but not all can be repaired either.

A tyre may be repairable if:

  • The puncture is smaller than 5mm
  • The damage is located in the central tread area
  • The tyre structure is still intact

A tyre must be replaced if:

  • The puncture is in the sidewall or shoulder
  • The hole is too large
  • The tyre has been driven on while flat
  • The tyre is old, cracked, or excessively worn

A professional tyre inspection is the only way to be sure. Continuing to drive on a compromised tyre is unsafe and can lead to further damage.

 

Final Thoughts

Flat tyres are inconvenient, but with the right knowledge and preparation, they don’t have to ruin your day. The key things to remember are:

  • Stop driving as soon as it’s safe
  • Avoid driving on a flat tyre
  • Use a spare or repair kit only as a temporary solution
  • Have the tyre inspected by a professional as soon as possible

If you ever feel unsure or don’t have a spare, getting expert help is always the safest option. A quick assessment can mean the difference between a simple repair and an unnecessary replacement.

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