What to Do If You Get a Flat Tyre on the Motorway

Stay Calm — Here's Exactly What to Do

A flat tyre on the motorway is frightening but manageable. Follow these steps in order and you'll be safe.

Immediate answer: Do NOT brake hard. Grip the steering wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, signal left, and coast to the hard shoulder or emergency refuge area. Then call 0141 266 0690 for emergency tyre fitting.

Step-by-Step: Flat Tyre on a Scottish Motorway

Step 1: Get Off the Carriageway Safely

• DO NOT slam the brakes — this can cause a skid, especially with a rear blowout
• Grip the steering wheel with both hands to counteract any pulling
• Ease off the accelerator gradually
• Signal left and move to the hard shoulder or nearest emergency refuge area
• Stop as far left as possible, ideally on a straight section where other drivers can see you

Step 2: Make Yourself Visible

• Turn on hazard lights immediately
• If it's dark, keep sidelights on
• If you have a warning triangle, place it 45 metres behind your vehicle (but only if it's safe to walk along the hard shoulder)

Step 3: Exit the Vehicle Safely

• Exit from the passenger (left) side — never step out into live traffic
• All passengers should exit from the left side
• Move behind the motorway barrier if one exists
• Walk up the embankment away from the carriageway
• Take pets with you but leave luggage

Step 4: Call for Emergency Tyre Fitting

Call Tyre Rescue on 0141 266 0690. We need:

1. Your exact location (motorway name + direction + nearest junction or marker post)
2. Your vehicle make, model, and registration
3. Which tyre is flat (front/rear, left/right)
4. Your contact number

We dispatch a fitter immediately — average arrival time is 45 minutes on Glasgow motorways.

Step 5: Wait Safely

• Stand well back from the hard shoulder behind the barrier
• Do NOT sit in your vehicle — in a collision, vehicles on the hard shoulder are hit from behind
• Keep your phone charged and available
• If conditions worsen (rain, dark), stay visible with reflective clothing if you have it

Which Motorways Do We Cover?

Motorway	Route	Coverage
M8	Glasgow–Edinburgh	Full coverage
M74	Glasgow–Carlisle	Full coverage to Abington
M77	Glasgow–Kilmarnock	Full coverage
M80	Glasgow–Stirling	Full coverage
M73	Maryville–Mollinsburn	Full coverage
M9	Edinburgh–Stirling	Full coverage
A720	Edinburgh City Bypass	Full coverage

Should You Change the Tyre Yourself?

On a motorway: No. The hard shoulder is one of the most dangerous places on the road network. Highways England data shows that 1 in 12 motorway deaths involve someone stopped on the hard shoulder.

Unless you are completely confident and conditions are safe (dry, daylight, wide hard shoulder, no Smart Motorway section), wait for a professional.

On a quiet residential street? A tyre change is straightforward if you have a jack and spare. But if you're unsure, calling a mobile fitter is the safer choice.

How to Prevent Motorway Tyre Failures

1. Check tyre pressure monthly — underinflation is the leading cause of blowouts
2. Inspect tread depth — legal minimum is 1.6mm but replace at 3mm for safety
3. Look for damage — bulges, cracks, or embedded objects mean the tyre needs attention
4. Don't overload — check your vehicle's weight limits, especially before long trips
5. Replace old tyres — even with good tread, tyres over 5 years old lose structural integrity

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does motorway emergency tyre fitting cost?

£49 callout plus the tyre cost (£40–£150 depending on size and brand). No extra charge for motorway callouts.

Can you come to a Smart Motorway section?

Yes, but you must be in an emergency refuge area. If you're stuck in a live lane, call 999 first, then call us once you're safe.

How long will I wait on the hard shoulder?

Our average response on Glasgow motorways is 45 minutes. We'll give you an accurate ETA when you call.