Flat tyre on the road: act safely in 5 steps

A flat tyre or a blowout on the road can happen to the best driver. The key is to act calmly and safely, especially on busy roads. Follow these steps.

Step 1: Stay calm and slow down

Hold the wheel firmly, avoid sudden steering movements and let the car slow down gradually. Don't brake hard.

Step 2: Find a safe spot

Steer calmly to the hard shoulder or a safe place off the carriageway. Switch on the hazard lights as soon as it's safe.

Step 3: Secure the situation

Put on a hi-vis vest, place the warning triangle at a sufficient distance and keep passengers away from traffic — on the motorway, behind the crash barrier.

Step 4: Assess the tyre

Check whether it's a slow puncture or a blowout. Never drive on with a blowout; this damages the rim and is dangerous.

Step 5: Change or call for help

Have a spare wheel and parked safely? You can change it. Unsure, parked dangerously or no spare? Then call tyre help.

• On the motorway: stay behind the barrier and wait for help
• No spare wheel: get taken to a tyre specialist
• Damaged rim: transport is the safest option

24/7 roadside tyre help

Autoservice24 comes to you quickly to change your tyre or to bring you and your car safely to a tyre specialist, so you spend as little time as possible on the roadside.