Key Takeaways
- Changing a tyre on the motorway isn’t illegal, but safety always comes first. If there’s no hard shoulder or traffic is heavy, it’s best to stay clear and call for help.
- If you get a flat on the motorway, pull over gradually, switch on hazards, wear a high-vis vest, and never stand near traffic. Your visibility and caution are crucial.
- Only attempt to change the tyre if you’re safely off the road, have the right tools, and feel confident. If in doubt, don’t risk it, safety is non-negotiable.
- Conditions like darkness, poor weather, or smart motorways with no hard shoulder mean it’s safer to wait for roadside assistance. Professional help can prevent greater danger.
- To avoid getting caught out, regularly check your tyre pressure, carry essentials like a portable pump or repair kit, and stay prepared before long drives.
- The Ordiniq Tyre Repair Kit gives you fast, reliable help for punctures without needing recovery. It’s compact, easy to use, and is a life saver for every driver.
Is It Legal to Change a Tyre on the Motorway?
Changing a tyre on the motorway is extremely dangerous and should only be considered in very rare, safe conditions. Fast-moving traffic, limited space, and the absence of a hard shoulder make it a high-risk situation.
If you've pulled over well away from traffic, with full visibility and stable conditions, you might be able to attempt a repair. But if you're in a live lane, close to traffic, or unsure of your surroundings, the safest option is to stay in a secure place and call roadside assistance.
Ordiniq Tyre Repair Kit: Never Be Stranded Again Join 10,000+ Drivers Who Beat Expensive Roadside Callouts Why Ordiniq’s Tyre Repair Kit Is Essential
What Customers Say ★★★★★ "I was impressed by how quickly I could patch my tyre. The tools feel sturdy. Highly recommend for anyone who drives often." - Brian F. ★★★★★ "I keep this kit in my trunk, and it’s come in handy twice now. Both times, I was able to fix the flat without calling for roadside assistance. Totally worth it!" - Dominic L. Try It Risk-Free for 30 Days Be prepared for your next puncture emergency with zero worries. If it doesn't save you from a roadside disaster within 30 days, we'll refund your purchase—no questions asked. FREE BONUSES: 1-Year Extended Warranty + FREE Shipping Get Ordiniq's Tyre Repair Kit Today! *Ordiniq also offers AutoPump and a Handheld Wired Car Vacuum Cleaner—great extras to keep in your boot for added peace of mind. |
What To Do If You Get a Flat Tyre on the Motorway
A flat tyre on the motorway can be alarming, but staying calm and acting quickly makes all the difference. Here is what to do if you get a flat tyre on the motorway:
1. Pull Over Safely
As soon as you realise there’s an issue, try to pull over to a safe spot, ideally the hard shoulder or an emergency refuge area. Don’t brake suddenly or swerve; ease your vehicle to the side gradually with your hazard lights on.
2. Make Yourself Visible
Once you’ve stopped, switch on your hazard lights immediately to alert other drivers. If you have a high-vis vest, put it on before leaving the car. Staying visible on a fast-moving road is essential.
3. Exit With Caution
Always exit the car from the passenger side, away from the flow of traffic. Avoid standing near the live lane, move behind the barrier or up the embankment if it’s safe to do so.
4. Stay Clear of Danger
High-vis vests and warning triangles help make you visible to other drivers.
If you have a warning triangle, you can place it behind your car to give approaching drivers extra warning, but only do this if it’s safe and legal to step out far enough.
5. Don’t Take Risks
If your car is stuck in a live lane, or if traffic is heavy and fast, do not attempt to change the tyre yourself. In any situation where you feel unsafe or unsure, it’s better to wait for professional help. Your safety isn’t worth the risk.
Should You Change the Tyre Yourself?
Whether or not you should change a tyre on the motorway really depends on the situation. If you're safely pulled over, well away from traffic, and confident in your ability to do the job properly, then it's something you might consider.
But even then, it's only worth attempting if you have the right tools in your car, like a jack, a wrench, gloves, and a usable spare tyre or space-saver. Without these, you're better off calling for help.
For many drivers, especially in motorway conditions, using a tyre repair kit can be a quicker and more practical option. These kits are designed for simple punctures and take just minutes to use, often without the need to remove the tyre at all.
Changing a tyre might seem easy, but on the motorway it can be deadly.
When to Use Roadside Assistance Instead
Even if you know how to change a tyre, there are situations where it’s simply not worth the risk. Your safety should always come first.
If you break down on a smart motorway with no hard shoulder, it’s usually too dangerous to attempt any sort of repair yourself. The lack of a safe space leaves you too exposed to fast-moving traffic.
Bad weather conditions, like heavy rain, thick fog, or darkness, can also make it difficult to see or be seen. If visibility is poor or the ground is slippery, don’t take the chance.
Likewise, if the tyre is badly damaged, shredded, or the rim is affected, a simple repair may not be possible. In these cases, forcing a DIY fix could cause more harm than good.
Most importantly, if you feel unsure, unsteady, or unsafe in any way, it’s always best to call for professional help. Roadside assistance teams are trained to deal with breakdowns on motorways quickly and safely.
Even if it causes a delay, getting expert support can save you from far more serious consequences.
How to Prevent Tyre Emergencies on the Motorway
The best way to avoid getting stranded with a flat tyre is to stay prepared. While not every breakdown can be avoided, taking a few simple steps can reduce your risk. Start by checking your tyre pressure regularly, especially before long journeys. Underinflated tyres are more likely to fail and can wear out faster.
It’s also a good idea to keep a portable tyre inflator in your boot. Having your own means you won’t have to rely on petrol station pumps, which are often broken or unavailable. Tyre pressure monitoring caps are another smart option. These can alert you early to slow leaks or pressure drops before they become a real problem.
And finally, carrying a puncture repair kit gives you a quick way to deal with small tyre issues on the spot, without needing to wait for recovery. With just a few essentials, you can keep your car road-ready and avoid unexpected delays on the motorway.
Be Ready with the Ordiniq Tyre Repair Kit
If there's one thing every driver should keep in the car, it's a reliable tyre repair kit. The Ordiniq Tyre Repair Kit is designed to give you complete peace of mind on the road, no more worrying about punctures ruining your journey.
If you’ve run over a nail, a sharp stone, or debris on the motorway, this kit has everything you need to fix the problem on the spot. It includes high-quality plugs, tools, and sealant, so you're equipped to handle punctures quickly, safely, and without the cost or delay of roadside services.
Temporary repairs using our kit can help you reach a garage safely, but always follow up with a full inspection.
Compact and easy to store, it fits neatly in your boot and is simple enough for anyone to use, no special skills needed. In fact, it’s helped thousands of UK drivers avoid long waits and expensive callouts. As one customer put it:
“This tyre repair kit saved me from a flat in the middle of nowhere. Easy to use, compact, and had everything I needed to fix the puncture in minutes” – Liam W
Each kit can repair up to five punctures, making it a smart investment that lasts. And right now, it’s available for just £29.99, a 40% saving, with fast shipping, a 1-year extended warranty, and a 30-day money back guarantee.
Stock is limited, and they’re moving fast. If you want to stay in control during a tyre emergency, the Ordiniq Tyre Repair Kit is an essential in your car.
Buy now and never be left stranded again. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it safe to use a tyre repair kit instead of changing the tyre?
Yes. For small punctures, a tyre repair kit is often safer and faster, especially on the motorway. It lets you avoid removing the wheel and can get you back on the road without waiting for help.
What if I get a flat tyre on a smart motorway with no hard shoulder?
You should not attempt any repairs yourself. Exit the vehicle if it’s safe, wait behind the barrier, and call emergency services or roadside assistance right away.
Can I drive on a flat tyre to the next exit?
It’s not recommended. Driving on a flat can damage your wheel and suspension. If you must move, only do so at low speed and for a very short distance, ideally just to reach a safer spot off the main carriageway.
What if I don’t have a spare tyre or jack?
That’s where a modern puncture repair kit comes in handy. It can temporarily seal small punctures without needing to remove the wheel, giving you a safer and quicker way to continue your journey.
How many times can I use the Ordiniq Tyre Repair Kit?
The Ordiniq Tyre Repair Kit includes five high-quality plugs, so you can repair up to five separate punctures. It’s a long-lasting and cost-effective option for any driver.