A tyre blowout at motorway speed is one of the most frightening driving experiences. The sudden loss of pressure causes the vehicle to pull sharply to one side, the steering becomes heavy, and the noise is alarming. Knowing how to react in the first few seconds can be the difference between a safe stop and a serious accident. This guide explains exactly what to do — and what not to do — if you experience a tyre blowout on a UK motorway.
The instinctive reaction to a blowout is to brake hard and steer away from the direction of the pull. This is the wrong response. Hard braking during a blowout can cause the vehicle to spin. Instead: grip the steering wheel firmly with both hands; do not brake hard — ease off the accelerator gradually; steer gently to counteract the pull and keep the vehicle in a straight line; allow the vehicle to slow naturally; and only apply gentle braking once the vehicle is under control and slowing.
Once you have the vehicle under control and it is slowing, signal left and move gradually to the left-hand lane, then onto the hard shoulder or an emergency refuge area (ERA) on a smart motorway. Do not make sudden lane changes — signal clearly and move smoothly. If you are on a smart motorway and cannot reach an ERA, pull as far left as possible onto the verge.
Once stopped on the hard shoulder or ERA: switch on your hazard lights; exit the vehicle from the left-hand (passenger) side; stand behind the barrier or on the embankment, well away from the carriageway; do not stand between your vehicle and the traffic; call for recovery on 0330 520 1620; and if you are on a smart motorway ERA, use the SOS telephone to alert Highways England.
Technically, you can change a tyre on the motorway hard shoulder — but it is extremely dangerous and not recommended. The hard shoulder is a live working environment, and vehicles have been struck by passing traffic while changing tyres. If you have a spare tyre and the tools to change it, and you are confident in the process, you may choose to do so — but only if you are well clear of the carriageway and it is safe to do so. In most cases, calling for recovery is the safer option.
The most common causes of tyre blowouts are: under-inflation (the most common cause — a tyre running at low pressure generates excessive heat, which weakens the sidewall); overloading (exceeding the vehicle's maximum load rating puts excessive stress on the tyres); impact damage (hitting a pothole or kerb at speed can cause immediate or delayed blowout); and tyre age (rubber degrades over time — tyres more than 5–6 years old should be inspected regularly and replaced if there are signs of cracking or deterioration).
Check your tyre pressures at least once a month and before long journeys. Use the pressures specified in your vehicle's handbook or door jamb sticker — not the maximum pressure printed on the tyre sidewall. Check tyre condition regularly for cuts, bulges, and cracks. Replace tyres when the tread depth reaches 2mm (the legal minimum is 1.6mm, but grip deteriorates significantly below 2mm). If your vehicle has a TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system), do not ignore the warning light.
Tyre blowout or flat tyre on the motorway? Black Eagle Recovery provides 24/7 tyre change and recovery services across London and the South East. Call 0330 520 1620.
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