A tyre that is flat in the morning has usually been losing air overnight, which points to a slow puncture, a faulty valve or a damaged bead seal rather than a sudden blowout. It is also possible that vandalism or an object picked up the previous day is to blame.
What to do first
- Do not drive the car, even a short distance. A flat tyre can be ruined within a few metres of movement.
- Check which tyre is affected and look at the tread and sidewall for a nail, screw or cut.
- Note the size printed on the sidewall, for example 205/55 R16. Our tyre size guide explains each part.
- If you have a locking wheel nut, find the key. See lost locking wheel nut key.
- Decide whether to call a mobile fitter, fit the spare yourself or use a compressor for a short-term fix.
Why calling a mobile fitter often makes sense
Changing a wheel on a sloping drive, in the rain or in the dark is awkward and not always safe. Many modern cars have no spare at all, just a repair kit or run-flat tyres. A mobile technician brings the equipment to your door, removes the wheel, checks the tyre properly and either repairs or replaces it.
The process looks like this:
- The technician checks the tyre, wheel and valve.
- If the puncture is in a repairable area, the tyre is removed from the rim and repaired from the inside; see puncture repair.
- If the damage is in the sidewall or the tyre has been run flat, a new tyre is fitted and balanced.
- The wheel is refitted and torqued.
You can read more on how this works in our mobile tyre fitting guide.
Parking and access tips
- Leave space around the flat wheel so the technician can work.
- If the car is blocked in, mention it when you call.
- Keep a torch handy for evenings.
- Have your registration number and tyre size ready if you can.
- Let the technician know whether the car has locking nuts or run-flat tyres.
Our mobile tyre fitting and emergency tyre fitting pages explain what the service includes.
Using a repair kit or spare
A temporary sealant kit can inflate a tyre for a short drive, but it is not a permanent repair and the sealant can make a proper repair harder. A space-saver spare has strict limits on speed and distance. Both are stopgaps, not solutions. See can you drive on a flat tyre. Our after a puncture guide sets out the full steps.
Parked up on a street
If your car is parked on the road rather than a drive, take extra care. Use hazard lights, keep clear of traffic and make sure the car is stable before any work. A technician will work out the safest way to carry out the job.
We provide home visits in London, Bristol, Leeds and many other places; check the areas page. Call now for a quote on 0800 772 0355 or book now.
What not to do with a flat tyre at home
A few well-meant habits make things worse. Do not roll the car forwards or backwards to "see if it pumps up", as the tyre bead can be pushed off the rim and the sidewall pinched. Do not jack the car on soft ground, gravel or a steep slope, and never work underneath a car that is only supported by a jack. If you do plan to use your own spare, make sure the handbrake is on, the car is in gear or park, and the wheel nuts are loosened slightly before lifting.
Do not ignore a flat that "pumped back up". If a tyre holds air after inflation for a day, there is still a leak somewhere, and the cause will return. The slow-leak guidance in our slow puncture signs page explains how to track it down.
Questions to ask yourself before the visit
It helps to have a few details ready: the make and model, the registration, the tyre size, whether the car has run-flats or a spare, and whether it has locking nuts. If you have several worn tyres, mention that too, because replacing a pair at once is often more sensible than a single tyre, and the fitter can talk through the options with you.
If the tyre is old, cracked or very worn, a repair may not be the best use of money even where it is technically possible. A technician can tell you honestly what the tyre needs once it is off the wheel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to a garage on a flat tyre?
No. Driving on a flat can destroy the tyre and damage the wheel. A mobile fitter avoids the need.
Why did my tyre go flat overnight?
A slow puncture, a leaking valve or a poor rim seal are the usual causes.
Do I need to be home during the visit?
Usually someone should be available for access and payment arrangements. Mention this when you call.
Can you repair the tyre on my drive?
If the damage is repairable, yes. Otherwise we can fit a new tyre.
Related Help
Need help with your tyres now?
Call now for a quote, or book now online. Phone 0800 772 0355.