Is it okay to leave a flat tyre overnight?

By Julia Freeman

A flat tyre is a major inconvenience, especially because you can almost guarantee that it is bound to happen when you have somewhere to be or when time is against you.

Flat tyre

You know the feeling; you’re driving along when suddenly you see a hazard on the surface of the road that is likely to leave you with a costly (not to mention infuriating) puncture. If you manage to reach your destination, it may be tempting to allow the air to drain away and to deal with the flat tyre the next day, but this would not be a good idea as the weight of the vehicle on a flat will cause further damage to the tyre's sidewalls.

Getting a puncture

Flat tyres can be very dangerous and can seriously compromise your vehicle's handling. Once the puncture has happened, you should never drive for any longer than is necessary. The safest course of action is to only go as far as it takes for you to find a safe place to pull over and assess the damage to the tyre. Your next step should be to seek assistance to repair the tyre as soon as possible.

Find my Protyre

Repair kits

Repair kits for tyres are readily available to purchase and keep in your vehicle, although you should always remember that these kits only offer a temporary measure and should never replace a full repair at a garage. One such kit is tyre foam. The foam acts as a sealant that allows you to drive on a puncture for up to 100 miles at limited speeds until you can seek proper help. Of course, this type of kit will only work on a puncture and cannot help you if your tyre is completely flat.
 
If you have a new vehicle, the chances are the manufacturer has replaced your spare tyre with a tyre inflation kit. Like the foam, these kits are useful to help you get the tyre in a safe enough condition to drive somewhere where it can be completely repaired. If you do choose to use a tyre repair kit, then make sure you always follow the instructions and ensure the safety of yourself and any passengers before you begin.
 
Once the tyre is re-inflated, take care not to exceed the recommended speed limits for a temporary repair. Remember, if when you inspect the tyre you see that it is completely flat a repair kit cannot help and you should call for roadside assistance to take you to the nearest garage.

Book with Protyre

The reality is that many flat tyres will have serious damage which cannot be repaired safely. At Protyre, we offer a complete range of tyres to suit all vehicles and budgets. Our tyre professionals are here to help you select car tyres to help you get back on the road in no time. With manufacturers ranging from Pirelli and Bridgestone, to Sumitomo and Falken, we offer tyres to suit every vehicle and budget and we are here any time you find yourself with a puncture or a flat tyre.
 
From premium range, to those that are mid-range and budget, we can help you buy car tyres, all at highly competitive prices.

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About the author

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By Julia Freeman
Julia is Head of Brand Marketing for Micheldever Group and loves engaging with customers and the business as a whole to deliver their automotive needs.
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