Flat Tyre in London: What to Do at Home, Work or the Roadside
Step-by-step: safety first, then decide between spare, sealant or a mobile tyre technician — tailored to busy London roads.
A flat tyre in London is never convenient, but the correct order of operations is always: protect people first, then the wheel. On residential streets, pull as close to the kerb as possible. On faster roads, use the nearest safe lay-by or exit. On red routes, follow TfL rules for stopping — never block bus lanes illegally.
Do not drive flat
Unless you have confirmed run-flat tyres and understand their speed and distance limits, driving deflated destroys the sidewall and may wreck the rim. If you have no spare and no usable sealant kit, call for emergency mobile tyre help rather than limping across town.
If you have a spare
Fit it only if you can do so safely away from live traffic. Torque wheel nuts to specification and visit a fitter soon — space-savers have speed limits.
If you have no spare
A mobile technician brings a replacement tyre sized to your vehicle — see emergency tyre fitting. Have your locking wheel nut key ready if applicable.
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