Can I Drive on a Puncture? Here's What You Need to Know

It's a situation every driver dreads — you notice your tyre is flat, or you feel the car pulling to one side. The question that immediately follows: can I keep driving? The short answer is: it depends, but in most cases, no. Here's everything you need to know.

What Is a Puncture?

A puncture occurs when a sharp object — a nail, screw, or piece of glass — pierces your tyre and causes air to escape. Punctures can be sudden (a blowout) or slow, where the tyre gradually loses pressure over hours or days.

Can You Drive on a Slow Puncture?

A slow puncture can be deceptive. Your tyre may feel fine initially, but driving on an under-inflated tyre causes serious problems. The sidewall flexes more than it should, generating heat and causing structural damage. In the UK, driving on a tyre below the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6mm or in an unsafe condition can result in a £2,500 fine and 3 penalty points per tyre.

Our advice: If you suspect a slow puncture, check your tyre pressure immediately and get to a garage as soon as possible. Don't leave it overnight.

Can You Drive on a Flat Tyre?

No. Driving on a completely flat tyre even for a short distance can destroy the tyre beyond repair, damage your wheel rim, and affect your car's handling and braking — putting you and other road users at serious risk.

If you have a flat, you have three options:

• Use your spare tyre (if you have one) — but check it's inflated and roadworthy first
• Use a tyre inflation kit — many modern cars include one instead of a spare
• Call a breakdown service to get you to a garage safely

What About Run-Flat Tyres?

If your car is fitted with run-flat tyres, you can typically drive up to 50 miles at a reduced speed (usually no more than 50mph) after a puncture. Check your vehicle handbook for the exact limits. However, run-flat tyres that have been driven flat cannot always be repaired — they often need replacing.

Can a Puncture Be Repaired?

In many cases, yes — if the puncture is in the central three-quarters of the tyre tread and the tyre hasn't been driven flat. Repairs to the sidewall or shoulder are not considered safe and the tyre should be replaced.

At Bridge Auto Care in Wolverton, we carry out professional tyre repairs and replacements at competitive prices. We'll always tell you honestly whether your tyre can be safely repaired or needs replacing.

Book a Tyre Check in Milton Keynes

Don't take chances with your tyres. Visit us at 3 Bridgeturn Avenue, Old Wolverton, MK12 5QL, call 01908 785200, or book an appointment online.