Handling a Puncture on the Motorway: What to Do When Your Car Gets a Puncture

When handling a puncture on the motorway, safely pull over to a hard shoulder or emergency area, turn on your hazard lights, and use a warning triangle if necessary. Then, replace the tire with a spare if you have one, or call for roadside assistance if needed.

By Umme Hani on Aug 15, 2024
Puncture on the motorway

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Being in a motorway puncture can be a frightening experience. But you can handle the situation safely and effectively if you have the necessary information and are prepared. Let’s walk you through what to do in this detailed guide if you have a puncture on motorway. 

Symptoms and Signs of a Puncture

Being able to recognize the signs of a puncture on your car is crucial. Before we discuss what to do, pay attention to the following symptoms and indicators:

Loss of Control: A puncture may be the cause. If you feel your car suddenly pulling to one side or if steering becomes difficult. 

Strange Noises: Keep an ear out for odd sounds like thumping or flapping. As these could indicate a flat tire! 

Warning lights: A lot of contemporary cars come with tire pressure monitoring systems. They let you know if your tires suddenly lose pressure. 

Visual Inspection: Whenever you stop for a fuel stop or a break, quickly check your tires. Keep an eye out for any overt indications of damage like cuts bulges or objects stuck in the tread. 

How to Handle a Puncture

While traveling on the motorway take these actions if you think you may have a puncture:

Remain Cool: Keep your hands firmly on the steering wheel. Don’t move in an erratic or abrupt manner. 
Signal And Move To Safety: Stop and proceed cautiously to the closest safe spot like an emergency refuge area or the hard shoulder. 

Park Safely: Parking safely means making sure your car is securely parked away from oncoming traffic once you’ve come to a stop. To make other drivers aware of your presence turn on your hazard lights. 

Examine the Damage: Give your tire some time to see how much of the damage has been done. You might be able to use a tire repair kit to temporarily fix a minor puncture. 

Contact Assistance: For assistance get in touch with emergency services or your breakdown provider if you’re not comfortable attempting to fix the puncture yourself. Make sure you let them know where you are and any pertinent information. 

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