Puncture: spare wheel and safety steps

A puncture on the road means stopping and replacing the wheel (or using a puncture repair kit if the vehicle has no spare). Here are the safety steps and how to proceed.

Where to stop

Signal the hazard (hazard lights), slow down without braking hard, leave the lane as soon as possible and stop in a safe place (hard shoulder, car park, clear area). On motorways, get out on the side away from traffic, put on the vest and place the warning triangle. Never stay in the lane or behind the vehicle.

Removing the wheel

Handbrake on, chocks in front of and behind a wheel (if available). Loosen the wheel nuts (cross wrench or torque wrench) in a cross pattern, a quarter turn each, then remove them after raising the vehicle with the jack at the manufacturer’s jacking point. Remove the wheel. Never go under a vehicle supported only by the jack.

Fitting the spare wheel

Fit the spare wheel (or the removed wheel if repaired), hand-tighten the nuts in a cross pattern, lower the jack so the wheel is on the ground, tighten the nuts to the specified torque (service book). “Space-saver” spare: speed limit (often 80 km/h max), replace with a normal tyre as soon as possible.

Puncture repair kit

Some vehicles have no spare but a kit (sealant + compressor). The sealant is injected into the tyre and lets you drive a short distance; the tyre often needs replacing afterwards. Read the kit instructions before use.

After a puncture

Have the tyre checked or repaired by a professional. A spare wheel should be inflated to the correct pressure. My Auto Check-up helps you keep a record of repairs and equipment for your vehicle.