Give the sequence, including what you do not know
Tell the team when you first noticed a warning, noise or change in the vehicle, and where you eventually stopped. If you know roughly how far you travelled afterwards, share that information. If you do not know when the pressure was lost, say so. There is no useful reason to turn an uncertain driving history into a confident estimate.
Mention whether somebody added air, used sealant or fitted a spare before you contacted us. Tell the fitter if the tyre appeared completely deflated or if you saw the wheel touching the ground. These observations help describe the incident; they are not a substitute for inspection. Do not continue driving simply to test whether the tyre will hold pressure again.
The visible puncture does not reveal every consequence
Michelin explains that running flat or at low pressure can damage the tyre structure internally. A tyre may therefore be unsuitable for repair even when the original puncture appears small. The professional decision needs more than an outside photograph or the fact that the tyre accepted air afterwards. The history should stay with the tyre throughout the assessment.
If the incident followed a kerb or pothole impact, mention the impact separately from the pressure loss. Explain any new vibration or visible wheel damage. This does not mean that every component needs replacing, but it gives the fitter a clearer starting point. The team can explain whether the requested tyre visit can address the findings or whether another specialist assessment is needed.
Prepare for an assessed decision, including replacement
When requesting help, provide the tyre specification and identify the affected wheel if you can do so safely. Tell the team if the car has different front and rear sizes or a particular construction requirement. That allows a replacement discussion to start with useful information, while product availability and the inspected condition remain part of the final decision.
Choose our emergency puncture repair service for a current flat-tyre problem and include the driving history in your request. If replacement is necessary, agree the appropriate quoted tyre and fitting before approving the work. Explain who can authorise that decision if the car belongs to an employer, lease company or another family member. Clear approval arrangements help prevent avoidable delays during the visit.
Before you book
- Describe the warning and when the vehicle stopped.
- Say whether air or sealant was added afterwards.
- Mention any impact, noise or wheel damage.
- Provide the tyre specification and an approval contact.
Your tyres, taken care of.
Tell us where you’ve safely stopped and what your vehicle needs. We’ll check availability and confirm your quote and arrival estimate.
Your questions, answered.
Can a tyre still need replacement after being reinflated?
Yes. Holding air does not confirm that a tyre driven flat has escaped internal damage. A professional inspection is needed.
What if I do not know how long it was flat?
Tell the fitter what you observed and that the duration is unknown. Do not invent a distance or continue driving to test the tyre.
Useful sources
For further information, explore these sources.