Real life punctures

If you have a flat tyre you will notice that the car is nor responding to steering and braking correctly. Stop as soon as possible.

If necessary, drive the car slowly to a safe location to change the wheel. Doing this might incur the cost of a ruined tyre. Not doing this could incur the cost of serious injury or worse!

Make sure that your jack is on a firm surface. If you are on grass or a soft surface you will need a large object such as a good firm plank or large flat rock to spread the load. Bits of stone, wood or metal are not enough to support the weight of the car.

Falling cars can break arms or legs and crush people to death – and cost lots of money to repair! If you are unsure, call out a breakdown truck.

Important pointers:

• Call emergency services if on a motorway or similar fast road. Do not try to change the wheel on a motorway without police or Highways Agency patrol protection.

• Use hazard lights while changing the wheel

• Wear a hi-viz vest

• Place a warning triangle about 45 metres behind the car or where it can be seen clearly (note: do not use warning triangles on motorways)

• At night get help from another driver. He/she can park their car behind yours offering extra protection and light from the headlights

• Make sure you put everything back in the car when you finish!

• If your car has a 'skinny' space saver spare wheel keep your speed below 50mph. These wheels are only designed for temporary use and should be changed at the first possible opportunity.

• Get your puncture repaired as soon as possible and, if you are in any doubt, have someone check that your wheel is fitted properly.

Next: Daily and weekly car care.