Driving Without a Spare Wheel: What to do in an Emergency

By Kallum Powell 1 August 2025

Caught without a spare wheel in an emergency? Learn what to do if you get a flat tyre, the risks of driving without a spare and the best solutions to stay prepared.

It’s a situation no driver wants to face: you’re miles from home, your tyre is flat and you don’t have a spare wheel. Whether you drive a new car that came without one, or you’ve just not got around to buying a replacement – knowing what to do right now can save you time, money and stress.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what happens when you drive without a spare wheel alongside how to stay safe in a tyre – relation emergency.

Why Don’t Some Cars Come with a Spare Wheel?

You’re not alone. Most new vehicles sold in the UK today no longer come with a spare wheel as standard. Why?

To save space in the boot
To reduce vehicle weight (improving fuel economy)
To cut manufacturing costs

Instead, manufacturers may include:

A tyre repair kit
Run – flat tyre
Or.. nothing at all

What Happens if You Get a Flat and Have No Spare?

Without a spare wheel, your options are limited. Here’s what you can do:

Use a Tyre Repair Kit (if you have one)

Designed for small punctures (usually in the tread)
injects sealant into the tyre and re-inflates it
Not effective for sidewall damage or large punctures

2. Call Roadside Assistance

May take 1 – 2 hours depending on the location
Towing may be required id they tyre cannot be repaired on site
Costly if you don’t have breakdown cover

3. Drive on a Run – Flat Tyre (if fitted)

Allows limited driving after a puncture (usually 50 miles at 50mph)
Only works if your car came fitted with them
Cannot be repaired – must be replaced

Warning: Driving on a flat or damaged tyre without proper support can severely damage your wheel, suspension and brakes – and it’s dangerous.

Best Emergency Solutions Without a Spare

If you find yourself stuck:

Mov to a safe location away from traffic
Turn on your hazard lights
Call roadside assistance or your insurance provider
Do not attempt to drive on a flat tyre

The Best Long Term Fix: Carry a Spare Wheel

Repair kits are useful – but they won’t help with:

A blown out sidewall
A deep puncture
A cracked or dented alloy

A spare wheel is still the most reliable solution, especially for UK roads with potholes, debris or wet conditions.

Can you Add a Spare to a Car That Didn’t Come with One?

Yes – absolutely.

At Spare Wheels For You, we help drivers get the correct spare, even if their car didn’t come with one. All you need is your make and model of your vehicle, and we’ll do the rest. We provide Space Saver Spare Wheels, alongside equipped with the complete kit if required (universal lifting jack and wheel brace).

The truth is, you may never get a flat tyre. However when you do, you’ll wish you had a spare in the boot. Spare wheels are a low cost insurance policy for drivers and can save you in instances such as missed meeting, a cancelled trip and an expensive recovery bill. Breakdowns happen – even to careful drivers. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Equip your car with a spare wheel today and avoid the stress of bring stuck on the roadside.