Safety first, then technology
- Do not brake abruptly; steer the car to a safe place (breakdown lane/parking) in a controlled way.
- Put on your fluorescent vest, leave along the passenger side.
- Position the warning triangle: 100 m on motorways and 30 m on other roads (in built-up areas also 30 m; if impossible may be closer, but visible from ±50 m).
On the motorway, call 112; the emergency centre will activate FAST/SIABIS+. So do not call a commercial towing service directly for your position on the motorway.
Can you continue to drive or repair yourself?
Scenarios:
- Repair kit (sealant + compressor): temporary, especially for small perforations in the tread. After use, have it checked/repaired/replaced quickly.
- Home bringer (space-saver): only temporary and usually max 80 km/h (check sticker/wheel).
- Full spare: swapping can be done, but pay attention to direction of rotation and torque; have professional check-up as soon as possible.
- Runflat: you can continue limited within speed/distance; control is still necessary.
Test-Aankoop explicitly recommends safety vest and warning triangle (30 m/100 m). Only then assess whether a temporary solution can be safely done, or whether hoisting is wiser.
Repairable or replaced?
- Often repairable: small holes (<6 mm) in the tread, at sufficient distance from the shoulder, provided disassembly and inspection along the inside.
- Not repairable: cuts, cracks or hump in sidewall; large punctures; structural damage; severe empty running on the sidewall; many runflat incidents out of specification.
- TPMS valves: fragile; replace rubbers/rings as needed.
- After repair kit: sealant can contaminate sensors; additional monitoring required.
Causes and prevention
- Low tyre pressure (puncture, valve, temperature): increases rolling resistance and wear, increases blowout risk.
- Stroke in rim or misaligned suspension: causes irregular wear and microleaks.
- Screw/nail: often slow to leak; TPMS warns early.
- Age: rubber hardens; check DOT and dryness cracks.
When to the workshop?
Always as soon as you can safely. Disassembly inspection is the only sure way to assess internal damage. On the highway: follow 112/FAST procedure; on ordinary roads: put yourself safe and call help if you are not sure.
For a quick diagnosis, repair or replacement, you are welcome at Banden Claerhout in Avelgem or Olsene (Zulte). We repair to standard (from the inside with plug-patch where suitable), check rim/TPMS and give clear advice on replacement when necessary.
