PanicStation.org
UK USA
uk Transport & mobility emergencies

What to do if…
you discover a tyre has a bulge, deep cut, or exposed cords and are unsure if it is safe to drive

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Treat the tyre as unsafe for normal driving. Slow smoothly, avoid sharp steering or braking, and get to the nearest safer place to stop rather than continuing the journey on that tyre.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t “test it” by driving faster or carrying on to see if it holds.
  • Don’t continue at motorway or dual carriageway speed if you can reach a safer stopping place sooner.
  • Don’t try to plug, patch, foam, glue, tape, or cut away damaged sidewall rubber.
  • Don’t stand near moving traffic to inspect or photograph the tyre.
  • Don’t put a warning triangle out on a motorway.
  • Don’t attempt a wheel change on a motorway hard shoulder, in an emergency area, or anywhere exposed to fast traffic.

What to do now

  1. Create a safer pause immediately. If you are already driving, slow smoothly, keep both hands steady, avoid sharp steering, and head for the nearest safer stopping place.
  2. If you are on a motorway, try to leave at the next exit, services, or another place of relative safety if you can do so safely. If you cannot, move left, use an emergency area or hard shoulder if available, stop as far left as possible with wheels turned left, switch on hazard lights, and get everyone away from traffic if it is safe to leave the vehicle.
  3. If you are unable to get out safely, cannot reach the left lane or a place of relative safety, or feel in immediate danger, stay belted in with hazard lights on and call 999, asking for the police.
  4. Once stopped somewhere safe, do a quick visual check only. A bulge, lump, bubble, deep cut with visible fabric or metal, or exposed cords means the tyre should not be used for normal driving.
  5. Do not drive on to a garage on that tyre unless a tyre professional, breakdown operator, or emergency responder specifically tells you it is safe to move the vehicle a short distance.
  6. If you have a spare wheel and you are in a safe off-road place, fit it only if you can do so without standing near moving traffic. Check the vehicle handbook for any space-saver speed or distance limits before moving off.
  7. If a safe wheel change is not possible, call your breakdown provider, insurer assistance line, fleet or lease provider, or a local recovery service. Say clearly: “The tyre has a bulge, deep cut, or exposed cords, and I do not think it is safe to drive.”
  8. If you are in England and stopped on a motorway, you can use the emergency telephone where provided or contact National Highways for motorway assistance if it is safe to do so. Use 999 instead if there is immediate danger.
  9. After everyone is safe and away from traffic, take photos only if you can do so without stepping into danger: one close-up of the damage, one of the whole tyre, and one of the sidewall markings.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide now whether a pothole, kerb strike, tyre age, or a defect caused it.
  • You do not need to choose a tyre brand or compare prices at the roadside.
  • You do not need to argue about blame, warranty, or insurance before the vehicle and people are safe.
  • You do not need to inspect the whole car now unless a professional asks you to look from a safe position.

Important reassurance

It is normal to feel unsure when the tyre still has air in it. A bulge, deep cut, or visible cord can mean the tyre structure is damaged, so stopping and arranging help is a sensible safety-first choice.

Scope note

These are first steps only. Once you and the vehicle are safe, a tyre professional can confirm the damage, replace the tyre, and advise whether the wheel, tracking, or suspension should also be checked.

Important note

This guide is general information, not legal, mechanical, insurance, emergency-services, or professional advice. Follow emergency services, breakdown operators, police, traffic officers, and qualified tyre professionals if they give situation-specific instructions.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

Support us