Índice
What tools do you need?
Before you do anything else, take a moment to ensure your safety and that of other road users. Pull over somewhere safe — away from traffic, on level, stable ground if possible. Switch on your hazard lights, apply the handbrake, and if you have wheel chocks, place them on the tyres opposite the one you're changing. Safety always comes first.
Now, make sure you have the following tools to hand:
- Spare tyre: It's not enough to simply have one — it needs to be in good condition. Check it for cuts, deformations or excessive wear, and verify that the pressure matches the manufacturer's recommendation (consult your vehicle's manual or the label inside the driver's door frame).
- Jack: The jack that comes with your car has been designed specifically for your model and is the safest option. Always position it at the correct support point, as indicated in the vehicle manual. An incorrectly placed jack can damage the bodywork — or worse, cause the car to fall while you're working underneath it.
- Wheel wrench: Essential for loosening and tightening the wheel nuts. Make sure it's the right size for your car. Using the wrong wrench can strip the nuts or make them impossible to loosen.
- Gloves (optional, but recommended): Changing a tyre is a dirty job. Gloves will protect your hands from grease, grime and potential cuts — and they'll give you a better grip too.
- Emergency triangles (optional): Warning triangles, while still useful for alerting other drivers, are now optional under current regulations. Since July 2023, Spain's DGT recommends staying inside your vehicle in the event of a breakdown or flat tyre — unless it is absolutely necessary to get out — in order to reduce the risk of being struck by passing traffic. The V-16 beacon, which can be activated and placed on the roof of your car without you having to step outside, has been mandatory since January 2026. These measures are designed to prioritise driver safety on the road.
- High-visibility vest: If you do have to get out of the vehicle — whether to place warning triangles or for any other reason — always put on your reflective vest so that other drivers can spot you from a distance and the risk of an accident is minimised.
- Torch (optional, but essential at night): If the puncture happens after dark, a torch will help you see what you're doing and make your position visible to others.
- Tyre pressure gauge (optional): Once the repair is done, a pressure gauge lets you check that the tyre is inflated to the correct level.
Go through your kit and make sure everything is present and in good working order. Being prepared makes the repair easier and keeps you safe throughout the process.
Identifying the problem: how to tell if you have a flat tyre
Sometimes a flat tyre isn't immediately obvious. You might sense that something feels off while driving, without being sure exactly what it is. Keep an eye — and ear — out for these tell-tale signs:
- Unusual noise: A flat tyre often announces itself with a rhythmic sound — a repetitive "flop-flop-flop" — particularly at low speeds. You might also hear a dull thud or a dragging noise. If anything sounds out of the ordinary, don't ignore it. Pull over somewhere safe and inspect your tyres.
- Steering wheel vibration: A punctured tyre can cause noticeable vibration through the steering wheel, which tends to worsen as the tyre loses pressure. Don't keep driving with strong vibrations — it can damage the rim and make the vehicle harder to control.
- Pulling to one side: If the car drifts to one side — especially when you briefly take your hands off the wheel — it could be a sign of a flat on that side of the vehicle. This pulling may be subtle at first, but it will become more pronounced as the tyre continues to lose pressure.
- Tyre pressure warning light: Many modern vehicles are equipped with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). If the pressure in one or more tyres drops below the recommended level, a warning light — usually shaped like a horseshoe with an exclamation mark — will illuminate on the dashboard. Bear in mind that TPMS is a prevention tool, not a fix in itself.
Steps to fix a flat tyre
With all of the above in mind, here's exactly what to do:
1 - Locate the puncture
Once you've identified the affected tyre, try to find the source of the problem. It could be a nail, a screw, a piece of glass or another sharp object. If it's not immediately visible, apply soapy water to the tyre and look for bubbles — they'll point you straight to where the air is escaping.
2 - Prepare the puncture area for repair
If you've found a sharp object lodged in the tyre, don't remove it just yet. Pulling it out too soon will cause the tyre to deflate rapidly. First, get your repair kit or plugs ready. Then carefully extract the object — using pliers if needed — and clean the area around the puncture with a cloth or brush to remove any dirt or debris.
3 - The repair: sealing the puncture
At this stage, you have two options:
- Tyre repair kit / emergency tyre sealant: Insert the kit's nozzle into the tyre valve and empty the contents. Then inflate the tyre to the recommended pressure. Keep in mind that this is a temporary fix — get to a garage as soon as possible for a permanent repair.
- Tyre plug: If you have some experience, you can use a plug to seal the hole. Insert it using the appropriate tool and trim off any excess. Inflate the tyre and check that it's holding air.
4 - Final check: making sure the repair has held
Once the repair is complete, inflate the tyre to the correct pressure (check your vehicle manual or the label inside the driver's door frame). Apply soapy water around the repair to check for air leaks — if you see bubbles, repeat the process or seek professional help.
When should you call a professional?
If the puncture is on the tyre's sidewall (self-repair is really only suitable for the central tread area), if the damage is extensive, or if the tyre looks significantly compromised, the best course of action is to take it to a specialist garage. A professional will be able to assess the full extent of the damage and advise whether the tyre can be repaired or needs to be replaced. If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, leaving it to the experts is always the safer choice.
Preventive maintenance
A few simple habits can go a long way towards keeping your car safe and reducing the risk of punctures:
Healthy habits for tyre care
- Check your tyre pressure regularly: As we've touched on throughout this guide, correct tyre pressure not only improves safety — it also reduces fuel consumption and extends the life of your tyres.
- Rotate your tyres periodically: Regular rotation ensures even wear and helps them last longer.
The importance of routine tyre checks
A periodic inspection at a specialist garage allows you to catch potential issues early and avoid more serious damage down the line. A professional will assess the condition of your tyres, check the tread depth and verify wheel alignment.
Fixing a flat tyre can be far more straightforward than you might think — as long as you have the right tools and follow the steps outlined here. Being prepared doesn't just save you time and money; it gives you the confidence to deal with the unexpected on the road. Got everything ready for your next trip? Check your kit, stay safe and enjoy the journey.
Find out more
For detailed information on the regulations governing the use of warning triangles and high-visibility vests, visit:
- The BOE (Spanish Official State Gazette): https://www.boe.es/buscar/doc.php?id=BOE-A-2003-23514, https://www.boe.es/buscar/doc.php?id=BOE-A-2011-5400
- The DGT (Spain's Directorate General of Traffic): https://www.dgt.es/export/sites/web-DGT/.galleries/downloads/muevete-con-seguridad/normas-de-trafico/MOV-gestion-trafico/2023/report_Instruccion-MOV-2023-15.pdf
