Don’t let a flat tyre deflate your half-term plans, check your spare before you go
- One in seven (14%) breakdowns this half term is expected to be tyre-related
- One in ten drivers (11%) have never checked the pressure and 6% have never checked the condition of their spare tyre
- UK drivers suffer an average of 41 flat tyres, punctures or blowouts every hour—equating to one every 1.5 minutes
One in every seven1 breakdowns this half-term is expected to be tyre-related, but thousands of motorists could discover their spare is unusable just when they need it most. As families prepare to hit the road for October half-term getaways, breakdown provider Green Flag is urging drivers to check the condition of all four tyres and their spare tyre, if they have one, before setting off.
New data2 from Green Flag reveals that one in ten drivers (11%) have never checked the pressure of their spare tyre, while and a further 6% have never checked the condition of their spare.
UK drivers suffer an average of 41 flat tyres, punctures or blowouts every hour—equating to one every 1.5 minutes. With nearly 360,000 breakdowns caused by flat tyres last year alone, the risk of being stranded is real. While two fifths (40%) of drivers say they’d attempt to fix a flat themselves, many may be in for a surprise if it turns out that their spare is flat or in poor condition.
Some manufacturers recommend replacing tyres after 10 years3, regardless of tread depth or appearance, even the spare. With the average age of UK cars now 9.5 years4, many spare tyres, if the vehicle has one, could be past their prime, underinflated, or even perished.
Drivers can check the tyre age by looking for the ‘DOT code’ which can be found on the sidewall of the tyre. The DOT code is a standardised marking required by law in many countries, including the UK and EU. The first two of the four numbers of the DOT code identify the week of manufacture, and the last two numbers identify the year of manufacture. For example, "DOT XXXXXXX4212” was manufactured in the 42nd week of 2012.
Drivers are also being reminded to check what emergency options their vehicle has, whether it’s a full-sized spare, space saver, or tyre repair kit. Many modern cars no longer include a spare as standard. In fact, one in every 25 call-outs (4%) this half-term are expected to be to help drivers who do not have a spare tyre.
Katie Lomas, Managing Director of Green Flag, commented: “Tyre problems are one of the most common causes of roadside breakdowns, yet many drivers overlook the condition of their spare. A flat tyre can quickly turn a relaxing road trip into a stressful situation. Before heading off this half term, take a few minutes to check the pressure and condition of all your tyres—including the spare. It’s a simple step that could save a lot of hassle.”
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Notes to editors:
Green Flag breakdown data from 18.10.2024 - 27.10.2024
The research was conducted by Opinium among a sample of 2,000 UK Adults across the UK aged 18+. The data was collected between 13th May 2025 – 16th May 2025. Opinium Research is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
4. Q4 2024 average age of UK cars = 9.5 years. Source: veh1107.ods
For further information, please contact:
Unni Henry
PR Manager
Email: Unni.henry@directlinegroup.co.uk
About Green Flag
With over 50 years' experience, Green Flag provides customers with breakdown cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Customers have access to a network of breakdown operators across the UK and mainland Europe (Euro Plus cover required). Green Flag is part of the Aviva Group.
Customers can find out more about Green Flag products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 1557, connecting via the Green Flag Rescue Me Application, or visiting www.greenflag.com