No spare tyre? Your 2026 guide to fixing a flat tyre

Let’s be honest, tyre construction has improved significantly in the past decade or two. New-tech compounds and manufacturing methods have increased both puncture resistance and working life considerably over the old rubber of yesteryear. Even tyre brands that may not be established are often just as good as the big names in the business. 

With that said, punctures can and do still occur, which can be an issue with many manufacturers not even bothering to include a space-saver these days, let alone a full-size spare.

With that in mind, we thought we’d better bring you up to speed on what to do when you get a flat and answer a few common questions along the way. 

Yep, that’s what they replaced your spare with. A small bottle of compressed sludge. Using tyre repair goo is fairly straightforward, although you will need access to an air compressor. 12V battery-powered versions can usually be bought for less than $100 from an auto parts store and are worth keeping in the vehicle at all times. 

• Remove whatever caused the puncture from your tyre
  
• Orient the wheel so the valve stem is in the upper half of the tyre
  
• Unscrew the valve core from the valve stem using the tool that comes with the bottle

• Once the air has fully drained, empty the goo bottle into the tyre through the valve stem and refit the core until it’s hand-tight
  
• Re-inflate the tyre to the manufacturer’s specified pressure
  
• Drive a short distance to spread the goo throughout the tyre, recheck the pressure and make sure the puncture has sealed
  
• Replace the tyre as soon as possible

If you’re not a goo-fan, you could also fit a tyre repair plug, which can be seen in the video below. It does involve removing the tyre and purchasing the kit, but is arguably a stronger method of tyre repair.

Ah yes, the horribly misnamed 'run-flat tyre'. It conjures up images of a tyre that is impervious to damage, but the reality is they’re just an excuse for manufacturers to do away with having to include a spare.

Run-flats have reinforced sections that essentially keep the (usually low-profile) sidewall 'propped up' in a roughly inflated position. The brochure says that this enables you to drive on it with a puncture, but the reality is they only really allow you to get to the closest tyre shop at a reduced speed. 

It’s difficult to argue against roadside assistance; however, as with anything related to insurance, it’s imperative you read the fine print on the policy. We’ve heard nightmare stories of people being refused help with their flats due to reasons such as: not being on a gazetted road; the policy did not cover their vehicle while towing; the spare tyre was not in roadworthy condition (in this case it was a brand new space-saver); and they pretty much all have an inbuilt clause for the right to refuse.

We’re not saying not to have roadside assistance, but it is important for the buyer to be aware of what’s covered and what isn’t. 

While they’re mostly SUVs and 4x4 utes these days, some vehicles still do come with a 'proper' spare tyre.

In the past 15 years as an automotive journo and 35-plus years of inveterate car-guy antics, Dex has worked across numerous titles and has even occupied the occasional editor’s chair when nobody was watching. He spends his downtime doing engine swaps (plural) on the nature strip out front and also once ripped a handbrake spin into a perfect car park. His parents remain indifferent.

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