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day off work for flat tyre?

82 replies

cosmobrown · 11/09/2025 23:30

Coming home from working this evening I found I had a flat tyre. Someone had an electric pump and pumped it up so I could get home. Tyre pressure light came on again as I turned into my road.
We live fairly rural so no public transport.
I don't know what to do other than phone up places tomorrow morning and see if someone can get a tyre in for me in the afternoon?

It seems silly to have to cancel work (and give refunds) just because of flat tyre.
Any suggestions?

OP posts:
HelloGreen · 12/09/2025 07:24

Buy an electric pump for yourself for the future. They are handy.

gellielli · 12/09/2025 07:10

Drive slowly to a tyre place. There are a few near me, they just change your tyre there and then. You might be a bit late but better than not going to work at all.

Ellmau · 12/09/2025 07:05

Could you get a taxi, or would that be too expensive?

DeanElderberry · 12/09/2025 06:54

I am sympathetic and hope you can get the situation sorted, but for the future: changing a wheel is easy and only takes ten minutes. If you live in a rural area and have to drive a lot, learn how to do it, buy a spare, carry it in the car, and know that in the future you'll be able to do it yourself. I've had to do a few side-or-the-road tyre changes over the years before we had mobile phones, and although I prefer being able to call for help. I'm glad I know how.

The assumption with modern cars that you don't need to have a spare tyre (they used to be standard) is no helpful.

And everyone, call into a tyre centre and get your tyres checked a couple of times a year.

Beentheretoolong · 12/09/2025 06:42

Ring a mobile tyre fitter first thing. I had one come out to me in less than an hour this week and they may well have more stock than advertised. If it’s repairable they will do that on the spot too. As someone else said don’t use the sealant stuff cars come with though as the tyre is totally wrecked then.

landlordhell · 12/09/2025 06:35

Haggisfish3 · 11/09/2025 23:45

there are several companies that will come and fit a new one on the drive. I used them before.

This

PlaceIntheClouds · 12/09/2025 06:21

If the tyre is damaged it's not a good idea to make journeys on it other than to the tyre shop. Can you drop it off and get a taxi to work?

Nellietheelephont · 12/09/2025 06:12

You might be lucky and it might be a slow puncture meaning you could drive to a garage first thing today?

Nitgel · 12/09/2025 05:36

Drive to a garage, pump up with air then find a kiwk fit type place to fix while u wait.

RedRiverShore5 · 12/09/2025 05:28

Yes, it may not need a new tyre, just a repair. We got a nail in ours and it could have been repaired, we bought a new one though as it was needing changing soon anyway.

It might be worth getting a spare for your car, I got a spacesaver tyre for my Fiesta off eBay.

LadyGaGasPokerFace · 12/09/2025 04:46

I had a flat tyre last year and it just got repaired for £20. Other times they’ve had to be replaced. You need to take it to a tyre fitters.

RealOliveTraybake · 12/09/2025 04:37

cosmobrown · 12/09/2025 00:19

I've found out that my car has a puncture repair kit to get me to a tyre place. I've only had the car 3 weeks so I had to look that up!
At least I can dump the car at a garage until they can get a tyre in. (Or hopefully repair it). It just seems a shame that it's probably going to take all day to get a tyre fitted.
@CalzoneOnLegs Thanks for this. I can't find out this info on the AA's website, but I'll call them tomorrow too.

Just so you know, if you use the tyre sealant it'll destroy the tyre and make it impossible to repair.

CalzoneOnLegs · 12/09/2025 00:31

whatdoidonowffs · 12/09/2025 00:29

The AA won’t fit tyres for you
they can get a mobile tyre fitter at your cost they can also fit a spare wheel of their own and follow you to a garage
they will probably charge you if you don’t have home start

do You know what ? Im getting confused it was actually a battery (ive had both happen this year)
swear I haven’t been drinking

sorry ! @cosmobrown

🙈🙈🙈🙈🙈

i have self reported those two nonsense posts

whatdoidonowffs · 12/09/2025 00:29

The AA won’t fit tyres for you
they can get a mobile tyre fitter at your cost they can also fit a spare wheel of their own and follow you to a garage
they will probably charge you if you don’t have home start

justjuggling · 12/09/2025 00:26

InfoSecInTheCity · 11/09/2025 23:47

Have you looked at the mobile tyre repair/replacement services, they just rock up in a van and change the tyre on your drive, Halfords, National, eTyres you pay more for the convenience but if you can manage it and they can do it then it might be a good solution.

I was going to write something similar. Think it’s Hometyre I’ve used in the past - always a good experience.

CalzoneOnLegs · 12/09/2025 00:22

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

cosmobrown · 12/09/2025 00:19

I've found out that my car has a puncture repair kit to get me to a tyre place. I've only had the car 3 weeks so I had to look that up!
At least I can dump the car at a garage until they can get a tyre in. (Or hopefully repair it). It just seems a shame that it's probably going to take all day to get a tyre fitted.
@CalzoneOnLegs Thanks for this. I can't find out this info on the AA's website, but I'll call them tomorrow too.

OP posts:
Needspaceforlego · 12/09/2025 00:02

Do you think any of your students would be able to collect you from the previous house? Or drop you at the next one?

ArmyOfNorks · 11/09/2025 23:59

I’d help a friend out if they were stuck by driving them around or a loan of my car.

CalzoneOnLegs · 11/09/2025 23:54

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

cosmobrown · 11/09/2025 23:54

Looking at mobile tyre websites, no-one can fit a tyre for me until next Tuesday!
I'm a music teacher by the way!
Again, I will call the mobile tyre fitters tomorrow to check.

OP posts:
HoskinsChoice · 11/09/2025 23:51

cosmobrown · 11/09/2025 23:43

No spare tyre. I've looked online and no one says they have the tyre in stock. But I will call the places to check tomorrow morning.
Can't work from home, and move locations with equipment during the day. I work for myself so no colleagues to cade a lift from.
I'm worried that by the morning it will be so flat I won't be able to drive it anywhere. I don't even have AA home start.

Call the AA. You might be able to pay to add it in which might be cheaper than losing business.

Needspaceforlego · 11/09/2025 23:50

Op have you got a friend who or retired parent that would be game for driving you around?
I think I'd help a friend out in those circumstances if I could.

Im thinking your either a cleaner or mobile hairdresser?

InfoSecInTheCity · 11/09/2025 23:47

Have you looked at the mobile tyre repair/replacement services, they just rock up in a van and change the tyre on your drive, Halfords, National, eTyres you pay more for the convenience but if you can manage it and they can do it then it might be a good solution.

Haggisfish3 · 11/09/2025 23:47

Even Asda! www.asdatyres.co.uk/mobile-fitting