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uk Transport & mobility emergencies tyre bulge • tire bulge • sidewall bubble • lump on tyre • tyre deep cut • tyre sidewall cut • cords showing on tyre • exposed cords tyre • exposed ply tyre • tyre damage unsure safe • can i drive on damaged tyre • tyre blowout risk • sudden tyre defect • vehicle feels unsafe • roadside tyre problem • motorway tyre damage • puncture but not flat • tyre wall damage • damaged tyre after pothole • tyre bubble after kerb

What to do if…
you discover a tyre has a bulge, deep cut, or exposed cords and you’re unsure if it can be driven on

Short answer

Treat this as not safe to drive. Stop somewhere safe as soon as you can and do not continue at speed—use a spare, or arrange recovery.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t “test it” by driving faster or continuing your journey to see if it holds.
  • Don’t continue on a motorway/dual carriageway if you have a safer option to stop sooner (service area, exit, car park).
  • Don’t attempt a temporary repair on the sidewall (plugs/patches/foam) or cut away loose rubber.
  • Don’t ignore a bulge: it can indicate internal damage even if the tyre isn’t losing air.
  • Don’t put a warning triangle out on a motorway.

What to do now

  1. Create a safer pause immediately. If you’re already driving, slow smoothly (no harsh braking), avoid sharp steering, and head for the nearest safer place to stop.
  2. Check which kind of damage it is (quick visual only).
    • Bulge/lump/bubble on sidewall or tread = treat as unsafe.
    • Deep cut where you can see fabric/metal, or cords showing = treat as unsafe.
  3. If you’re on a motorway: prioritise getting to the next exit, services, or an emergency area if you can do so safely. If you must stop:
    • Move into the left lane and pull into an emergency area or onto the hard shoulder if you can.
    • Stop as far left as possible, leaving space to get out, with your wheels turned left; put hazards on.
    • Get out by the side furthest from traffic if it’s safe, and wait well away from the vehicle (behind a barrier if there is one).
    • If you feel in immediate danger, call 999. (In England, you can also contact National Highways for advice/assistance if safe to do so.)
  4. Use a spare if you can do so safely.
    • If you have a full-size spare or space-saver and you’re in a safe location, fit it (or have a capable passenger do it).
    • If you have locking wheel nuts, find the key now.
  5. If you can’t fit a spare safely, arrange help. Call your breakdown provider (AA/RAC/insurer) or a local recovery service and tell them: “bulge/deep cut/exposed cords” so they send the right help.
  6. If you’re in a work/lease/hire vehicle: tell your fleet/lease provider immediately and follow their “do not drive—arrange recovery/authorised tyre” process.
  7. Take 3 quick photos (damage close-up, whole tyre, and tyre sidewall markings). This helps a tyre shop, fleet, or insurer make a quick call without you driving further.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide right now whether it was caused by a pothole, kerb strike, or defect.
  • You do not need to shop around or compare tyre brands in the moment.
  • You do not need to argue about blame at the roadside—focus only on getting stopped and getting the tyre replaced safely.

Important reassurance

It’s normal to feel torn between “it looks mostly fine” and “this feels dangerous.” With bulges, deep cuts, or cords showing, choosing to stop and get help is the sensible, safety-first call.

Scope note

This is first-step guidance only—once you’re safe, a tyre professional can confirm the damage and replace the tyre (and check the wheel/suspension if an impact caused it).

Important note

This guide is general information, not professional mechanical advice. If you feel unsafe where you are, prioritise personal safety and emergency services.

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