Would you change a flat tyre on a motorway hard shoulder?

Iceweasel

I've been having a discussion with my daughter and son in law (and the grandchildren) regards the advisability of changing a wheel on a motorway.

Of course me being a happy fan of the good old run-flats I'm saying that Mrs Iceweasel or I wouldn't be changing a wheel at all on the motorway - we'd be stopping at the next services to work out how far away the nearest tyre dealer was and whether or not to fit the space-saver to get there.

Son in law said he would change it right away if on the left hand side, and he would go onto the grass to get more space to change a right-hand side one.

Daughter says she would use the emergency phones to get help from the BMW Roadside Assistance.

Nr. 1 grandson said he would phone the AA.

However Nr. 2 grandson threw the cat among the pigeons by telling us that it's now illegal to change the wheel yourself.

When did this law come into being?

I've done a google search and can't find any definite ruling on this.

What's the thinking on this ?

Shimrod

I wouldn't change a tyre on the motorway. The one puncture I have had on the motorway, I drove to the next junction (fortunately only 1mile) and pulled off there. I do a lot of motorway driving, and I regularly see both cars and lorries drift onto the hard shoulder from the inside lane.

I'm not aware that is illegal to change a tyre yourself, and none of the motoring organisations (AA, RAC) say that it is, although they all advise against it.

Rodney_Trotter

Call the highways agency and get them to provide some cover while the rac do it.

WTFH

Grandson 2 is wrong.
It is not illegal to change a tyre yourself.
It is also not illegal to change a tyre on the hard shoulder of a motorway.
It's not advisable to change an offside tyre on a car on a hard shoulder, but changing a near side one is OK.

If you have a blow-out, then getting to a service station, or exit, is not an option. Get off the carriageway and come to a halt as safely as you can.
Driving any distance on a flat tyre is bad for the tyre and can damage the wheel or the suspension, so it should be changed as quickly as possible.

...at least that's what I'd do.

powerful_Rogue

You would have to be crazy to want to change your tyre on the hard shoulder!

Guest101

Haletruck wrote: »

changin the tyre there may block the way?

The way for what? It's what it's therefore!

Absolutely I'd change the tyre, and in a speedy fashion.

If possible and safe family out the car in the nearest field.

Certainly wouldn't wait an hour for rac! That's just crazy!

Rodney_Trotter

Guest101 wrote: »

The way for what? It's what it's therefore!

Absolutely I'd change the tyre, and in a speedy fashion.

If possible and safe family out the car in the nearest field.

Certainly wouldn't wait an hour for rac! That's just crazy!

You wouldn't have to you would be removed within 30 minutes.

Guest101

Rodney_Trotter wrote: »

You wouldn't have to you would be removed within 30 minutes.

Regardless, it's 15 mins to change a tyre. My car thankfully has a full size spare, so once it's done I'm good to go.

fannyadams

I'd hesitate if I was changing the wheel (pedant alert you are changing the wheel NOT the tyre THAT's a job for a specialist tyre fitter and certainly NOT to be attempted on the hard shoulder of the M-way) on the side nearest the carriage way as I'd be scared I'd get struck or something so in that instance I would probably call out the breakdown organisation.
but yes, despite being female, I am perfectly capable of changing the wheel on my car (Thanks dad) but if you (as a chivalrous male) were to stop and offer assistance/to do it for me, I am quite happy for you to do it on my behalf thank you everso ta.

marleyboy

I have changed a tyre on the hard shoulder, late at night and on an unlit stretch of motorway and on the drivers side of the vehicle. An approaching lorry almost wiped my backside for me. It was a terrifying job but it had to be done.

Stooby2

Rodney_Trotter wrote: »

Call the highways agency and get them to provide some cover while the rac do it.

This is probably the best advice and 999 would be the number to ring if you're not close to an emergency phone. You are in danger on the hard shoulder and either the Highways Agency or the police will turn out to assist. It'll help if while you're waiting for them to arrive you get your spare, jack & tools out ready to go.