A flat tyre at 120 km/h on the A1 between Geneva and Bern, or in one of the motorway tunnels, is one of the most dangerous situations behind the wheel. The right response comes down to a few moves — and one rule: never change a wheel on the hard shoulder.
1. Slow down without braking hard
Hold the wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator gradually and drift onto the hard shoulder without a sharp brake. A burst tyre pulls the car to one side, so anticipate it.
2. Stop as far right as possible
Come to a halt on the hard shoulder, wheels turned towards the barrier, hazard lights on. If an exit or a service area is close and you can reach it slowly, prefer it.
3. Get out on the safe side and behind the barrier
Put your high-vis vest on before you get out, get everyone out on the embankment side, and stand behind the crash barrier. Place the warning triangle a good distance back.
4. Call 140 (road assistance) or the police
On a Swiss motorway, call 140 (road assistance) or 117 (police). Give your precise position: the motorway number, the direction of travel, a kilometre post or the last exit you passed.
5. Do not change the wheel on the hard shoulder
Traffic passes the car at full speed; changing a wheel there is extremely dangerous and strongly advised against. Wait for help in a safe place, or have the car moved somewhere safe before touching anything. A mobile tyre service works on the car once it is out of the traffic, never in a live lane.
Our job is the tyre on the spot — once your car is safe. We don't tow: for that, rely on road assistance or your insurer.