On this page
- Can you drive out of the garage on a punctured tyre?
- Why is it better not to change the wheel yourself in a garage?
- Who should you call for a flat tyre in a garage?
- What should you have ready before calling?
- What should you know if the garage is residential or public?
- Flat tyre in a garage in Milan?
- Frequently asked questions
Can you drive out of the garage on a punctured tyre?
No, if the tyre is flat or very deflated it's best not to drive out of the garage. Garage ramps are often steep and curved: with no pressure in the tyre, the rim crushes the sidewall, which is damaged beyond repair, and the rim itself can scrape the floor or the kerbs.
If the tyre is only slightly deflated, you could bring it back up to pressure with a compressor and then decide, but first read can you drive on a punctured tyre?
Why is it better not to change the wheel yourself in a garage?
Changing the wheel yourself in a garage isn't forbidden, but it's often awkward and less safe than it seems.
- Limited space: between nearby cars, pillars and walls there may not be room to work on the wheel side.
- Floor: some surfaces slope or are slippery and make the jack unstable.
- Light: the lighting may be poor or on a timer.
- Other vehicles manoeuvring: in a public car park, cars pass within a few centimetres.
If you decide to do it, follow the procedure in how to change a wheel and the jacking points guide.
Who should you call for a flat tyre in a garage?
For a flat tyre in a garage it's best to call a mobile tyre fitter, who arrives in an equipped vehicle and works right beside your car. A tow truck, on the other hand, may struggle to get into an underground garage because of the height and manoeuvring space.
A mobile tyre fitter can repair the tyre when technically possible or fit the spare wheel, without moving the car. You'll find details of the service on the page about our mobile tyre fitter.
What should you have ready before calling?
Before calling, have ready the information needed to find you and get into the garage.
- The exact address of the vehicle entrance, which may be different from the building's address.
- Level, garage or parking space number, colour of the zone.
- How to get in: gate, remote, entry phone, concierge, public car park opening hours.
- Maximum height shown at the entrance, if you can see it.
- Tyre size (see how to read the size) and a photo of the damage.
On underground levels your phone may have no signal: write everything down and call from the entrance or street level.
What should you know if the garage is residential or public?
If the garage is residential or public, it's a good idea to let whoever runs it know that a technician needs to come in and work.
- Residential building: tell the concierge or the building manager, if the house rules require it, and make sure the technician can open the gate.
- Public or shopping centre car park: let the staff at the pay desk or security know; they can advise on access and opening hours.
- Hospital or office car park: check for any passes or access restrictions.
Flat tyre in a garage in Milan?
In Milan and the surrounding province SOS Tyre comes out 24/7, in 30 minutes on average, including to garages and underground car parks, subject to access and height restrictions. Call +39 377 326 0999 or fill in the assistance request: on the phone we tell you straight away when we'll arrive.
Frequently asked questions
Can I leave the car with a flat tyre in my garage for a few days?
For a few days, generally yes, but the longer the car sits with its weight on a flat tyre, the more the tyre deforms where it rests and the greater the risk it can no longer be repaired. If you can, get someone out soon or temporarily bring the tyre back up to pressure.
There's no signal in the underground car park: how do I ask for help?
Walk up to the ramp or street level, where the signal usually returns. Before going up, take photos of where the car is, the space number and the level signs, so you can describe exactly where the vehicle is to whoever comes out.
If the car is wedged between two pillars, can you still work on it?
Often yes, but it depends on the free space on the side of the punctured wheel. Describe the situation on the phone and, if you can, send a photo: the technician will assess whether to work where it is or whether the car needs moving just a few metres, at walking pace, to make enough room.
Is it safe to keep the engine running while I wait in an underground garage?
Better not. In enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces, exhaust fumes build up. Switch off the engine and, if you're waiting a while, wait somewhere well ventilated, such as street level or a pedestrian area of the car park.