Night-time tyre service in Milan: tyre assistance through the night

What changes if you get a puncture at night?

At night the technical problem is the same, but visibility and personal safety change. Other drivers see you less well, you see the damage less clearly and some areas are quiet. That's why the priority is to make yourself visible and stay somewhere protected, while we take care of the tyre.

SOS Tyre operates 24/7: you can call +39 377 326 0999 at any time. For general availability, see the 24-hour tyre service in Milan page.

How do you make yourself visible in the dark?

In the dark you need to make both the vehicle and yourself visible:

• Hazard lights on and, if the car allows, sidelights.
• High-visibility vest or braces: in Italy they're compulsory when you get out of the vehicle outside built-up areas at night or in poor visibility, on the carriageway or in lay-bys. Put them on before opening the door.
• Warning triangle: for cars it must be placed at least 50 m behind the vehicle, visible from at least 100 m by approaching traffic.
• Phone torch: useful for moving around, but don't point it at drivers.

The full procedure is in the guide on how to stay safe.

What should you do if you're in an isolated or poorly lit area?

If the area is isolated or poorly lit and you feel uneasy, you can stay in the car with the doors locked, as long as the vehicle is stopped off the carriageway and not in a position exposed to traffic. If, on the other hand, you're on the hard shoulder or a fast road, it's safer to stand behind the crash barrier.

If you can move a few metres at walking pace to a well-lit spot, such as a petrol station or a car park, do so and let us know your new location. Keep your phone charged and share your location with someone you trust.

How can you help us find you at night?

At night visual landmarks are less obvious, so it helps to be more precise than usual:

1. send your location on WhatsApp to +39 377 326 0999;
2. tell us the colour and model of the car and which side of the road you're on;
3. point out landmarks that are recognisable in the dark: illuminated signs, petrol stations, lit bus or tram stops;
4. when you see us arriving, flash your hazard lights.

For area-by-area information, in Milan and its province, see the areas we cover.

Can the tyre be repaired or changed at night too?

Yes. At night we carry out the same jobs as during the day, working with suitable lighting: on-the-spot repair if the damage is repairable, or a wheel change with your spare or space-saver. If the vehicle is in a spot too exposed to traffic, we first work out how to make it safe.

Which kinds of damage are easily missed in the dark?

In the dark it's easy to miss sidewall damage or to mistake a tyre that's low for one that's completely flat. For example, a bulge in the tyre or a cut on the shoulder can go unnoticed without light. So don't rely only on what you can see: if the tyre pressure warning light is on or you feel unusual vibrations, stop and call us before setting off again.