The M6 and M40 are the main arteries between Birmingham and London, and a tyre failure on either is a serious situation that calls for a calm, safety-first response. Ease off without braking hard, get as far left as possible, and wait behind the barrier, never in the car on the hard shoulder if you can get out. Then call a 24-hour mobile fitter to come to you.
Staying safe on the M6 and M40
The priorities are the same as any motorway breakdown:
- If it's a blowout, keep straight and ease off rather than braking hard.
- Get to the hard shoulder or refuge, pull fully left and turn the wheels left.
- Hazards on, exit by the left doors, and wait behind the barrier with all passengers and pets.
Smart motorway refuges
Stretches of both the M6 and M40 are smart motorway without a permanent hard shoulder. Use the orange emergency refuge areas where you can, and follow the overhead signs. If you can't reach one and stop in a live lane, keep your seatbelts and hazards on and call 999 rather than trying to leave on foot.
Why wait for a fitter
Changing a wheel beside heavy M6 or M40 traffic is far too dangerous to attempt. A mobile fitter brings the tools and the right tyre to your location, replaces it safely, and gets you moving again without a tow. It's the safest option and usually the quickest on a busy motorway, see 24-hour mobile fitting.
Be ready to help us reach you
When you call, the fastest help comes from clear information: the motorway and direction, the nearest junction or the number on the blue-and-white marker posts, and your tyre size if you have it. That lets us head straight to you with the correct tyre on board.
We cover the corridor
We cover the whole UK, including the M6 and M40, and fit replacements at the roadside day or night. Book a rescue or call our 24-hour line.
