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RAA patrols attended more than 43,000 tyre or wheel-related callouts across the state in the 12 months to September 2026 – more than 100 every day on average.
Patrols attended 403 callouts on Main North Road – the most of any road in the state – followed by North East Road (353), South Road (230) and the Northern Connector (220).
In regional SA, the South Eastern Freeway topped the list (211), ahead of the Sturt Highway (155), Princes Highway (144) and Victor Harbor Road (121).
By suburb, Adelaide’s CBD was the state’s biggest flat tyre hotspot in the metro area with 967 callouts, followed by Morphett Vale (510), Modbury (342) and North Adelaide (338). In regional SA, busy towns like Mount Barker (431), Mount Gambier (258), Murray Bridge (244) and Victor Harbor (194) recorded the most tyre-related callouts.
Tyre and wheel-related issues have made up around one in eight RAA road service callouts so far in 2026 – the highest share since at least 2020.
RAA Senior Manager Road Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain said while many of the hotspots were among SA’s busiest roads, several were also flagged by South Australians in RAA’s most recent Risky Roads survey.
“Tyre and wheel-related issues are one of the most common reasons our patrols are called out by drivers, and they can happen anywhere – whether you’re on a busy city arterial or a country highway,” Mr Mountain said.
“It’s no surprise our busiest roads see the most callouts, but many of these corridors also made the top 10 in our 2024 Risky Roads survey, including Main North Road, North East Road and Victor Harbor Road.
“Four of the top 10 metro roads for flat tyres run through Adelaide’s northern suburbs, which have seen an explosion of new housing and population in recent years. That’s putting more pressure on roads like Main North Road, where maintenance was also a key concern raised in our Risky Roads survey.
“Drivers can reduce their risk of a flat by regularly checking tyre pressure and tread – including the spare – and keeping an eye out for hazards on the road ahead.
“If you do get a flat, pull over somewhere safe if you can and turn on your hazard lights.”
RAA members can call one of RAA’s 350 patrols across the state on 13 11 11, or book road service through the RAA app.
Top 10 flat tyre hotspot roads – 12 months to 30 September 2026
| Metro Adelaide | Regional SA | ||
| Road | Tyre/wheel-related callouts | Road | Tyre/wheel-related callouts |
| Main North Road* | 403 | South Eastern Freeway | 211 |
| North East Road* | 353 | Sturt Highway* | 155 |
| South Road | 230 | Princes Hwy | 144 |
| Northern Connector | 220 | Victor Harbor Road* | 121 |
| Southern Expressway | 218 | Dukes Hwy | 120 |
| Port Road | 199 | Port Wakefield Hwy* | 115 |
| Main South Road | 187 | Eyre Hwy | 103 |
| Grand Junction Road | 173 | Augusta Hwy | 97 |
| Marion Road* | 161 | Main South Road* | 86 |
| Greenhill Road* | 146 | Riddoch Hwy | 60 |
*Also featured in the top 10 of RAA’s 2024 Risky Roads survey
Top 10 flat tyre hotspot suburbs – 12 months to 30 September 2026
| Metro Adelaide | Regional SA | ||
| Suburb | Tyre/wheel-related callouts | Town | Tyre/wheel-related callouts |
| Adelaide CBD | 967 | Mount Barker | 431 |
| Morphett Vale | 510 | Mount Gambier | 258 |
| Modbury | 342 | Murray Bridge | 244 |
| North Adelaide | 338 | Victor Harbor | 194 |
| Parafield Gardens | 323 | Port Lincoln | 177 |
| Prospect | 320 | Aldinga Beach | 168 |
| Norwood | 289 | Strathalbyn | 125 |
| Mawson Lakes | 287 | Hahndorf | 120 |
| Paralowie | 278 | McLaren Vale | 114 |
| Hallett Cove | 251 | Port Augusta | 106 |
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