Tyre Puncture Repair: Can You Fix a Car Tyre Puncture?

If you've punctured a tyre, you might be wondering whether you need to replace the tyre or whether it's possible to repair it. While it's true that tyres can be repaired in some cases, this isn't always possible. If your tyre puncture can be repaired, however, this is certainly the cheaper and more environmentally friendly option.

Here is a quick lowdown on when tyres can and cannot be repaired.

Punctures can generally be repaired if they occur on the central portion of the tyre, in this case the middle three-quarters of the tyre. If a puncture occurs outside this area, near to the tyre's sidewall, it cannot generally be repaired. This is because the sidewall carries the largest load when you drive, and the repair process typically used to fix punctures can weaken the sidewall's structure. The sidewall also need to be able to flex adequately, and any patches applied in this area would be far more likely to come away from the tyre.

Runflat tyres cannot be repaired because the tyre might not be safe to use after puncture. Runflat tyres are designed to be able to be driven on for a short period even after a puncture, meaning they allow you to get home or to a convenient garage rather than leaving you stranded on the side of a road. While this is indeed a huge benefit, it's not possible to tell whether the runflat tyre structure has been damaged during or after the puncture. This means that runflat tyres - convenient though the are - do need to be replaced after any puncture, even if it appears minor.

If you have a puncture in the central three-quarters of the tyre (also known as the minor repair area), you might be hoping it can be fixed. In the case of minor punctures, it often can be. However, if the size of the damaged area is greater than the maximum area stipulated by British Standard BSAU159, your tyre cannot legally be repaired and you will have to replace it. If the damaged area diameter measures more than 6mm, you should not attempt to repair your tyre but should replace it instead. Small punctures caused by driving over nails or similar small, sharp items can often be repaired as the size of the damaged area is so small, so don't despair if this is the cause of your puncture. Driving over larger items, however, often causes irreparable damage.

Reputable garages will always check the tyre condition before attempting to repair it. If the tyre tread is less than the legal minimum or there are other signs of heavy wear and tear, a repair should not be carried out. If you are concerned about the condition of your tyres or have a puncture you want to try and repair, our friendly professional staff will be happy to help you at any one of our nationwide garages.