Puncture repair

When can a tire be repaired?

Not all punctures can be repaired safely. The rules are strict because a poorly repaired tire can blow out at high speed with catastrophic consequences. A tire can usually be repaired when the puncture is in the centre of the tread (within the middle three-quarters), the hole is less than 6 mm in diameter, and there are no signs that the tire has been driven far with low pressure. However, if the puncture is in the sidewall (shoulder or side), or if there are several holes close together, the tire must be replaced. Run-flat tires have their own rules — many manufacturers don't allow repair of these at all after a puncture.

When must the tire be replaced?

Certain damage makes the tire unsafe to repair regardless: damage to the sidewall or shoulder (weakest part of the tire), cuts or tears where the inner layer of the tire is visible, severely deformed tires after being driven flat (sides "crushed"), and tires older than 6–8 years where the rubber is generally brittle. If you have driven more than a few hundred metres on a flat tire, the tire is often destroyed even if you can't see it from the outside — the inner layer can be delaminated. We always check both outside and inside before recommending repair.

How is a modern puncture repair performed?

The new standard for repair is internal vulcanisation with a combined insert — a rubber plug threaded through the hole and simultaneously bonded on the inside of the tire. Previously we used only external "string plugs" or only internal patches, but the combination gives substantially better sealing and lasting durability. The process: the tire is taken off the rim, we thoroughly inspect the inside under good light, prepare the repair area with grinding and cleaning agent, apply vulcanisation cement, fit the plug and post-tighten. Finally the tire is mounted back on the rim, balanced and mounted on the car.

Run-flat tires: special considerations

Run-flat tires have reinforced sidewalls that allow the car to drive 80–100 km at approximately 80 km/h even after a puncture. Many manufacturers do not recommend repairing run-flat tires because the internal structure may have been compromised by driving while flat, even if not visible externally. We always check the car's specification and the tire itself before recommending repair. If the run-flat tire must be replaced, the other tire on the same axle must also be assessed — wear must be equal for the car to drive straight.

What about driving with a punctured tire?

Even a short trip to the workshop with a punctured tire can completely destroy the tire. When tire pressure is gone, the tire wears against the rim, and the friction heat can break down the structure within a few kilometres. If you discover a puncture, stop as soon as it is safe and either change to the spare tire or use a repair kit/puncture spray as a temporary solution. Many modern cars no longer have a spare tire, but instead have a repair kit under the trunk floor — check this before you actually need it.

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