The repairable area
In the UK, car tyre repairs are carried out to the British Standard BS AU 159. In general, a puncture can only be repaired if the damage is within the central three-quarters of the tread – the main part of the tyre that touches the road – and is not too large.
When a tyre must be replaced
- The damage is in the sidewall or the shoulder of the tyre
- The hole is too large to repair safely
- The tyre has been driven on while flat or badly under-inflated, damaging the inside
- There is an existing repair too close to the new damage
- The tread is already close to or below the legal limit
Why you should not drive on a flat tyre
Even a short distance on a flat tyre can destroy the inside of the tyre and damage the wheel, turning a cheap repair into a new tyre – or a new alloy. Stop somewhere safe and call a mobile tyre fitter instead.
What about tyre sealant?
Emergency sealant kits can get you to safety, but they are a temporary fix. Tell your tyre fitter if sealant has been used, as it can affect whether the tyre can be repaired.
Got a puncture in Telford or Shropshire? Call 07854 360918 – we will inspect it and tell you honestly whether it can be repaired.