Repair a Tyre: Can I Repair A Tyre Twice?

Repair a Tyre: The formal definition of a tyre puncture is a condition where the tyre deflates causing the wheel’s rim to ride on the ground or on the tyre tread. Driving on a flat tyre could potentially result in permanent tyre damage, not to mention losing control of your car with horrific consequences. When you experience a flat tyre, the best thing to do is gradually slow down and find a safe spot to pull over on one side of the road.

As many of you may already know, a flat tyre often occurs at the most inconvenient of times and most often as a result of a puncture. It’s even more frustrating when the tyre is brand new which means either booking a tyre repair or replacing it altogether. While you’d understandably rather repair a tyre than spend more money on a new one, it is not always possible.

Sometimes a tyre repair is quick and easy and at Elite Garages, we will always try to repair a punctured tyre before recommending a new one. However, there are some instances when a tyre repair is not possible.

Puncture Location

Most of the time it’s all about where the puncture is located. In accordance with the British standard (BSAU159), our policy adheres to the requirements for safe minor tyre repair and the proximity to the sidewall. As such, we can only carry out a tyre repair to the central ¾ of the tyre or otherwise known as the minor repair area. Punctures outside the minor repair area are deemed too close to the sidewall to guarantee a safe and prolonged minor repair.

If you are ever in doubt about the safety of your tyres, simply book a free tyre check at any of our branches. We are knowledgeable and experienced tyre experts who will always advise the safest option.  With 1000’s of tyres in stock suited for all budgets, we will have a tyre for you if it needs replacing.

Why can’t you repair the sidewall of a tyre?

The sidewall is the part of the tyre that takes on most of the load when the tyre is in use. A minor tyre repair requires the use of an air drill which is perfectly safe for the minor repair area. However, this process could potentially weaken the structure of the sidewall if the puncture is too close. Because the sidewall also experiences the most flex, applying a repair patch to that area will simply detach due to the increased movement. This, of course, can lead to permanent and dangerous tyre failure.

Unless it is a runflat tyre, you should never drive on a flat tyre as the sidewall is not part of the minor repair area. Without the correct amount of air pressure, the tyre cannot keep its shape and the sidewall gets pinched between the wheel rim and the road severely damaging it. If you can, stop your car as soon as possible to maximise the chance of a successful and affordable tyre repair.

Size Does Matter

Even if the puncture is located on the minor tyre repair area, a large enough hole means it cannot be mended safely.  Once again, according to British standard (BSAU159), there is a maximum limit to the damaged area that can be repaired. If the diameter of the damaged area is more than 6 mm, you cannot safely repair your tyre.

As an example, you may be able to repair a puncture from a nail or a screw but not from a larger item like a bolt or other metallic debris. In many of these cases you need to replace the tyre because big splits, cuts and gouges cannot be repaired.

Overall Tyre Condition

Whenever we perform a tyre change, we also check the condition of the tyre making sure it’s fit for repair. Remember, the legal tyre tread limit the UK is 1.6 mm across the central ¾ of the tyre. If the remaining tread is less than 1.6 mm around the tyre circumference, we cannot repair the tyre. Other key indicators of an unsafe tyre include bulging sidewalls or exposed cords as .

It’s not only illegal to drive with tyres below the minimum limit but it also poses major safety risks. This includes a much higher chance of a blowout and longer braking distances as tyres become heavily worn. Safety becomes even more of a concern in wet conditions as braking performance deteriorates even further.

Should you repair runflat tyres?

As good as runflat tyres are with reinforced sidewalls allowing you to drive a short distance after getting a puncture, you should not repair them. The main reason is that it is very difficult to determine whether the interior structure has been compromised. They could also have driven on the punctured tyre for an extensive period of time or at unsuitable speeds of over 30 mph. While the added durability of runflat tyres can hide the damage, they may not be safe to use.

What Are The Common Causes Of Tyre Punctures?

The most common cause of tyre punctures is as a result of a sharp object piercing it while travelling. Slow punctures occur when the damaged area is either very small or the object is still lodged in the tyre. Whether air pressure releases slowly or rapidly, we recommend driving to your nearest Elite Garages for free tyre check.

Even though punctures are the main culprit, there are other factors at play including:

• A failing tyre valve stem
• Excessively worn tread resulting in an explosive tyre failure
• Debris from the road causing serious tyre damage
• A broken link between the tyre and rim due to a collision with the pavement or pothole among others

Tyre Repair Services At Elite Garages

If you are concerned about your tyre’s condition or believe you have a puncture, visit any of our Elite Garages branches. Our skilled, experienced and certified tyre technicians will perform all these checks to get you back on the road safely:

• Puncture repairs
• Wheel balancing
• Wheel alignment
• Tyre pressure checks
• Tyre repair as a result of damage from sharp objects like nails, screws, glass or metal

We always offer our customers exceptional value wherever we can with no hidden costs or small print. Our staff are friendly, knowledgeable and trustworthy, always looking out for you and keeping you informed. Book a free tyre check with Elite Garages today!

Get in touch if need any tyre advice, to book a service or any of other free vehicle checks. And as always remember the Elite Promise, “If you find a genuine printed cheaper price for the same product which is in stock we will meet or beat this price at the time of purchase.”