Puncture Repair or Replacement: Which Does Your Tyre Need?

You've got a puncture – frustrating, but often repairable. However, not all punctures can be safely fixed. Understanding the rules helps you know what to expect when you bring your tyre in.

When Can a Puncture Be Repaired?

For a repair to be safe and legal, several conditions must be met:

• Location: The puncture must be in the central tread area – the middle three-quarters of the tyre width
• Size: The hole must be no larger than 6mm in diameter
• No sidewall damage: Any damage to the sidewall means the tyre cannot be repaired
• Internal inspection: We must remove the tyre to check for internal damage from driving flat

When Must the Tyre Be Replaced?

Replacement is necessary if:

• Sidewall damage: The sidewall flexes constantly during driving – any repair here will fail
• Run-flat damage: If you've driven any distance on a flat tyre, the internal structure may be damaged beyond repair
• Large puncture: Holes larger than 6mm, or slash-type damage, cannot be safely patched
• Previous repairs: A tyre that's already been repaired may not accept another repair safely
• Bead damage: If the tyre bead (the edge that seals to the wheel) is damaged
• Age or wear: If the tyre is already near end of life, repairing it may not be worthwhile

The Proper Repair Process

A proper puncture repair isn't just plugging the hole from the outside. The correct process is:

1. Remove the tyre: Take it off the wheel completely
2. Inspect internally: Check for hidden damage from driving flat
3. Repair from inside: Use a combination plug-and-patch system
4. Rebalance: The repair adds weight, so the wheel needs rebalancing

This is called BS AU159 compliant repair – the British Standard for tyre repairs. Quick "plug from outside" repairs don't meet this standard and may not be safe for continued use.

What Does Puncture Repair Cost?

A professional puncture repair typically costs £20-30 – far less than a new tyre. However, we'll always be honest if we think the tyre isn't worth repairing due to age or wear. Why pay for a repair on a tyre that needs replacing soon anyway?

Got a puncture? Learn more about our puncture repair service or call us for advice.