Can my punctured tyre be repaired?

Tyres are a very important component of every car. They connect you with the road and will tell how your vehicle is performing in terms of driving, accelerating or stopping.

Due to their susceptibility to potholes, uneven wear, and debris on the road, tyres rely on being properly inflated in order to perform well and achieve good tyre life.

A tyre puncture can happen at any moment and hopefully, you may notice an issue with your tyres before it’s too late. Failure to notice, or deal with a punctured tyre can result in a blowout, which should be avoided at all costs.

Puncture repair kits and be purchased from most auto parts stores that allow you to repair a tyre puncture without removing the wheel. Of course, if the damage is severe, you'll need to use your spare tyre.

Regardless of the circumstances, any temporary puncture repair must be professionally examined and corrected as quickly as possible by a qualified tyre store, such as Tony's Tyre and Autocare.

Tyre punctures

Tyre punctures are a very common damage that tyres can suffer. Sharp things, such as glass and nails, are the most common causes of punctures, though huge objects can puncture a tyre if you're unlucky.

So how do you avoid punctures? If you see a hazard on the road, carefully moving to either side may be the safest option. Avoiding debris by suddenly swerving your vehicle can potentially be very dangerous, both to yourself and other drivers.

In the case where you are driving on an unavoidable collision course with debris, the best alternative is to maintain your course without using power or aggressively stepping on the brakes. This can potentially force your tyres down into debris as the sudden action puts much more weight on the front tyres.

The severity of the puncture is determined by what part of the tyre was damaged as well as the size of the puncture. These factors will determine whether or not the tyre can be repaired or needs to be replaced.

When can a punctured tyre be repaired?

Usually, a tyre puncture can be fixed when the damage happens in the centre of the tyre tread, between the shoulders of the tyre and its diameter is less than 6mm.

Many punctures are caused by tiny objects that usually don’t cause a large hole on the tyre, however, it doesn't mean your tyre won't have bad damage internally, which is why any punctures should be inspected by a professional.

Slow air leaks can cause blowouts, particularly at high speeds, putting the driver and passengers' lives in danger.

When can’t a punctured tyre be repaired?

A tyre puncture may not be repairable if the puncture happens in the sidewall of the tyre as it plays an important part in the tyre’s overall structure and performance. If this happens, you will need to use your spare tyre and source a replacement.

If the puncture is quite deep you won’t be able to fix it as it might be a sign that the tyre is damage on the inside, which will negatively affect your vehicle safety and tyre’s function.

If the puncture happens when you are using a set of Run Flat tyres, depending on how long they were driven on, it may or may not be able to be fixed, with many run-flat tyre manufacturers having specific instructions for what can and cannot be repaired.

Your local tyre experts

If you're having trouble replacing a punctured tyre, please visit us at Tony's Tyre and Auto, where we can source and install high-quality replacements.

You can find our workshop at 1/402 Quakers Hill Pkwy, Quakers Hill with convenient access and easy parking. Phone us on 02 9837 4455 to book your vehicle to see us, today!