Not every puncture means buying a new tyre. Here is how to tell whether a repair is possible and when a full replacement is the only safe option.
When a puncture occurs, the first question is whether the tyre can be repaired safely or whether it needs to be replaced entirely. In many cases a repair is possible and costs a fraction of a new tyre — but specific conditions must be met for a repair to be deemed safe under British Standard BSAU159.
A tyre can be repaired if the puncture is located within the central three-quarters of the tread area (known as the minor repair zone), the hole is no larger than 6mm in diameter, and the tyre has not been driven on while flat in a way that has caused internal structural damage.
Repairs are not permitted if the puncture is in the tyre shoulder or sidewall, as these areas flex significantly during normal driving and a repair would not hold reliably. Run-flat tyres that have been driven on after deflation are also beyond repair and require full replacement regardless of the apparent size of the puncture.
Glasgow Mobile Tyre Guys always carries out a thorough inspection before recommending repair or replacement. We will give you an honest assessment of the damage, and where a repair is safe and appropriate, offer it as a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a new tyre.
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