Is Your Puncture Repairable?

For a safe, professional repair, the damage must meet specific criteria. We follow the British Standard BS AU 159, which dictates:

• The “Minor Repair Zone”: The puncture must be located within the central ¾ of the tyre’s breadth.
• Size Matters: The entry hole must be 6mm or less in diameter.
• The Sidewall Rule: Damage to the sidewall or the outer edges cannot be repaired.

The Danger of Potholes

Unlike a sharp object that causes a clean puncture, hitting a pothole can cause “impact damage.” This often results in:

• Sidewall Bulges: This indicates the internal carcass of the tyre has split, causing air to push against the outer rubber. These cannot be repaired and are high-risk for a blowout.
• Internal Bruising: You might not see damage on the outside, but the internal structure can be compromised.
• Wheel Damage: A heavy impact can also crack or buckle your alloy rims, leading to a slow loss of pressure.

Our Professional Safety Inspection

Before we plug any hole, we perform a rigorous multi-point inspection. A repair is only viable if the tyre is structurally sound:

• Previous Repairs: We check for existing plugs. Higher speed-rated tyres may need replacing after a single puncture to maintain their safety rating.
• Structural Integrity: We look for exposed cords, splits, or bulges. If you’ve driven on a slow puncture, the internal structure may be “chewed” or weakened, making the tyre a write-off.
• Tread Depth: By law, tread must be at least 1.6mm. We recommend replacing at 3mm for optimum grip. If your tyre is near the limit, a repair may not be economically viable.

The Big Question: Can Runflat Tyres be Repaired?

The short answer is no.

Runflat tyres have reinforced sidewalls designed to carry the weight of the car after a puncture. Because we cannot see if that internal structure has been compromised or overheated during the “limp home” period, we must replace them to guarantee your safety.

Visit Us for a Free Safety Check

If you’ve hit a pothole or spotted a nail, don’t leave it to chance. Pop into any of our branches for a free tyre safety check. Our experts are ready to help at our locations in:

Sudbury | Haverhill | Diss | Saffron Walden | Bury St Edmunds | Stowmarket

We’ll get you back on the road safely, ensuring your tyre is repaired to British Standards, balanced, and perfectly inflated.