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Puncture: repair or replace?
Many punctures can be repaired, but not all.
Usually repairable
- A small hole, such as from a nail or screw, in the central tread area
- A tyre that has not been driven on flat for any distance
Usually needs replacing
- Damage in the sidewall or shoulder of the tyre, which flexes too much to repair safely
- A large cut, a bulge, or an old repair in the same area
- A tyre driven on while flat, which can damage the inside even if the outside looks fine
- Tread already below the legal 1.6 mm limit
Do it properly
A safe repair means taking the tyre off the wheel, checking the inside, and fixing it from the inside. A plug pushed in from the outside is only a temporary fix. A fitter can tell you whether yours is suitable.
If you have a flat now
Stop somewhere safe, switch on your hazard lights and do not drive on a flat tyre. If you are on a motorway or a busy road, move away from traffic before you call anyone out.
Need help?
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