Temporarily repair your tyre using a temporary 'tyre weld' solution
Every motorist dreads a puncture, and many drivers have little or no experience of changing a wheel. However, in recent years car manufacturers have made changes to their policy of providing a spare wheel for use in the event of a puncture.
As a first step, spare tyres were made smaller, so as to take up less space in the car, and lighter, so as to reduce the overall weight of the car when travelling. Finally, the spare tyre was removed altogether and replaced by a small puncture repair kit.
Car manufacturers claim that by removing the weight and bulk of a spare tyre, they reduce the amount of space taken up in the boot and also make a significant contribution to weight reduction, which can have an effect on fuel economy.
Many motorists are surprised to discover that, in the event of a puncture, they can now perform a temporary fix to the tyre themselves quickly and easily. It's important to remember, though, that the repair kit is very much a temporary measure and should never be relied upon as a long-term measure for repairing a tyre.
Where there is no spare tyre fitted, there should be a sealant and compressor pack located where a spare tyre would normally be found. In the event of a puncture, you remove the tyre valve cap and insert the nozzle of the sealant into the valve.
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The compressor will then inflate the tyre to the correct level, forcing the sealant to the hole and temporarily sealing it. This allows you to continue in safety to the nearest tyre depot, where you can have the tyre inspected to see whether it can be repaired or whether you will need to purchase a replacement tyre.
The manufacturers of the sealant sprays recommend that you should drive at a maximum speed of 30mph for the first ten minutes following the repair to ensure that the sealant has correctly sealed the leak. After ten minutes, provided that the repair is holding, you may drive at speeds of up to 50mph in order to reach a garage that will then check your tyre for you.
The sealant option is not suitable for all punctures, but it is a good option for many minor issues. Where there is damage to the sidewall of the tyre, a sealant repair should not be attempted as it will not be secure. If you have driven on a deflated tyre for long enough for it to become overheated, you should also avoid using a sealant repair kit.
