Tyre Repair
Protyre’s puncture repair services are designed to extend the lifespan of tyres that have been damaged and running flat. If your tyres are punctured, chances are you won’t need to replace them, but a car tyre repair can only take place under specific circumstances.
That means it’s important to get an expert to check over yours, so you don’t put you, your passengers, your vehicle, or other road users at risk. Thankfully, you can book tyre check for free at any of our garages.
What types of tyre repair are performed?
Under British Standard BS AU 159, the best-practice guideline used by trained tyre fitters, three types of tyre repair will result in a safe, long-term fix:
Patch repair – A piece of rubber is glued to the inside of the tyre. This vulcanises to the tyre rubber when it is driven and heated up by road friction.
Plug repair – A piece of rubber or leather is coated in rubber glue and inserted into the puncture hole, sealing it. This vulcanises as the tyre heats up when driven.
Combination repair patch and plug – Combining both patch and plug methods, a combination repair is a more reliable and long-lasting tyre repair method than just a patch or plug.
There are a number of emergency tyre repair methods you can use soon after a puncture takes place, such as the use of tyre string, repair patches, tyre weld kits, and puncture sealant kits, but none of these are a long-term solution.
You should only use them for tyre puncture repairs by the roadside, so you can get your car to a tyre fitter and they can perform a permanent repair.
Can you repair run flat tyres?
Run flat tyres can’t undergo tyre puncture repair due to their design. This means they must be replaced even after a single puncture.
The sidewalls of these tyres are specially reinforced so that your car’s handling characteristics are preserved for the rest of your journey, letting you safely drive to a tyre fitter.
Unfortunately, because they can be driven for a long period of time after the puncture occurs, their overall structure can become damaged. This wear is impossible to see without looking at the internal composition during a tyre repair, so your tyre fitter can never be completely sure that your run flat tyres are safe or not.
Is a car tyre puncture repair possible?
If you are driving, one of your tyres deflates, and your tyre pressure warning light illuminates, there is a chance that a tyre puncture repair is possible. Driving over screws or nails is a common cause of tyre puncture, and these can usually be fixed, but it all depends on the extent of the tyre damage.
An expert tyre fitter should always check whether the car tyre repair can be performed safely. They will look at the size of the puncture, its location, and the overall condition of the tyre. With this information, they will be able to tell you whether they can legally repair the tyre, or if you will need to replace it.
How much does a tyre repair cost?
Typically, a single tyre repair will cost between £20 and £26, depending on the overall damage to the tyre, and the number of tyre pressure valves per tyre. A larger puncture on a tyre with many valves might require a less expensive repair method than a smaller area of damage on a tyre with fewer valves, for instance.
That means it’s always important to book a free tyre check and have the damage assessed before you commit to a specific repair type or hunt for a bargain – you may end up putting your safety at risk if you do.
How is a tyre repair performed?
Temporary tyre repairs performed at the roadside, such as the use of repair patches or tyre weld kits, are not long-term solutions to your damaged or punctured tyres – the tyre may fail again, putting you and other road users at risk.
Instead, take yours to your nearest garage. Your tyre fitter will first inspect the tyre and work out how damaged it is. If it can be repaired, they will use a permanent tyre repair solution using a combination repair patch and plug. Also known as a combi repair or mushroom repair, this will create a strong and reliable seal that conforms to the best car tyre repair standards.
Are puncture-repaired tyres safe? How long do they last?
Correctly performed car puncture repairs can last the lifetime of the tyre because they are designed in line with tyre puncture repair law. These regulations that have been designed in line with the various types of damage tyres undergo.
If the puncture occurs in a part of the tyre that’s more sensitive to damage, such as the rim, the law states a puncture can’t be performed as there is too great a risk that the repair won’t last long under the demands of the road. It’s this approach to safety that keeps puncture repaired tyres safe to drive.
Tyre puncture repair regulations and law
Tyre puncture repairs should always conform to British Standard BS AU 159, which forms the basis of UK tyre puncture repair law. It states that:
Tyres can only be repaired on in the ‘minor repair area’ that spans the central 60-70% of the tyre.
The puncture hole must have a diameter smaller than 6mm.
If the tyre’s speed rating is V or above, it can only be repaired once.
Damage to the outsides or walls of the tyre – the ‘major repair area’ – cannot be repaired. You’ll need a full replacement.
Your tyre repair will also have to be up to UK tyre law standards. These state that car tyres are illegal if they fail any of the following conditions:
Tyre thread is at least 1.6mm across a continuous band in the centre three quarters of the tyre, around the whole tyre circumference.
Tyres must be inflated to the correct pressure, as shown on the tyre wall.
Tyres must be fit for purpose. They must have zero defects that could endanger pedestrians, road users, or the road surface itself. Defects include bulging, cuts or tears larger than 25mm or 10% of the tyre width, or exposure of the tyre ply or cord.
If the condition of your tyres is not in line with these tyre puncture repair regulations, then you will need to replace them.
Why choose Protyre for your car tyre repair?
Protyre’s tyre fitters are experts when it comes to tyre puncture repair. Once you’ve found your nearest tyre repair shop, our team will be able to assess the condition of your tyres and tell you whether they can legally be fixed. They’ll then use their extensive skills and knowhow to perform a quick and lasting repair that will have you confidently driving in no time.
And if you need to replace the tyres, we have a huge range available spanning budget, mid-range, and premium makes for all vehicle types.
Our tyre fitters are trusted by drivers up and down the UK to perform tyre repairs safely and effectively. We have an ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot and there are 180+ locations across the country to choose from.
You can get in touch with our team to talk about your tyre repair needs on 0333 060 4019. Or for more information, take a look at our help and advice guides.