Before you attempt to fix a flat tyre, there are a few crucial things every driver should know. This guide explains how far you can safely drive on a repaired tyre, where it’s safe to carry out repairs, and what kinds of punctures can actually be fixed. Stay safe on the road and learn when a repair is possible – and when it’s time to replace your tyre.
We’ve shared several other articles that cover the equipment and tools needed to fix a flat tyre, the process to follow, and how to maximise your success rate.
This article is a little different. In it, we share three things that all drivers should keep in mind before attempting to repair a flat tyre – ensuring optimum safety while helping you to get back out on the road as quickly as possible.
1. A DIY Tyre Repair Will Only Withstand a Limited Distance
The first thing to remember is that fixing a tyre using a tyre repair kit is not a long term solution – but rather a way to patch up the damage so that you can drive to a garage or mechanic.
Tyres that are successfully repaired using these kits should only really be driven a maximum distance of 50 miles, at a maximum speed of 50mph, to ensure complete safety and control.
2. Tyres Should Only be Repaired in a Safe Location
If you suffer a puncture or sudden blowout on the road, it’s incredibly important that you put your hazard lights on and safely move over to the hard shoulder – pulling as far off the road as you can.
DIY repairs and spare tyre fittings should only be attempted in a safe location, far away from the road and passing traffic.
3. There is a Cap on the Scale of Damage That Can be Repaired
This third and final point is not exclusive to DIY and roadside repair – it includes professional repair too.
If the damage caused by a puncture or other issue extends more than 4mm in diameter, or if the damage to the tyre bridges the sidewall, then the damage cannot be repaired, and you must either fit a spare or call for assistance.
The only damage that can be safely repaired is that which affects the tyre tread – the outside surface. Anything inside of this, between the inner edge of the tread and the wheel rim, is considered too closely linked with the tyre structure to be able to be repaired.
