Can a punctured tyre be repaired?

Some punctures can be professionally repaired, but the decision depends on the position and size of the damage, the condition of the tyre and whether it has been driven while seriously underinflated.

A proper assessment requires the tyre to be inspected. Damage that is not obvious from the outside can occur inside the casing or sidewall after the tyre has supported the vehicle with insufficient air pressure.

Where can a tyre normally be repaired?

Minor repairs are generally restricted to an appropriate area of the main tread. Damage close to the shoulder or sidewall is treated differently because these areas flex heavily and are structurally critical.

Why might a repair be refused?

• The puncture is outside the permitted repair area.
• The hole or damage is unsuitable for a minor repair.
• The tyre has sidewall, shoulder or structural damage.
• The tyre has been driven significantly underinflated or flat.
• The tread or overall condition makes the tyre unserviceable.
• A previous repair or other damage makes another repair unsuitable.

What about run-flat tyres?

Run-flat tyres require particular care because they can continue supporting a vehicle after pressure loss, making it difficult to judge from the outside how much stress the tyre has experienced. Our policy is not to repair run-flat tyres where safe repairability cannot be established.

Driven on a flat tyre?

If a tyre has been driven with little or no pressure, do not assume that reinflating it makes it safe. The internal sidewall and casing may have been damaged. Have it inspected before returning it to service.

Related guides: inner liner, out-of-shape tyres and run-flat tyres.