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Tyre Puncture Repairs Near You

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What is a Tyre Puncture Repair?

A tyre puncture repair fixes a damaged tyre, caused by any of the following:

  • A collision
  • Driving over broken glass
  • Hitting a screw or a nail

 

Many drivers look to patch a punctured tyre rather than fitting a replacement due to it being seen as a more cost-effective solution.

However, you must ensure the repair is safe and is only used as a temporary measure, as your car must still be roadworthy to drive on public roads in the UK and pass the yearly MOT test.

 

Who Can Help Me with a Tyre Puncture Repair?

Most mobile mechanics will be able to help you with a tyre puncture repair. They will bring the right equipment to your location (alongside a replacement tyre if the damage isn’t repairable) and complete the job on your driveway.

This is the safest way to repair a punctured tyre. You should not drive your vehicle to a local garage if you have a puncture or foreign object in the rubber as this poses a danger to you and other road users and can also make the problem worse.

 

Where Can I Find a Tyre Puncture Repair Near Me?

As you need a mobile mechanic to help with your tyre repair, you may need to search for local repairers directly to ensure you find a reputable company that has the skills to help with your problem. This can be as simple as typing ‘tyre puncture repair near me’ into a search engine.

You can also ask family and friends for recommendations if you need a tyre puncture repair in a hurry.

 

How Much Does a Tyre Puncture Repair Cost?

The average tyre puncture repair cost in the UK is about £20 - £30 per tyre.

We always recommend comparing prices from local tyre repairers to ensure you find the most reputable option and book the best deal.

 

What are the Symptoms I Need a Tyre Puncture Repair?

Some common signs you have a punctured tyre include the following:

  • A loud bang followed by vibrations in the steering wheel and a lack of control over your vehicle.
  • A loss of tyre pressure, with the tyre pressure warning light showing on your dashboard.
  • Visible damage to the tyre such as a nail, screw or other debris embedded in the rubber.
  • Increased road noise.
  • Vibrations in the steering wheel.
  • A ticking noise if something is embedded in the tyre.

 

If you’ve noticed any of the following, you should contact a local tyre repairer to get the problem inspected and fixed as soon as possible. You shouldn’t drive your car in the meantime as it poses a safety risk to you and other drivers if you do so.

 

Can I Fix My Punctured Tyre Myself?

Yes, you may be able to fix a punctured tyre yourself – but only as a short-term emergency fix.

Most modern cars come with an emergency tyre repair kit which will allow you to plug the hole with sealant and reinflate the tyre with a compressor. This only works on minor repairs, and you should still drive carefully and only as much as necessary before seeking professional help.

You should not attempt to complete a more thorough puncture repair yourself as it is a highly skilled process.

 

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Are There Any Types of Punctured Tyres You Can’t Repair?

You can’t repair a tyre that has been punctured outside of the central ¾ area. The unfixable area is the inside and outside of the tyre closest to the sidewall.


Any puncture in this area is deemed to be too close to the sidewall to guarantee a safe and lasting minor repair, so you must replace the tyre instead.

You also can’t repair a tyre if it is legally unsafe to drive on.

What is the Law on Tyre Puncture Repairs in the UK?

All puncture repairs must conform to British Standards BSAU158 and BSAU159 and can only be completed after a thorough check of the affected tyre to ensure it is still safe to drive on.

You cannot legally complete a puncture repair if a thorough check of the affected tyre reveals any of the following:
- Tread depth below the legal minimum of 1.6 mm.
- Secondary damage caused by the object.
- Ageing or deteriorating tyre rubber (indicating the tyre is older than 4-6 years old and should be changed for safety).
- Bead damage.
- Exposed cords.
- Poor quality previous repairs.
- Sidewall damage.
- Bulging.

The tyre also can’t be repaired if the puncture is outside the central ¾ of the tyre or if it is a run-flat tyre.

How Can I Get a Nail Out of My Tyre Safely?

You should use a claw hammer, vice grips or pair of pliers to safely remove a nail from a car tyre. The tyre is likely to go flat or make a hissing sound as you remove the nail, which doesn’t matter as the tyre will be refilled when the technician completes the repair.

You should not remove the nail if it is buried in the sidewall of the tyre or if you don’t have an emergency tyre repair kit to hand as you will need to refill the tyre to safely drive your car home.

Can You Repair a Puncture in a Run-Flat Tyre?

No, you cannot repair a run-flat tyre. These are designed to be driven on for a short time after picking up a puncture to allow you to get to a local tyre fitter safely.

However, this can compromise the structure of the tyre wall and, as it’s hard to tell if this has happened because of the design, a repaired run-flat tyre may not be safe to use.

How Long Does a Puncture Repair Last?

An emergency puncture repair is not designed to last very long and should only be used to get you home if you have a minor puncture.

A professional puncture repair can last many years, if done to a high standard, so can prove to be a very good option for drivers.

However, you should follow the technician’s guidance and change your tyres at a suitable point. Any repair will weaken the integrity of the tyre which may cause it to deteriorate faster. Make sure you pay attention to any MOT advisories given for the repaired tyre as well.

Can You Repair a Slow Puncture?

In most cases yes, you can repair a slow puncture. As with all tyre puncture repairs, it depends on the affected area and what’s causing the puncture.

You should not attempt to permanently repair a slow puncture without a professional tyre technician looking at the damage first.

How Long Does a Puncture Repair Take?

Tyre puncture repairs are very quick to do. Most take around 30-45 minutes, including the inspection to ensure the tyre is safe to repair and the final checks to ensure the puncture is properly fixed.

Can You Repair a Tyre with a Screw in it?

Yes, if the diameter of the damaged area is no larger than 6mm and is in the central ¾ of the tyre, you can repair a tyre that has been damaged by a screw.

Make sure you consult a professional tyre technician first to ensure the tyre is safe to permanently repair. If not, they will recommend a tyre replacement instead.

Can You Repair the Same Tyre More Than Once?

No, you cannot legally repair the same tyre more than once. If the first repair fails or the tyre suffers another puncture, you must replace it.