When a repair isn't possible
- The damage is in the sidewall or the shoulder of the tyre
- The hole is larger than 6mm
- The tyre has been driven on flat and is damaged inside
- There's a previous repair too close to the new one
- The tread is already close to the legal limit
How a proper repair is done
The tyre is taken off the wheel so the inside can be checked, then repaired from the inside with a plug and patch. That's the standard set by BS AU 159. A plug pushed in from the outside alone isn't a proper repair.
Common questions
Is a plug from a repair kit a proper repair?
No. A plug pushed in from the outside is a temporary fix. A proper repair to the British Standard is a combined patch and plug fitted from inside, with the tyre taken off the wheel.
Can a run-flat tyre be repaired?
Sometimes. Some manufacturers don't approve run-flat repairs, and a run-flat that has been driven while flat usually can't be repaired. We'll check yours and tell you.
Written by Harsh at True Tyre Mobile Service, a mobile tyre fitter with 4.5 years' experience. This is general advice; always follow your vehicle handbook.