Can a puncture be repaired?

The position and condition matter

A nail in the tread does not tell the whole story. A professional needs to consider the damage and the overall tyre condition, including anything inside the tyre that a phone photo cannot show. Damage near the shoulder or on the sidewall is different from a minor puncture in the central tread.

Driving while flat or seriously under-inflated can damage a tyre internally. Say how the tyre has been used since you noticed the problem. Do not assume that holding air after inflation means it is safe.

What you can check safely

From a safe parking place, note which wheel is affected and whether the tyre is flat or slowly losing pressure. A visible object, repeated pressure warning or damaged valve area may help explain the problem.

Do not remove an embedded object, probe a hole or put yourself next to traffic to inspect it. Leave repair decisions to an inspection. A temporary repair kit is not proof that a permanent repair will be possible.

• Read the tyre size or take a safe sidewall photo.
• Describe the pressure loss and visible damage.
• Tell the technician about any driving after the pressure warning.

Run-flat tyres have additional rules

Repair policy varies by tyre manufacturer. How far a run-flat has been used after pressure loss and the condition found on inspection can affect the decision. There is no blanket rule that every run-flat can be repaired.

When mobile assessment helps

If the vehicle is parked somewhere suitable, mobile puncture assessment can establish whether repair is appropriate. If replacement is needed, Mobile Tyre Man discusses brand-new tyres only, with budget and premium options.

For an unusable tyre at an unsafe roadside position, put emergency safety arrangements first. Call with the exact location rather than attempting to drive to a fitting place.

Further reading

• Michelin: what to do with a flat tyre
• Michelin: run-flat tyres