Not every puncture means a new tyre. Find out when a repair is safe and cost-effective, and when full replacement is the only right option.
When Is a Tyre Puncture Repairable?
British Standard BSAU 159 sets out the guidelines for safe tyre repair in the UK. A puncture can be repaired safely when it meets all of the following criteria: the puncture hole is in the central tread area (not within 25mm of the sidewall or shoulder), the hole diameter is no larger than 6mm, the tyre has sufficient remaining tread depth (at least 1.6mm minimum, but we recommend more), and there is no secondary damage to the tyre structure such as cracking, internal damage, or delamination caused by running flat.
Temporary plug-only repairs — such as those carried out with a tyre repair kit from the boot — are not considered permanent. These are for emergency use to get you to a safe location and should always be followed up with a proper internal patch repair or tyre replacement. Running on a temporary plug at motorway speeds for extended periods is unsafe.
When Does a Tyre Need to Be Replaced Instead?
Full tyre replacement is required when any of the following apply: the puncture is in the sidewall or shoulder area (these areas flex under load and a repair cannot hold safely), the tyre has been run flat (even briefly, as this causes internal structural damage that is not always visible), the puncture is larger than 6mm in diameter, or the tyre shows signs of extensive wear, cracking, or bulging that make repair unsafe.
Just Mobile Tyres will always give you an honest assessment. If a repair is safe and appropriate, we will offer it as a cost-effective alternative to replacement. We will never recommend an unnecessary new tyre just to increase the value of the job. Our reputation is built on honest, transparent advice, and we take that seriously with every customer across Northamptonshire.
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