How to repair a tyre

We always recommend that tyres are repaired by professionals. Not only do they have all the required equipment, but they can run checks to decide whether it is safe or legal to repair a tyre, rather than replace it.

Making a temporary repair

Of course, it’s possible that you’ll get a puncture far from home or too far from a tyre fitter to risk driving on a flat. If you have experience of repairing tyres and you’re in a well-lit, safe area, away from passing traffic, then go ahead.

It’s relatively straightforward to repair or replace your tyre temporarily – long enough for you to be able to get to some professional help.

Using tyre sealants

Your car’s manufacturer may have given you a tyre sealant and tyre inflator pack instead of a spare wheel. Assuming that your puncture isn’t too serious, and you haven’t driven on the flat tyre too long, you can inject the sealant into the tyre valve and either use the supplied pump or compressed air canisters to re-inflate the tyre. These kits can also be bought online or in motoring retailers either as pre-puncture prevention sealants or post-puncture repair sealants.

Tyre sealants offer a temporary solution and therefore should only be used to drive to the next garage. The tyre will need to be changed as soon as possible as the sealant can cause valves to stick together and therefore make the tyre unsuitable. Never drive faster than 60km/h after you’ve used a tyre sealant.

Not all punctures require a new tyre. Your local Uniroyal dealer will run through some mandatory checks before deciding if yours can be repaired. If you decide to repair your tyre yourself, this is what you need to know:

1. Only repair your tyre if the puncture is relatively minor.

2. Make sure you’re in a safe, well-lit area.

3. Insert tyre sealant into the tyre valve and re-inflate.

4. Remember, tyre sealant is only a temporary measure.

5. Drive slowly and carefully to your nearest tyre dealer.

Your local Uniroyal dealer will run through some mandatory checks such as looking at the area of the tyre that’s affected, the tread depth, the cause of the puncture etc. before deciding if they can repair a tyre. Did you know, for example, that if you get a puncture in the shoulder or side wall of the tyre, it is illegal for them to repair it?

They will also remove your tyre from the wheel to check for internal damage, something you wouldn’t be able to do by yourself.

Uniroyal. A brand of Continental.*