Puncture Repair
A safe repair starts with a full inspection.
If a tyre is losing air, ask Sona Tyres on Coventry Road in Birmingham about an inspection. Repairability depends on the location and extent of the damage and the condition inside the tyre, not simply whether an object can be removed. Do not drive on a flat tyre to reach the garage.
Not every puncture can be repaired. We must inspect the tyre off the wheel first; sidewall or shoulder damage, structural damage and damage from driving underinflated may rule out a repair.
How we decide whether a tyre can be repaired
A minor penetration in the permitted central tread area may be repairable if the casing is otherwise sound. The tyre must be removed to check for hidden damage, previous repairs and evidence it has been driven with low pressure. Only then can the garage advise whether a permanent repair to the current BS AU 159 standard is possible.
A tyre with sidewall or shoulder damage, exposed cords, a bulge, a significant cut or internal damage needs replacement rather than a patch. A sealant kit or roadside plug is not proof that a permanent repair is safe. Do not remove an embedded object or keep driving on a flat tyre; call us for advice.
Read TyreSafe’s puncture and repair guidance ↗. Repairability and the final price depend on inspection; call 0121 389 4396 if unsure.
What's Included
- Removal of the tyre from the wheel and inspection inside and out
- Assessment of damage against the current BS AU 159 repair standard
- Suitable permanent repair only if inspection confirms it is safe
- Re-inflation and leak check after repair
- Advice on replacement if the tyre cannot be repaired safely
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a tyre repaired?
The tyre must be removed and inspected inside and outside to assess the damage. If suitable, a permanent repair should meet BS AU 159. Ask the garage to confirm the method; an external string plug alone is not a permanent repair.
What cannot be repaired?
Sidewall or shoulder damage, significant cuts, exposed cords, bulges, previous unsafe repairs or internal damage from driving flat may make the tyre unsafe. Run-flat tyres need especially careful assessment; repair eligibility is never guaranteed before inspection.
Can I drive on a flat tyre to reach you?
Do not drive on a flat tyre. Stop safely and use a suitable spare or arrange recovery; continuing to drive may cause hidden damage and make repair impossible.