As a leading mobile tyre expert in Central Scotland, this is a question that we get a lot. If you have recently had the unfortunate experience of dealing with a flat tyre, you will need to either have your tyre replaced completely, or have it patch repaired.
Patch repairs can save you a decent amount of money by prolonging the lifespan of your tyres, but are not an option in every instance.
If your puncture is too large, or located in the wrong area of the tyre, it will have to be replaced entirely.
The great thing about using a mobile tyre fitting company is that these experts tend to travel to your location in a van equipped with everything needed to carry out either option, saving you the time and money of arranging a repair or purchasing a puncture repair kit only to later discover that repair is not possible and you will need to visit a local garage instead.
That said, it is always nice to know if there is a potential for your tyre to be repaired are if you will have to prepare yourself for the expense of purchasing new ones.
In most cases, a tyre can only be repaired if it meets the following criteria:
The puncture is within the tread area
Only punctures on the tread area of the tyre can be replaced. The tread area tends to encompass the central two-thirds of the tyres but the further towards the edge of the tyre the puncture is, the less chance of a successful repair.
Professional tyre fitters will only repair tyres if they are in generally good condition apart from the puncture itself. If there is cracking or marbling on the tyre or a dangerously low tread, they will refuse and offer a replacement instead.
The sidewall is undamaged
The sidewall of your tyre cannot be repaired safely due to the high amount of pressure it takes on whilst the vehicle is in motion. If you see any evidence of a puncture, bulging, or cracking in the sidewall, do not drive the vehicle and call for assistance.
Is there a chance that a puncture within the tread areas cannot be repaired?
Yes, the main reason that a puncture inside the potentially repairable area of the tyre cannot be patched up is if it is too large to do so. Any puncture that is larger than 6mm in diameter cannot be safely repaired.
Another reason it may not be possible to repair a tread area puncture is if the sidewall has been damaged as a result of driving on a flat or partially inflated tyre in the first place.
A lack of pressure in your tyres when driving can result in the sidewall crushing, causing the tyre to mottle and crush.
This, or a dislocation of the tyre occurring due to the same effect will damage the tyre beyond repair even in the original puncture may have qualified for a patch repair.