Tyre Puncture Repairs at Kwik Fit
Repairing a punctured tyre is not as straightforward as you first might think.
Our tyre puncture repairs policy reflects that of the British Standard - BSAU159. The British Standard also defines limits to the location, size, and number of repairs that can be carried out and suggests recommended materials to be used for the puncture repair.
Types of Tyre Damage
Tyre damage repair should only be attempted if the tyre has first been checked thoroughly. If the tyre displays any of the following characteristics, a puncture repair should not be attempted;
- Illegal tread depth (below 1.6mm across the central ¾ of the tyre tread throughout the entire circumference)
- Secondary damage - caused by the injuring object
- Ageing/deterioration of tyre rubber
- Bead damage
- Exposed cords
- Faulty/poor previous repairs
- Sidewall damage
- Bulging
Inspection is vital - if you have any doubts about whether or not a tyre should be repaired, do not repair it.
Other types of tyre damage
Tyres can also be damaged in other ways such as from a nail or a sharp object puncturing the rubber. Often, objects get lodged in the rubber but don’t pierce all the way through. But, if left unchecked, the weight of the car combined with bumps in the road can push objects further into the tyre until they fully pierce it.
A slow puncture will usually be easy enough to spot – your tyre will deflate regularly – but the best way to avoid it is to regularly conduct visual tyre checks.
Due to the slow rate of air being released, you may not necessarily know you have a puncture at first as it is difficult to detect or hear straightaway. In fact, many drivers make it all the way home without realising it. You can find out more about how to care for your tyres yourself and puncture tyre repair here.
Puncture location
British Standard BSAU159 also defines the requirements for safe minor car tyre puncture repair and its proximity to the sidewall. To remain compliant, we are only able to carry out tyre repairs to the central ¾ of the tyre (known as the minor repair area). If the puncture is situated outside of this area it is deemed too close to the sidewall to guarantee a safe and lasting minor repair.
In case of an unfixable tyre, it is important to always have spares ready. Stock up on extra tyres for safety
Runflat tyres
Unfortunately we are unable to repair runflat tyres.
Runflat tyres have reinforced sidewalls which means they can be driven on for a short time after picking up a puncture allowing you to travel to safety or to your nearest tyre fitter. Unfortunately, when a runflat tyre picks up a puncture it’s hard to tell if the structure of the tyre wall has been compromised because the punctured tyre could have been driven on for an excessive amount of time or at unsuitable speeds (over 30mph) but the added strength of the runflat tyre can mask this damage.
For this reason, we cannot carry out minor repairs to runflat tyres as the tyre may no longer be safe to use.
Tyre Pressure
If you’re attempting to repair your tyre yourself, firstly make sure it is safe to do so. Then use our tyre pressure tool to check what pressure your tyres should be. If you’re unsure about repairing, get in touch with your nearest Kwik Fit to have a professional do the job safely.
Puncture Repair Near Me
If you have a tyre puncture and require a repair please book in for a free tyre safety check, where one of our experts will test to ensure that your tyre is safe for repair.
If your tyre meets the requirements for a safe repair your local Kwik Fit centre can carry out a puncture repair from just £29.95 per tyre. This cost includes fitting, new valve, and wheel balancing.
