Found a nail in your tyre and unsure if you can save the tyre or are going to need a new one?

This is a situation thousands of Scottish motorists find themselves in every year and the answer is that it very much depends.

As Glasgow’s leading mobile tyre fitting company, we both repair and replace punctured tyres on Scotland’s roads every single day and can usually tell at a glance if puncture repair is possible or a new car tyre is needed.

But what exactly determines if tyre repair can be carried out?

 

UK Safety Regulations for Tyre Repairs

All tyre repairs in the UK must adhere to the British Standard BS AU 159. This standard sets out specific guidelines for repairing tyres on vehicles used on public highways. As a company committed to safety and compliance, Mobile Tyres Glasgow strictly follows these regulations. Here are the key points:

1. Repair Location: Repairs can only be carried out in the central 3/4 of the tyre’s tread area, known as the ‘minor repair area’.
2. Puncture Size: The maximum diameter of a repairable puncture is 6mm.
3. Tyre Condition: The tyre must be in otherwise good condition, with legal tread depth and no other damage.
4. Repair Method: Only permanent repairs using a combination of an internal patch and a rubber plug are considered safe and compliant.

 

When Can a Punctured Tyre Be Repaired?

At Mobile Tyres Glasgow, we can potentially repair your tyre if:

• The puncture is within the central 3/4 of the tread area, known as the ‘minor repair area’
• The puncture hole is no larger than 6mm in diameter
• The tyre has sufficient tread depth (minimum 1.6mm across the central 3/4 of the tread)
• There’s no other damage to the tyre (e.g., cuts, bulges, or sidewall damage)
• The tyre hasn’t been driven on while flat

 

When Can’t a Punctured Tyre Be Repaired?

For your safety, we cannot repair a tyre if:

• The puncture is in the sidewall or shoulder of the tyre
• The puncture is larger than 6mm in diameter
• The tyre has been driven on while flat, causing internal damage
• There are multiple punctures close together
• The tyre’s tread depth is below the legal limit
• There’s any other visible damage to the tyre
• The tyre shows signs of deterioration or age
• There’s damage to the bead of the tyre
• The tyre has been previously repaired outside of British Standard guidelines

Depending on the age of the tyre we may also recommend you have it replaced. For more information on this check out our guide to how long should tyres last.

 

Our Repair Process

When a tyre meets the criteria for repair, our Mobile Tyres Glasgow technicians follow a rigorous process in line with British Standard BS AU 159:

1. We remove the tyre from the wheel
2. We thoroughly inspect the tyre both internally and externally
3. We clean and prepare the puncture area
4. We apply a full patch repair on the slow puncture
5. We reinflate the tyre to optimal tyre pressure and check for leaks

Our technicians are fully qualified and use only appropriate tools and materials that meet UK standards. A DIY car tyre puncture repair kit is very unlikely to be able to restore a tyre to roadworthy condition even if the tyre is punctured in the minor repair area.

 

Run-Flat Tyres and Repairs

A run flat tyre present a special case. At Mobile Tyres Glasgow, we follow manufacturer guidelines, which typically advise against repairing run-flat tyres. This is because it’s difficult to determine the extent of internal damage after they’ve been driven on while flat.

If you do get a puncture in your spare tyre, the tyre will need to be replaced. Luckily you don’t need to get to a garage, and our team will come straight to your location to get your tyre replaced. There may also be a difference between puncture repair for summer and winter tyres, something we examine in our guide to winter tyres vs summer tyres.

 

The Importance of Professional Inspection

Even if a puncture appears small, it’s crucial to have it professionally inspected. Our experienced technicians at Mobile Tyres Glasgow can assess whether a repair is safe and legal. We use specialized equipment to check for hidden damage that might not be visible to the naked eye.

Our Commitment to Tyre Safety

At Mobile Tyres Glasgow, safety is our top priority. We never compromise on the quality of our repairs or the advice we give. If we believe a tyre is unsafe to repair, we’ll always recommend replacement, explaining our reasoning clearly.

 

Benefits of choosing car tyre puncture repair from Mobile Tyres

Choosing Mobile Tyres Glasgow for your puncture repair or tyre replacement offers several benefits:

1. Convenience: We come to you anywhere in Central Scotland from Edinburgh to East Kilbride, saving you time and hassle.
2. Expertise: Our technicians are fully trained and experienced in all aspects of tyre repair and replacement.
3. Compliance: We strictly adhere to all UK safety regulations, including British Standard BS AU 159.
4. Transparency: We provide clear explanations and honest advice about your tyre condition.
5. Comprehensive Service: From inspection to repair or replacement, we handle everything on the spot.

 

Get in touch

While it is often possible to repair a punctured tyre, it’s crucial to follow UK safety regulations. These rules are in place to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. At Mobile Tyres Glasgow, we’re committed to providing safe, compliant, and convenient tyre services across Central Scotland. If you’re unsure about the condition of your tyre or whether it can be repaired, don’t take risks. Contact Mobile Tyres Glasgow for a professional assessment. Our expert technicians will inspect your tyre and provide honest advice on whether a repair is possible or if replacement is necessary.