A puncture doesn't always mean a new tyre. Depending on where and how big the damage is, a repair may get you safely back on the road.
Can it be repaired?
As a general rule, a puncture can usually be repaired if:
- It's in the main tread area (not the sidewall)
- The hole is no larger than about 6mm
- The tyre hasn't been driven on while significantly underinflated or flat for an extended distance
- There's no other damage to the tyre's structure
Sidewall damage, large gashes, or tyres that have been run flat usually can't be safely repaired and will need replacing — the internal structure of the tyre can be compromised in ways that aren't visible from the outside.
What to do if you get a puncture
- Find a safe place to pull over, away from traffic.
- Check whether you can continue slowly to a nearby tyre shop, or whether the tyre is flat and needs to be changed for a spare first.
- Avoid driving any distance on a flat or badly underinflated tyre — this can damage the tyre beyond repair and affect your safety.
- Bring the tyre in for inspection. A proper repair should be done from the inside using a patch-plug combination, not just a plug pushed in from outside.
Not sure if your tyre is repairable? Bring it in and we'll take a look before recommending a repair or replacement.