Don’t Let A Puncture Spoil Your Day!

Article written by Bush Tyres

Pesky Nail Punctures Tyre

Even Supercars get punctures! This Mclaren 650S recently visited our Endyke Tyres depot in Hull for a repair after a nail tried to ruin the owner’s day.

Puncture Repaired to British Standard BSAU159

If your car tyre has a puncture, you should fit the spare wheel as soon as you see the problem. Driving on a tyre with a puncture can damage the tyre beyond repair. If you don’t have a spare tyre or are unable to fit the spare wheel yourself, try to inflate the tyre enough to safely drive to your nearest Bush tyres branch.

Once in branch, the fitters will safely jack the car and remove the road wheel. The tyre is then sprayed with soap solution and/or dropped into a tyre bath to detect the source of the leak. The valve is also thoroughly checked for leaks to ensure no issues there.

The area for repair is then marked clearly before the tyre is removed from the rim. If the damage is within the central area of the tread and the object has not damaged the internal structure of the tyre, a safe and legal repair can be carried out.

The tyre is inspected for the following defects:

• Inadequate tread depth (legal minimum 1.6mm).
• Splits, cuts, rubber crazing/cracking reaching the casing.
• Casing break-up.
• Previous repairs outside the scope of BS AU 159 unless they are specialist repairs carried out by the original tyre manufacturer.
• Significant contamination by solvents etc.
• Bead damage, including broken bead core.
• Liner deterioration.
• Secondary effects, e.g. under-inflation/deflation damage or savaging by the point of a penetrating object.
• Exposed cords due to tread wear or sidewall scuffing.
• Tread or sidewall rubber separation.
• Belt separation (radial ply tyres).

Once assessed the damaged area is prepared by cleaning and stripping using a mill cutter to a dull finish to ensure the vulcanising cement will stick correctly.

This standard ensures all repairs to vehicle tyres in the UK will perform the same way as the tyre was originally designed. These repairs will also now last for the remaining life of the tyre.

Slow Punctures

Avoid inflating the tyre multiple times when you have a slow puncture. If you leave it too long the sidewall of the tyre may become weaker which could even cause the tyre to fail or even blow out. If you can’t get enough air in the tyre to drive it safely, you can always call our mobile fitting service. Our technician will come to you and repair your tyre.

Tyre puncture repair FAQs

How much should a puncture repair cost?

A tyre puncture repair can cost between £25 and £45 depending on the type of damage, the tyre model and the type of work that the service centre will carry out. Replacement TPMS valves and balancing may cost extra.

Is it worth repairing a punctured tyre?

In most cases, it is worth repairing a punctured tyre rather than replacing it, when the damage falls under the British standard BSAU159, like any puncture with a diameter of less than 6mm for example.

How many times can you repair a punctured tyre?

There is no limit to the number of minor repairs, as long as the patched areas are not overlapping, they can be repaired safely.

Can you drive with a flat tyre?

It is not safe to drive with a flat tyre. It can cause serious damage to the wheel and other components of your vehicle; there is also a risk that the tyre will be permanently damaged if you carry on driving while it is flat.

How long can you drive on a patched tyre for?

Tyres repaired in accordance with standard BSAU159 offer the same performance as a healthy new tyre, in terms of durability, load capacity and maximum speed tolerated. The repair will last the remainder of the tyre’s life.

Ready To Be Called Upon

All Bush Tyres branches have trained professionals on hand ready and waiting to repair your puncture. With no need to book, and no appointment necessary. Bush Tyres are proud to offer not only the drive in service for repairs but also operate a dedicated team of 24-hour callout service for anyone who cannot make it to a Branch.

Call 0800 1385000 to book a mobile tyre fit.

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