A puncture doesn’t always mean you need a new tyre.
Depending on where the damage is, how large it is and the condition of the tyre itself, a puncture may be safely repairable. Other times, replacement is the only safe option.
If you’ve picked up a flat or noticed a slow leak, here’s what you need to know before getting back on the road.
When can a punctured tyre be repaired?
In many cases, a small puncture through the main tread area can be repaired, provided the tyre is otherwise in good condition.
The important part is having the tyre properly inspected. What looks like a simple nail or screw from the outside doesn’t necessarily tell you what’s happening inside the tyre.
A tyre professional will consider things like:
- Where the puncture is located
- The size and type of damage
- Whether the tyre has been driven while significantly underinflated
- The condition and remaining tread of the tyre
- Whether there is any additional internal damage
If everything checks out, a professional repair may allow you to safely keep using the tyre rather than replacing it unnecessarily.
When does a punctured tyre need replacing?
Some damage simply isn’t suitable for repair.
Damage to the sidewall or shoulder of the tyre is a major example. These areas flex considerably while driving and generally can’t be repaired in the same way as damage within the tread area.
A tyre may also need replacing if the puncture is too large, there are multiple areas of damage, the tyre is already badly worn, or it has suffered internal damage from being driven while flat.
That’s why it’s worth having the tyre inspected rather than assuming a puncture automatically means either a repair or replacement.
Can you drive on a punctured tyre?
If your tyre is losing pressure, the safest approach is to avoid driving on it unnecessarily.
Continuing to drive on a significantly underinflated or flat tyre can turn potentially repairable damage into a tyre that needs replacing. It can also affect vehicle handling and potentially damage the wheel.
If you notice a tyre pressure warning, visible puncture or a tyre that keeps losing air, have it checked as soon as practical.
What about a slow tyre leak?
Not every puncture results in an immediate flat.
A screw, nail or other small object can sometimes remain lodged in the tread and cause pressure to drop gradually over several days.
If you find yourself repeatedly topping up the same tyre, there’s usually a reason for it. A tyre shop can check for punctures as well as other possible causes of pressure loss, including the valve or the seal between the tyre and wheel.
Should you remove a nail or other puncture yourself?
Generally, leave it where it is until the tyre can be inspected.
Pulling an object out can cause the tyre to lose air much more quickly, potentially leaving you with a flat tyre before you can get it to a workshop.
Instead, check the tyre pressure if it’s safe to do so and organise an inspection.
Tyre puncture repairs in Mackay
If you’ve picked up a puncture around Mackay, Paget or the surrounding region, bring it into Transit Tyres & Mechanical and we can inspect the damage and determine whether the tyre can be safely repaired or needs replacing.
We work across everything from everyday passenger vehicles and 4WDs through to commercial vehicles, trucks and heavy equipment.
And if the problem happens away from the workshop, Transit Tyres also provides mobile tyre servicing and 24/7 after-hours call-outs across the Mackay region.
Need a tyre checked? Contact Transit Tyres & Mechanical in Paget today.
