Tire Repair – What to Do When a Tire Puncture Occurs

When you drive on flat tires, it can ruin your day or even worse cause an accident. Having the proper Tire Repair is essential to getting you back on the road fast and safe. A Tire Repair can also save you money in the long run.

The best thing to do when you find a punctured tire is pull over and inspect the punctured area for any signs of damage, such as loss of air pressure or visible holes in the sidewall. A puncture that is located within the tread area of the tire is often repairable, but it may require a tire replacement if located in the shoulder or sidewall.

If you are unsure whether the puncture is repairable or not, contact your local Tire Service professional. They can dismount your tire and thoroughly inspect it, including the interior lining of the tire. Having the tire removed from the rim allows them to see where the puncture occurred and determine the size of the hole as well as if it has caused any other internal damage such as a cut or tear.

There are several types of repairs that can be made to a tire puncture, but the most reliable and longest-lasting is a patch-plug repair. The technician removes the damaged tire from the rim, uses a tire reamer to clean and roughen the surface of the punctured area, then applies glue to both the plug and patch. Once the adhesive is dry, the tire is remounted on the rim and inflated to the appropriate psi.

If the puncture is located in the center, or crown, of the tire (where the first major grooves begin), then it can be repaired using a patch-plug combination. This is the most commonly used type of puncture repair and offers a highly reliable, durable, and long-lasting solution for most punctures.

Tires are subject to a great deal of wear and tear, especially when driving over potholes or sharp rocks. This wear can cause the rubber of the valve stem to deteriorate or become damaged, creating a leak in the tire. A tire service technician can replace the valve stem and reinstall the tire.

The most common type of puncture is a metal valve stem that can be difficult to detect. You might notice a slight difference in the ride of your car, or it might start to drag on one side. The most important thing to remember is to contact a Tire Service technician right away to have any abnormal vibrations, bumps or ride disturbances checked out immediately, as they could be the first sign of tire failure that can lead to serious injury or death.