Puncture Repair

£28.99

How to Tell If Your Tyre Has a Puncture

Not sure if your tyre has a puncture? Learn the signs, what a professional check includes, and whether a DIY repair is safe.

What checks will be carried out:

Before any work is carried out, the fitter will inspect the tyre to see if the tyre is repairable. When you arrive for you puncture repair check here is what to expect:

1. Visual Inspection

External Check: The technician looks for visible damage such as:

Embedded objects (nails, glass, screws)
Cuts or splits in the tread or sidewall
Signs of aging or dry rot

Internal Check: If the tyre is removed from the wheel, they check the inside for:

Hidden internal damage (e.g. liner separation, bulges)
Signs of run-flat damage (driving on a flat tyre)

2. Puncture Location Assessment

Technicians check where the puncture is:

Repairable: In the central tread area
Not repairable: On or near the sidewall or shoulder

3. Size and Nature of the Damage

Typically, only punctures up to 6mm in diameter in the tread area are repairable.
Tears, slashes, or multiple close punctures usually make the tyre unrepairable.

4. Tread Depth Measurement

They assess tread depth to ensure the tyre has enough life left. Most repairs are only done if the tyre is above 1.6mm (UK minimum legal limit).

5. Tyre Pressure Check

Technicians may check for leaks or abnormal pressure loss using soapy water or electronic leak detectors.

6. Compliance with Safety Standards

How to check for tyre damage:

1. Low or Tyre Losing Air Pressure

Warning Light: Your TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) may alert you to low pressure.
Manual Check: You may notice one tyre consistently loses pressure faster than the others.

2. Visible Damage or Embedded Object

You might see:

A nail, screw, or sharp object lodged in the tread
A cut or gash in the rubber
A bubble or bulge (suggests internal damage)

3. Car Pulling to One Side

If you are wondering why your car is pulling to one side, a flat or underinflated tyre can cause the car to pull left or right while driving.

4. Vibration or Rough Handling

A punctured tyre may cause:

Unusual vibrations through the steering wheel or seat
The car to feel unstable, especially at higher speeds

5. Flapping or Thumping Noise

A soft or flat tyre may make a flapping sound, especially noticeable at low speeds.

6. Difficulty Steering or Braking

Reduced traction and response due to lower tyre pressure can affect:

Braking distance
Cornering grip
Steering control

7. Visibly Flat or Misshapen Tyre

In more advanced cases, you’ll see:

The tyre looks visibly flat or sagging
Uneven shape or collapse at the bottom

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to stop driving and get the tyre checked professionally. Continuing to drive on a damaged tyre can cause irreparable harm.

Think your tyre has a puncture? Book a professional check today to stay safe on the road.

If the tyre passes all these checks, a repair is carried out.

Can I repair a puncture myself?

You can patch up a puncture yourself with an emergency repair kit, and it’s handy in a pinch, especially if you just need to get back on the road. But for your safety, it’s always best to have the tyre checked and repaired by a professional. They’ll make sure the damage is properly assessed and fixed to safety standards. Think of the DIY repair as a short-term fix to get you to a garage, not a long-term solution.