How to Repair A Tyre?
Tyre repair may involve the use of patches, plugs, chemical sealants or some combination of 2 or more of these elements, depending on the nature, location and extent of the damage. It is crucial to attend to tyre damage as soon as you are aware of it to ensure your safety and the safety of any passengers travelling in your vehicle. For your convenience, we have listed the most commonly used methods to repair a tyre in Australia below, together with a concise description of each one.
Expert Repair Methods: How to Repair a Tyre Like a Professional
All of the following methods are employed on occasion by tyre repair professionals in Australia, but some are only used in emergencies and are not intended as a permanent fix.
Patch and Plug Combination
If you ask an experienced technician in Australia how to repair a tyre, this is the method that's most likely to be recommended. It involves removing the tyre from the wheel, locating the puncture and inserting a plug into the hole from the inside of the tyre. The plug seals the puncture, while a patch is applied to the inner liner to reinforce the repair. This combination provides a durable and effective seal, particularly for small punctures in the tread area.
Patch Only
In cases where the puncture is larger or the damage extends beyond the tread area, a patch-only repair may be necessary. This method involves removing the tyre from the wheel, cleaning the damaged area, and applying a patch to cover the hole on the inner liner of the tyre. Patch-only repairs are commonly used for injuries that are too large for plug repairs or in situations where the tyre's structural integrity has been compromised.
Chemical Sealants
Ask a mate how to repair a tyre, and they may suggest this method. Also known as tyre sealant or tyre slime, chemical sealants are often used as a temporary solution for small punctures. The sealants are injected into the tyre through the valve stem and work by sealing the puncture as the tyre rotates. While chemical sealants can effectively seal minor punctures, they are generally considered a temporary fix and may not provide a long-lasting solution. It is important to note that some tyre companies do not recommend the use of sealants, so it's crucial to check the manufacturer's guidelines beforehand.
Professional Repair Kits
Professional puncture kits typically include tools, materials, and instructions to perform a thorough and professional repair. They may include components such as plugs, patches, adhesive, and specialised tools. Professional repair kits are designed to provide a reliable and long-lasting repair solution and are often used by tyre service providers.
Consultation with a Tyre Professional
If you don't know how to repair a tyre or you're dealing with a severe case, we recommend that you consult a qualified tyre repair professional. Experienced professionals have the knowledge and skills to assess all types of tyre damage accurately and determine the most suitable repair method. A tyre professional will also ensure that every repair meets national standards and is performed according to industry best practices.
Is Tyre Repair Safe?
Some motorists want to jump right in and learn how to repair a tyre so they're never left stranded by the side of the road waiting for help to arrive. But the majority of drivers we talk to just want to know whether tyre repair is safe. They're very happy to let a professional perform the necessary repairs, but they want to be sure they're not putting themselves at risk by choosing to repair rather than replace a tyre. Our answer is always the same. If a tyre is repaired by a qualified technician, according to all relevant standards and guidelines, it should be perfectly safe. You can safely drive on a professionally repaired tyre as long as you stick to the recommended time and speed limits.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Tyre?
Now that you have some idea of how to repair a tyre and how important it is to do the job properly, you'll probably want to hire a professional rather than tackling the job yourself. But how much will you have to pay an experienced technician to repair a tyre in Australia? Well, that depends on the type of tyre and the damage sustained.
How Long Does Tyre Repair Take?
A tyre repair could take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour, depending on the type of tyre and the nature of the damage. For professional patch and plug repairs, a wait of between 30 minutes and 1 hour can be expected in the majority of cases.
What Should I Do if I Have a Flat Tyre?
If you have a flat tyre while driving on public roads in Australia, we recommend taking the following steps:
- Move Your Vehicle to a Safe Area if Possible
- Evacuate the Vehicle if It Cannot Be Moved to a Safe Area
- Check That Everyone is Safe
- If You Have a Repair Kit and Know What You Are Doing, You May Now Attempt a Repair
- If You Don't Have a Repair Kit or Don't Know How to Repair a Tyre, Contact a Tyre Repair Professional
In all cases, safety should be your prime concern. If you have any doubts about your ability to perform a tyre repair, call a professional: don't risk your life.
Can All Tyres Be Repaired?
No, not all tyres can be repaired. Certain types of tyres, such as run-flat models, are not suitable for repair, and certain types of damage cannot be safely repaired. In most cases, the damage must be limited to the tread area, and the hole should be smaller than 6mm in diameter. If this is not the case, replacement is the safer option. The only time that you or anyone else should attempt to repair a tyre with damage to the sidewall or a hole exceeding 6 mm in diameter is if you simply have no other option.
Bonus Information: How to Avoid Tyre Damage
Learning how to repair a tyre or at least how to find a tyre repair expert is a great use of your time that's sure to pay dividends in the future. Learning how to minimise the chances of damaging your tyres in the first place is also a very good idea. Follow our suggestions to stay safe and, hopefully, puncture-free.
- Check Tyre Pressure Regularly and Adjust as Necessary
- Replace Worn Tyres When Tread Reaches Legal Limit
- Inspect Tyres and Remove Foreign Objects After Driving on Rough or Debris-Strewn Roads
- Avoid Driving Over Kerbs and Potholes
Taking these measures won't guarantee you'll never have a puncture, but they will make it a far less likely occurrence.
Can you repair a tyre yourself?
Yes, with the right tools or a professional repair kit.
Can a tyre be repaired with a nail in it?
Yes, but the puncture must not exceed 6mm in diameter, or the tyre is irrepairable.
PRP stands for Puncture Repair Patch. It is a small piece of rubber material that is used to repair a punctured tyre. To fix a damaged tyre, a puncture repair patch is applied to the inside of the tyre where the hole is located. This enables the tyre to hold air and function properly.
Can I drive with a nail in my tyre?
Yes, as long as the tyre isn’t flat. The best course of action is to get it fixed immediately to avoid further damage and a potential blowout.
Small sharp objects slicing into or puncturing the rubber, faulty valves and driving across kerbs or potholes are all potential causes of slow punctures.
Repairing a tyre after a puncture or a cut does weaken the tyre. However, if the job is done correctly and it is the first time the tyre has been repaired, you can drive on it for as long as recommended.