Tyre Repair: What You Can and Cannot Fix on a Flat Tyre

A flat tyre is an inconvenience every driver encounters sooner or later. While tyre repair is sometimes possible, safety must always come first. Understanding when a tyre can be repaired — and when it must be replaced — is essential for keeping you and other road users safe.

Fast Facts: When a Tyre Is Beyond Repair

A tyre should not be repaired if any of the following conditions apply:

• ❌ Tread depth is below the 1.6 mm legal limit.

• ❌ Rubber is cracked, worn, or deteriorated.

• ❌ Puncture size is 6 mm or larger in diameter.

• ❌ The puncture is outside the tread area (i.e. in the sidewall).

• ❌ The structural integrity has been compromised or there is run-flat damage.

Safety first: At Continental, we do not recommend repairing tyres with significant damage. In most cases, replacement is the safer and more reliable option.

What the Law Says About Tyre Repairs

Most countries regulate tyre repair procedures to maintain safety standards. These regulations define:

• Which materials can be used,

• How many repairs are allowed per tyre, and

• Which areas of the tyre can legally be repaired.

Such laws ensure that only safe, roadworthy tyres are allowed back into service.

When Tyre Repair Is Not Permitted

A tyre cannot be repaired in any of the following circumstances:

• The tread is below 1.6 mm (the legal minimum).

• The structure or sidewall is damaged.

• The rubber is cracked or has deteriorated due to age or heat.

• There is visible cord exposure.

• There are previous faulty repairs.

• The puncture is larger than 6 mm or outside the repairable area.

The “Minor Repair Area” Explained

Only punctures located within the central three-quarters of the tread — known as the minor repair area — may be legally and safely repaired.

• Repairs outside this zone (closer to the sidewall) are not allowed, because this part of the tyre flexes and bears more stress during driving.

• A repair in these zones would likely fail quickly, increasing the risk of tyre blowout.

In summary:
🟢 Repairable: Small puncture (<6 mm) in the central tread area.
🔴 Not repairable: Any puncture near or in the sidewall.

Why You Should Never Repair a Sidewall Puncture

The sidewall is the most flexible part of a tyre and endures constant bending, stretching, and compression.
For that reason:

• Any puncture here compromises the tyre’s structure, even if patched.

• A repair patch is unlikely to stay secure for long.

• Continued use could lead to tyre failure or blowout.

Important: If your puncture is near the sidewall, replacement is your only safe option.

Avoid Driving on a Flat Tyre

If your tyre goes flat, avoid the temptation to “limp home.”
Driving on a deflated tyre causes the sidewall to get crushed between the wheel rim and the road, resulting in:

• Irreversible damage to the tyre’s structure.

• Extended damage beyond the minor repair area.

• Complete tyre failure, even if the original puncture was small and repairable.

Best practice:
Stop driving immediately, fit your spare tyre, or have your car towed to a service centre.

The Safe Way Forward

If you’re unsure whether your tyre can be repaired, have it professionally inspected by a qualified tyre specialist.
They will check:

• The location and size of the puncture,

• The internal structure for hidden damage, and

• Whether the tyre remains legally compliant and safe for use.

If the tyre doesn’t meet these conditions, replacing it is the only responsible choice.

Key Takeaway

✅ Tyre repairs are limited to small punctures in the central tread area.
❌ Sidewall or structural damage cannot be repaired safely.
🚫 Never drive on a deflated tyre — it destroys repairable tyres.
⚙️ When in doubt, seek professional advice or opt for a new tyre.

A properly maintained, undamaged tyre is vital to your vehicle’s safety and performance — don’t take risks with your only contact point to the road.