Mobile puncture repair or full tyre replacement?
The right call depends on where the damage is, how big it is, and what condition the rest of the tyre is in.
A puncture doesn't automatically mean a new tyre, and it doesn't automatically mean a quick repair either — the correct answer depends on a small set of specific factors that any competent inspection checks before doing anything else. Here's how the decision actually gets made.
What decides it
- Damage sits in the central three-quarters of the tread
- Puncture hole is 6mm or smaller in diameter
- No sidewall or shoulder involvement
- Tyre hasn't been driven any distance while flat
- Legal tread depth remains across the tyre
- Any damage to the sidewall or shoulder
- A cut, bulge, or visible cord/belt exposure
- Driven flat or significantly underinflated for any distance
- A second injury within 40mm of a previous repair
- Tread worn close to or below the 1.6mm legal minimum
How the inspection works
External check
The whole tyre is examined for the position and size of the damage, sidewall condition and overall tread wear before anything is removed.
Dismount and internal inspection
The tyre comes off the wheel so the inside of the casing can be checked for damage that isn't visible externally — this step is what separates a proper assessment from a quick guess.
The decision
If the damage sits inside the repairable criteria and the internal inspection is clear, a BS AU 159 plug-and-patch repair goes ahead. If not, replacement is recommended and the reasons are explained.
After a repair
A correctly repaired tyre should be rebalanced and refitted to the manufacturer's torque setting. It's worth checking pressure again after a day or two of driving, and keeping an eye on the repaired area for any change.
Frequently asked
How do I know if my puncture is repairable before calling?
A quick way to check is whether the object (nail, screw) is visible somewhere in the centre of the tread rather than near the edge or sidewall, and whether you noticed and stopped driving promptly rather than continuing on a flat tyre. A photo sent by WhatsApp helps confirm before a visit.
Is a repaired tyre as safe as a new one?
A correctly executed BS AU 159 repair, on a tyre that qualifies, restores the tyre to a safe, legal, MOT-passable condition for the remainder of its normal life. It's a different question from replacement — both are safe outcomes when applied to the right situation.
Can you repair a tyre at the roadside?
Yes — mobile puncture assessment and repair, where the puncture qualifies, can be carried out at a suitable home, workplace or roadside location using mobile equipment.
Need mobile tyre help now?
Call or WhatsApp with your location, registration and tyre size — we'll confirm availability and the right next step.
Stranded?
We're already on our way.
Puncture at 3am. Blowout on the M25. Locked wheel nut. Whatever it is, call and tell us where you are and what has happened.
Share your location, registration and tyre size so we can confirm the suitable help.
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