What to do if a car tyre punctures?
A simple trick to quickly overcome a regular puncture is to carry a tyre inflator and repair kit. Tyre Inflator: Since the shift to tubeless tyres has become universal, most cars today do not need a complete dismounting of tyre to fix a puncture. The precise location of the puncture is also a deciding factor. The rules stipulate that tyre repairs must stay within the central three-quarters of the tread, known as the “minor repair area. Moreover, if the size of the puncture is more than or equal to 6 mm in diameter, a repair isn’t permitted at all.How long should you wait after a puncture repair? After fixing a tyre puncture, give it about 10 to 15 minutes before driving. This wait lets you make sure the repair is holding and the tyre pressure is stable. If the tyre pressure drops, then this means the repair has not worked.When you have a slow puncture, it can be possible to inflate the tyre and complete your journey before the pressure drops to an unsafe level. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t repair or replace the tyre, as a slow puncture is a sure sign of a weakness somewhere in the tyre’s structure.We can repair punctures to car tyres if: The puncture point is in the middle three-quarters of your tyre’s width. The tyre hasn’t had previous repairs. The puncture is less than 6mm in diameter.
Can I repair a punctured car tyre?
Puncture repair kits only work if the tyre has suffered a minor puncture, blow out’s – sudden and immediate loss of the air in the tyre causing structural damage cannot be repaired by a puncture repair kit. Damage caused to the sidewall from hitting a kerb will also prevent a puncture repair kit from working. Myth 1: All Punctures Can Be Safely Repaired Some types pose serious risks if patched incorrectly: Sidewall and shoulder punctures cannot be safely repaired. Repairs are typically only safe when the puncture is less than 6mm in diameter and located within the central tread (the “crown” area).Puncture repair is limited to the tread area and only between the outside shoulder grooves. You should never repair a tire in the sidewall, shoulder area or outer tread area.When a tyre undergoes a minor puncture repair, the damaged area is prepared using an air drill. While perfectly safe when used in the minor repair area of the tyre, the process could potentially weaken the structure of the sidewall.The tyre is repairable in most cases. Unless the puncture is too large, tyre repair is usually possible. However, it is important to remove the tyre to ensure that it is not marbled and/or damaged by driving at low pressure.
How much does a car tyre puncture cost?
In the UK, you can expect to pay between £20 and £45 for a professional puncture repair. Most garages and tyre shops will charge in the range of £25 to £35 for a standard car tyre. This is for a proper, safe, and permanent fix. At Jerry, we’ve helped 40,000 people with this service and found that a professional inside patch/plug combo repair typically runs $20-$45 per tire. In high-cost areas or on specialty tires like low-profile or run-flats, the cost can rise to $40-$75.Typically, a patch or plug costs roughly $20 and $50, while a new tire can run upwards of $100. Sidewall damage often can’t be safely patched, which means you’ll probably need a new tire.
Can I claim insurance for tyre puncture?
One of the common problems that vehicles suffer on Indian roads is tyre puncture. Though this can be easily fixed in any garage, insurance companies do not cover the cost of such minor repairs. This also includes the regular wear and tear of tyres and tubes. There is no definitive tyre age limit as to when you should replace your tyres but once your tyres reach 7-10 years old, you should keep a close eye on their condition and consider replacing them. Tyre ageing is commonly identified by small cracks, known as crazing, which appear in the tyre sidewall.The average life of car tyres in India is five years, and the tubeless tyre life in km is 50000 km. Ageing causes the tyres to wear out from the inside and outside. After five years, it is safer to replace the tyre even if there is no tread loss or visible damage.
Can you still drive with a punctured tyre?
If you experience a flat tyre while out and about on the roads, you should not continue to drive the vehicle – as this could damage your wheels and necessitate costly repairs. You shouldn’t drive with a punctured tire even if it seems possible, especially when the severity of the damage is minimal, or the leak is slow. In such a case, you might be able to continue for a short distance. However, a fast pressure drop, or any visible damage means you should stop driving it immediately.Generally, a slow puncture can continue to leak air unnoticed for days or even weeks. However, it is not recommended that you should drive with a slow tyre puncture. Driving can cause air to leak faster and the decrease in tyre pressure will negatively impact handling, braking and overall vehicle stability.Driving at constantly high speeds can increase the probability of tyre bursts on the road. Every tyre is rated for a particular speed limit and road surface, if the driver fails to heed those limitations, the tyre will eventually get damaged before its stated life cycle and become susceptible to a burst.Even if you have a slow puncture, you should stop to change your tyres as soon as possible. Driving with a slow puncture increases the risk of a blowout. Driving with a set of tyres in good working condition is crucial for your safety, your passengers’ safety, and that of other road users.
How much should a tyre puncture repair cost?
If your tyre meets the requirements for a safe repair your local Kwik Fit centre can carry out a puncture repair from just £29. This cost includes fitting, new valve, and wheel balancing. What will it cost to get it fixed? In the UK, you can expect to pay between £20 and £45 for a professional puncture repair. Most garages and tyre shops will charge in the range of £25 to £35 for a standard car tyre. This is for a proper, safe, and permanent fix.If your tyre meets the requirements for a safe repair your local Kwik Fit centre can carry out a puncture repair from just £29. This cost includes fitting, new valve, and wheel balancing.
Is it worth getting a puncture repaired?
So, we recommend replacing run flats after a puncture. Not carrying out a repair is the only way we can guarantee a driver’s safety. As such, we would always advise you to purchase a new run flat tyre rather than repairing it. The rules stipulate that tyre repairs must stay within the central three-quarters of the tread, known as the “minor repair area. Moreover, if the size of the puncture is more than or equal to 6 mm in diameter, a repair isn’t permitted at all. Drivers have no other alternative than to invest in a brand-new tyre.A repair kit uses tyre sealant and a compressor to temporarily repair the hole in the tyre. Depending on the nature of your puncture, you’ll also need to clean the tyre, reinflate it to the correct pressure, and check for leaks once you’re done.