Yes, many punctures can be safely repaired, but not all of them. Under the UK standard (BS AU 159), a puncture is repairable only if it's within the central three-quarters of the tread, the hole is no more than 6mm in diameter, and the tyre has no other damage. Anything in the sidewall or shoulder, or a tyre that's been driven on while flat, generally means a replacement.
When a puncture can be repaired
- The damage is in the central tread area (the minor repair zone).
- The hole is 6mm or smaller.
- There's no sidewall damage, perishing or previous bad repair.
- The tyre wasn't driven flat, which overheats and weakens the structure.
A proper repair removes the tyre from the wheel so the inside can be inspected, then plugs and patches it from the inside, not just a string plug from outside.
When it can't be repaired
- Sidewall or shoulder damage – never repairable.
- Holes larger than 6mm or cuts and tears.
- Tyres below the legal tread limit anyway.
- Run-flats driven while deflated.
Why a proper repair matters
A roadside string plug pushed in from outside isn't a permanent fix and isn't to standard. A correct repair is cheaper than a new tyre and lasts the life of the tyre. We follow BS AU 159 on every repair.
Get it checked, not guessed
Our mobile puncture repair service comes to you across London and Birmingham. We'll inspect the tyre, repair it if it's safe, and tell you honestly if it needs replacing. Book a repair.
