Stuck On The Side of a Road? Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Fixing a Punctured Tyre
Nobody likes being caught out with a flat tyre, but unfortunately, it’s a hurdle that most drivers will have to overcome at least several times in their lifetimes. If you’re clueless about what you should do when you’re faced with a flat tyre, you’re not alone. According to a recent survey, two in five Australian drivers don’t know how to change a car tyre. In this article, we’re here to tell you everything you need to know about fixing a punctured tyre.
How do I know if I have a punctured tyre?
A common misconception of tyre punctures is that they’re immediately noticeable. Slow punctures are far more common than full tyre blowouts, so it’s important to be aware of the early signs of a punctured tyre. Luckily, there are a few tell-tale signs that signal to a serious problem with your tyre. Here are some of them:
- The car shudders or shakes when driving
- Steering becomes difficult
- The car wants to pull in one direction when braking
Nails, screws, and other metal debris are the most common culprits of tyre punctures. However, punctures can also be caused by sharp rocks, broken glass, and potholes. If you find yourself on the road with a tyre situation, the best thing to do is to stop driving and fix the problem immediately. Keeping a spare tyre in your boot, as well as a wheel brace and a solid jack, is always a good idea.
How much does it cost to fix a punctured tyre?
Given how important your tyres are to the overall safety of your vehicle, it’s important to ensure that your tyre repairs are done by a qualified, reputable technician. A puncture repair usually takes under an hour to complete, and depending on how serious the damage is, repairing your tyres may be the fastest and cheapest way of getting back on the road. At Jim’s Mobile Tyres, our onsite tyre puncture repair services start from just $79.
Can you repair a tyre with a nail in it?
Whether or not you can repair a tyre with a nail in it obviously depends on several factors. The extent of the damage, the size of the puncture, and the location of the puncture are just some of the considerations that will need to be taken into account by your technician.
Generally speaking, your tyre can be replaced if the nail has only punctured the central portion of the tread, if the hole is no more than 6mm in diameter, and if there’s a trained tyre technician onsite to carry out the repair works. If the puncture is located on the sidewall or if the puncture has resulted in a sizeable hole, then it’s probably time to buy some new tyres.
Is it illegal to repair a tyre?
Many people aren’t aware of the existence of Australian tyre repair regulations. The Australian Design Rules (ADR) are a set of legally enforceable guidelines that aim to promote and maintain vehicle safety across all Australian roads. According to the ADR, tyre plugs are an illegal method of repairing tyres. Other than tyre plugs, your tyre may be repaired if the puncture is no more than 6mm in diameter, if a small object has caused the puncture, and if the puncture has occurred in the central portion of the tread.
Can I drive with a flat tyre?
If you experience a flat tyre out on the road, you really should pull over immediately. Running a flat tyre can cause serious damage to your vehicle. More importantly, it increases your risk of getting into an accident. If you find yourself stuck out on the road with a flat tyre and don’t have the tools or skills to fit a new tyre yourself, hobbling to the nearest service station is the wrong response. Our tyre technicians can come directly to you, so you don’t have to put yourself and other road users at risk by attempting to drive on a punctured tyre.
Are tyre puncture repairs permanent?
In order to repair a tyre permanently, a tyre technician will remove the tyre from the wheel and permanently seal the hole from the inside of the tyre. After sealing the internal patch where the puncture was, the tyre will be fitted back onto the rim and then rebalanced. This is a permanent repair, so you don’t have to worry about replacing your tyre following the repair.
If you ever find yourself in need of a tyre repair or a tyre replacement, calling in a mobile tyre technician is the easiest and safest option out there. Here at Jim’s Mobile Tyres, our qualified experts will repair your puncture onsite at affordable prices. Give Jim’s Group a call on 13 15 46 or enquire online today to book a repair.
