No time is convenient for a tyre puncture. Moreover, a damaged tyre not only affects driving but also affects the safety of the driver, passenger, and other road users. So, when you encounter a tyre failure, you would naturally want to get it fixed as soon as possible. But not all tyre damages are repairable, even though this option is more environmental-friendly and less costly. We have provided a quick map as to when your tyres can and cannot be fixed.
Location of the puncture
If the puncture occurs on the tyre’s central portion (here, it means the middle three quarters), it can be fixed. But if the sidewall of the Continental Tyres Birmingham is punctured, it can’t be repaired usually. The reason is that the sidewall bears most of the weight when you are driving, and the repair process reduces the strength of the sidewall’s structure. It also needs to have an adequate flex; the patches applied to repair the tyre might get detached from the tyre.
What about run-flat tyres?
Run-flat tyres might not be conducive for driving after their repair. So they are disposed of when they get damaged. Run-flat tyres are constructed in such a way as to let you drive in case of a puncture. So, you don’t get stranded and can reach a tyre shop or your home. These tyres let you drive for 50 miles at about 50mph after a tyre puncture. While this is a huge perk, it can’t be determined if the tyre structure has been impaired before or after the tyre failure. For this reason, you need to replace your run-flat tyres even after a minor puncture. If more than one tyre gets punctured, you shouldn’t drive.
Puncture Size
The size of the puncture has to be taken into account. If the puncture is in the tyre’s central three quarters is a minor one, you can get the tyre repaired. But if the area is more than the highest area as stipulated in the British Standard BSAU159, you need to change the tyre as it isn’t legally fixable. If the damaged area is more than 6mm in diameter, you shouldn’t even attempt to repair your tyre. If you have driven over small sharp items like nails, don’t fret. The damage caused can be easily mended. But larger items cause irreparable damage.
Condition of the tyre
If you have to get your tyres restored, take them to a reputable garage. They’ll check if your tyre is up to condition. If the tyre has less than the minimum legal tread (1.6mm), don’t get it fixed. Moreover, if there is bead/cord damage(including rust), or if the rubber has aged, or there are multiple punctures, the tyre should be exchanged.
Puncture sealants
Punctures do not come in a scheduled time, and we know replacing a tyre can be a chore. So, you can get out of this pickle by using sealing products like sealant foam, though this hack is temporary. You have to take the damaged tyre to a tyre shop. Make sure to follow what the manufacturer recommended as the products might be incompatible with your tyre. Again, only use puncture sealants to drive your vehicle to the dealership; you can’t use them on ripped sidewalls.
Self-sealing tyres
Self-sealing tyres stop the loss of air pressure by sealing all penetrations in the tread less than 6mm. We suggest you show these tyres to a professional and take heed of their final decision. Don’t use any other sealant products in case of self-sealing tyres.
Who should you consult in case of tyre damage?
Don’t try to repair the punctures or any other damage on your own. Consult an individual proficient in this area to fix your tyre correctly. The tyre has to be taken out from the wheel and checked for internal damages before fixing. Without internal inspection, the repaired tyre might cause serious grievances due to secondary internal damage.
The professional repairers might refuse to fix your tyres for various reasons, like if you have driven the flat tyre for too long.
Frequency of checking the tyre pressure
You should check the tyre pressure at least twice a month. Maintaining the correct pressure is paramount; it provides you with a comfortable and economical drive and ensures the safety of the vehicle’s systems. You are legally bound to have adequate pressure.
Why is maintaining the right tyre pressure crucial?
Under or over-inflated tyres adversely affect the handling, safety, and overall performance of the vehicle. So, you need to maintain the correct tyre pressure.
If you want to detect if Car Tyres Birmingham has suffered a puncture, see if any of them look more deflated than the others. No matter the size of the puncture, you need to get it fixed. Repeated inflation will only increase the chances of tyre and wheel damage. Plus, it will incur more costs and put everyone at risk. Other signs show if you have a tyre puncture. They are – heavy or sluggish steering, a constant one-direction pull, a tyre-pressure monitoring system warning, and dragging of the car while slow rolling.