Tyre punctures are a common issue that happens when a sharp object pierces your tyre causing an air leak. You cannot drive a car with a popped tyre so try to pull over instantly. Driving with a deflated tyre, if possible, will be a big risk, so you should not tempt it. But to get it repaired yourself or a puncture repair London service, you can follow the following steps.

When can tyres be repaired?

Not every puncture is fixable, and sometimes, it requires changing the entire tyre. Repairs are feasible if the damage is around the treads—the part that contacts the road—and is smaller than 6 millimeters in diameter. A puncture on the part where the tire flexes under pressure should not be repaired because it can fail very easily. Moreover, tyres that are flattened can acquire internal damage, such as broken cords, making replacement the only option. Recognizing these limits will help you get the right repair or replacement from puncture repair London.

Temporary methods of repairing a car

These fixes will come in handy in emergencies, and they will allow you to drive to a nearby repair shop to get the tyre changed.

Here are two of the most common methods:

Tyre repair kit

Many cars come equipped with a pack of tire repair kits, including a sealant and compressor. If they do not come with a spare tire, you may have to call in for a mobile puncture repair London. This quick and easy workaround for small punctures can be used this way:

Steps:

Remove the object stuck in the tyre, if it is a nail or a piece of glass.
Try to take out all air from the tyre.
To prepare the kit, shake the canister to mix the sealant, ensuring equal distribution.
Screw the nozzle to the tyre’s air valve stem securely.
Keep holding the sealant upright and pressing the button to release all the sealant into the tyre. Keep going until the canister is empty or the tyre is fully inflated. Make sure to read the instructions.
Inflate the tyre to the mentioned pressure using a compressor, which is available to read on the tyre’s sidewall or in the manual of the purchased vehicle.
After inflation, you should inspect the tire for any signs of leakage, such as hissing sounds or air bubbles if your tyre is submerged.

After following the steps, make sure to drive slowly to the nearby professional mobile puncture repair London.

Tire plug

A tire plug is used to seal holes with a rubber piece, they offer a temporary solution.

Steps:

Remove the object that has caused the puncture if it is still stuck.
Clean the hole and the hole and the nearby edges with a brush or a small piece of sandpaper.
Try to use a tyre plug tool specifically made for this purpose and then push the plug into the puncture. Finally, push the plugin until it flushes with the tyre surface, then cut off any excess with the same tool.
Finally, inflate the tyre and check for any leaks.

This is not a permanent solution so you should drive slowly and find the nearest car tyre puncture repair stop.

Permanent repair: patch and plug

For a long-term fix, mobile puncture near me can install a patch and plug to seal the puncture from both sides and make your tyre last for a few more trips.

Steps:

For this process you will have to remove the wheel from the car to inspect inside out.
A car tyre puncture repair personnel will assess the puncture size, location, and damage to internal belts and cords and ensure that the puncture meets the repair criteria of 1/4^th of an inch.
Try to enlarge the hole slightly with a reamer and clean the inner surface as well.
Insert the plug from the outside and then push it through until it flushes with the tyre surface, eventually sealing the hole.
A personnel from mobile puncture near me will apply the patch from the inside and then to the corresponding area of the plug. The patch is glued to the inner surface using vulcanizing fluid, creating an airtight seal. Then, following the instructions, allow it to air dry for about ten minutes.
After that, a mobile tyre puncture repair personnel will remount the tyre to the rim, inflate it to the pressure on the side of the wheel, and balance it for even wear. Check for any leaks to make sure the repair is holding, and then your tyre is ready to be back on the road.

This method is prominently referred to as the R.E.P.A.I.R method (remove, evaluate, prepare, apply, install, return to service), and this is a safe and durable way for puncture repair London repairing the tyre following the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and TIA.

Safety precautions:

Safety comes first when you are repairing a tyre:

Park safely: Always stop in a spot away from traffic but still visible if you ever need to call for help.
Protect yourself: If possible, wear glasses and eyewear to avoid serious injury, even by mistake. Carry these PPE with you.
Avoid flat tyres: You should always avoid repairing flat tyres as they may have acquired internal damage, such as broken belts and cords, making repair completely unsafe.
Check after repair: Always check for leaks in your tyre before you drive your car after repair. A leaky tyre can pose a risk to your safety on the road.
Know when to replace your tyres: There are cases when you cannot do repairs, and you will have to repair your tyres. If the puncture has happened on the sidewall or if the puncture has not exceeded at least 1/4^th of an inch, there is nothing that puncture repair London can do to save your tyre. If there is too much wear on your tyre, you should just let that tyre go as a puncture can compromise the inner structure of the tyre.

Conclusion

Tyre punctures are relatively manageable if you use the right approach. Temporary fixes like sealants and plugs can help you get moving much sooner, but sometimes, your tyre requires a permanent plug and patch repair, done professionally by 24hr Mobile Tyre Repair London, which will restore the tyre completely. For expert puncture repair London services, checking your tyres at regular intervals at 24hr Mobile Tyre Repair London can prevent many issues, and understanding the limits to repair can keep you safe. But whichever option you choose, make sure you choose it with careful consideration about your safety.