When a Puncture Can Be Safely Repaired

Not all punctures require a full tyre replacement. Under British Standard BS AU 159, a tyre can be safely repaired if the puncture is within the central three-quarters of the tread (the "minor repair zone"), the puncture diameter is no greater than 6mm, and the tyre has not been run flat. Our Bradford mobile technicians carry professional repair kits and can carry out BS-compliant repairs on the spot. A proper plug-and-patch repair typically costs significantly less than a replacement and is just as safe when done correctly.

When You Need a Full Replacement

A tyre must be replaced — not repaired — if the puncture is in the sidewall or shoulder of the tyre, if it has been driven on while flat (which causes internal structural damage), if there are multiple punctures close together, or if the tyre has significant tread wear anyway. Run-flat tyres that have been driven on beyond their zero-pressure range also cannot be repaired — the structural reinforcement is compromised. Bradford's pothole-heavy roads mean sidewall damage is unfortunately common; our team sees this regularly on routes like the A6036 and inner-city streets.

The Foam Sealant Myth

Many newer cars come with a foam tyre sealant kit instead of a spare wheel. These products can temporarily inflate and seal a small puncture, but they are not a permanent fix and they make subsequent proper repair significantly more difficult — the foam contaminates the inside of the tyre. If you've used a sealant kit, you must tell your tyre technician before any repair or replacement is attempted. Motorway Mobile Tyres carry replacement tyres on board, so in Bradford and West Yorkshire we can always replace a sealant-treated tyre in a single visit.