Puncture Repair Decision Tool
Screen a punctured tyre for professional inspection, possible repair or replacement. The tool is deliberately conservative and does not certify a tyre as repairable.
Assess the puncture
How puncture repair decisions should be made
A puncture is not automatically repairable because it is small. Location, internal condition, previous repairs, tyre construction and the way the tyre was driven after losing pressure can all affect the outcome.
Puncture location is critical
A conventional tread puncture may be a repair candidate when it falls within the repair area and all other criteria are satisfied. Shoulder and sidewall damage generally requires a much more conservative approach and can require replacement.
Internal damage cannot be seen from outside
Driving on a deflated or severely underinflated tyre can create internal damage that is not obvious from an external inspection. That is why an internal inspection may be required before any repair decision.
Use the actual repair limit
This tool asks for the repair-size limit supplied by the tyre manufacturer or qualified repair source rather than inventing a universal maximum.
Previous repairs matter
A tyre with previous repairs may have additional limitations depending on the location and type of the earlier repair. Multiple or overlapping repairs should not be treated casually.
Run-flat tyres need special handling
Run-flat and other special constructions can have manufacturer-specific inspection and repair procedures. When the construction is special or unknown, professional verification is more important.
Replacement is the safer outcome when structural damage is present
Bulges, exposed cords, significant cuts or other structural defects are not situations where a simple puncture calculation should be used to override professional assessment.
FAQs
Can this tell me that a puncture is safe to repair?
No. It identifies whether the entered facts resemble a repair candidate. A qualified inspection is still required.
What if the tyre was driven flat?
Internal damage must be considered. Do not assume an external plug or puncture size tells the whole story.
Can sidewall punctures be repaired?
Do not use this calculator to approve a sidewall repair. Follow the tyre manufacturer's repair policy and professional advice.