Tyre Myths: Can Tyre Repair Kits Do the Same Job as a Tyre Shop?
Why You Must Never Rely on a Tyre Repair Kit
Unfortunately, even the most vigilant driver can suffer a punctured tyre. Nails are often found on city streets, and unpaved rural roads can present hazards that can cause punctures. How good are tyre repair kits?
What Is a Tyre Repair Kit?
Puncture repair kits are designed to help if you get a puncture and are easily stored in your car. Often, they come in small and convenient carry cases that include some, or all, of the following items:
- Plier – to remove the object that has caused the puncture
- Lubricant – to help you ease the reamer into the puncture hole
- Reamer – to probe the puncture and separate the tyre belts
- Cord insertion tool – to insert the repair cord
- Repair cords – the thick spongy cord that you insert into the puncture to fill the hole
Tyre Repair Kit vs Spare Tyre
Most new vehicles are sold without a full-sized spare tyre. Instead, they are equipped with space saver tyres. These are smaller and only to be used as short-term temporary solutions. You shouldn’t drive more than around 80 kilometres on a space-saver tyre.
Tyre repair kits are designed to do a similar job. The aim of the repair is to get the tyre working to the point that you can safely make it to a garage or tyre shop.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, 30% of drivers under 24 don’t know enough about cars to change their own tyre. Tyre repair kits are simple to use and offer a quick and temporary fix. Repair kits also take up less space than a spare tyre and are a good option for cars that come without a spare. However, tyre repair kits don’t always work. For example, if you do significant damage to your tyre by hitting a curb, having a spare would be the better option.
According to tyre maker Continental, on average you are likely to suffer a puncture every 44,000 miles or five years. Having a solution in place for this event is important. Whether you have a spare tyre or a repair kit, the important thing is that you know how to use it.
How Far Can You Drive on a Repaired Tyre?
A tyre repair made with a tyre repair kit is not equal to a repair made in a tyre shop. If the puncture is not substantial, a patch from a qualified tyre repair specialist is of a much higher standard than a temporary fix that you make at the side of the road.
A temporary tyre repair made with your repair kit can last for up to 200 kilometres at speeds of up to 80kmph. This is plenty of distance to get you to a tyre shop where an expert can advise whether you can get a patch or need a replacement. A patch is the cheaper solution, but not always possible. It depends on the damage to the tyre.
Should You Visit a Tyre Repair Shop After You Get a Puncture?
Roadside repair kits are only ever a temporary solution. To get your vehicle repaired and running safely again, you should visit a tyre specialist as soon as possible after you have made a temporary repair. They will tell you if your tyre can be patched or plugged, or if it must be replaced.
What Do the Experts Have To Say?
Bridgestone says:
“Tyre repair kits are a temporary fix, and only designed to patch up small punctures. If your tyre has a gaping hole or its sidewall receives substantial damage, a tyre repair kit isn’t going to help. You should get your punctured tyre permanently patched up once the hole is plugged with a tyre repair kit.”
Have you checked your spare tyre recently? Feel free to contact us to book an appointment or ask any questions you may have.
Keeping your family and fleet safe on the road,
Dean Wood