DIY Tyre Repair: 3 Things You Need to Do

If a tyre on your car develops a puncture, you may be tempted to carry out DIY repairs. Repairing rather than replacing a tyre could save you quite a bit of money. However, if you do decide to go down the DIY repair route, it is important that you do everything in your power to ensure that the repair is conducted correctly. If you botch a puncture repair, you could increase the risk of tyre failure, which could lead to a serious accident in the future. Below is a guide to 3 things you need to do if you plan to repair an auto tyre.

Always remove the damaged tyre You should never attempt to repair a tyre which is still attached to the wheel of your car. Firstly, by removing the tyre, you will be able to carry out a full inspection to check the extent of any damage to the rubber. Secondly, you will also be able to apply the glue and patches from the puncture repair kit without the weight of the car pressing down on the tyre. If you do not feel confident enough to use a jack to lift your car so you can remove a tyre, you should take the vehicle to an auto repair shop.

Ensure that the damaged area hasn't already been repaired

If the tyre has previously suffered a puncture and it has been patched, you should never attempt to re-patch this area using a puncture repair kit. An area of rubber which has already been damaged and repaired has been compromised. Any further damage which occurs to this area will probably compromise the integrity of the tyre, and you will need to visit a garage to have the tyre replaced.

Only repair damage which does not exceed the maximum design

A tyre is only designed to withstand a certain amount of damage before it is judged to be  beyond repair. The manufacturer of the tyre should be able to provide details of the maximum size of any puncture which can be repaired. You should only carry out repairs on damage which falls within the parameters set out by the manufacturer. If you are unsure whether the level of damage to a tyre can be repaired, you should take it to be inspected by a professional mechanic. If you would like to find out more about this subject, contact your nearest tyre shop today.