How do you know if you need emergency tyre repair immediately, or whether it can wait? This blog will explore the instances in which you might need to call for immediate tyre repair, and whether you can wait until you get to a specialist or whether you should pull over and call your breakdown cover supplier for support. 

You might need emergency tyre repair if you’ve noticed the following signs

Some of these instances necessitate a quick check-in from you, whereas some are much more serious. We explore the gravity of your situation in the headings below.

The tyre pressure warning light

The tyre pressure warning light indicates a loss of tyre pressure. If you notice no functional difference, simply head directly to the nearest service station or mechanics so that you can perform a tyre pressure check. If your tyre pressure light is regularly coming on, you likely have a slow leak in the tyre and it needs replacing. However, it could indicate you’ve sustained a puncture. If you notice any visual deflation or the car is not performing as it should, call your breakdown cover or get the mechanic to provide professional advice and assistance where necessary.

Car listing to the left or right

If your car is pulling to the left or right, you could have uneven wear on your brakes, uneven wear on your tyres, or you could require emergency tyre repair. Low tyre pressure can also lead your car to wander to one side or the other, so you need to check whether this is simply low pressure or whether you’ve sustained damage to the tyre. Make sure your tyres are rotated regularly to ensure more even wear.

Difficulty steering

If the steering isn’t as responsive as it should be or is acting erratically or differently from usual, you may have issues with your tyres. 

Car vibrations

If the car feels wobbly or is shuddering, you have likely sustained damage to your tyres which needs attention. If your tyres are more than three to five years old, they may just be nearing the end of their lifespan, but be without damage. When tyres get old they tend to cause slight vibration. It’s time to invest in new tyres.

Ticking noise as you drive

A ticking noise often indicates something is stuck in the tread of your tyre. If a nail or screw is stuck, it may well have punctured your tyre. Pull in wherever it’s safe to do so, and do a visual assessment of the tyre. If there’s a nail or screw in your tyre, don’t pull it out! If you don’t seem to be losing pressure, get yourself to the nearest professional for assistance to assess the damage - you could only need a small fix if you act quickly. If you ignore this you could sustain more serious damage and could put yourself at risk of a dangerous blowout whilst you drive. If you have already lost pressure, you need to wait for roadside assistance or change your spare tyre yourself.

Emergency car repair for a puncture

If you’re aware you’ve sustained a puncture, pull over as soon as you can safely do so. You need to assess the damage to the tyre. You must decide whether to use a temporary puncture repair kit and get yourself to the nearest professional for assistance, or whether to call your breakdown cover and await roadside assistance. If you can get to a professional, they will be able to assess the damage done and whether you need repair or replacement.

How do I know if I need tyre repair or replacement?

Your tyre can only be repaired if the damage is minimal. For example, if you’ve sustained a small puncture, at less than 6mm in diameter and across the space spanning the central three-quarters of the tyre, you might be able to undergo tyre repair. Otherwise, damage that is more prolific or closer to the sidewall will need replacement, as you’re at risk of a dangerous tyre blowout because the sidewall is the part of the tyre which endures the most flex. 

Can I repair a run-flat tyre?

A run-flat tyre has a reinforced sidewall which ensures you can drive the car, carefully and slowly, to the nearest mechanic even when you’ve sustained a flat tyre. However, even if the damage is small and to the central ¾ of the tyre, a run-flat tyre cannot be repaired. This is because it’s almost impossible to tell if the tyre wall has been damaged (usually sustained by driving over 30mph or for an excessive distance). The built-in resilience of a run-flat tyre means that the damage to the tyre can be masked, so we cannot guarantee that it would be safe to use - you’ll need a new tyre.

The cost implications - to repair or to replace?

Repair is a cheaper option than replacement, so it can seem an attractive option. However, you need to work out the long-term cost implications for you and the vehicle. Although you may be offered a repair service, it’s worth considering the condition of your tyres. If your tread is nearing the legal driving limit of 1.6mm, or the tyre is nearing 10,000 miles, it might be worth investing in a new tyre anyway, as it will be more cost-effective in the long run. It’s also worth bearing in mind that it’s not advisable to repair a tyre more than once as the tyre’s safety will likely be compromised. 

If you need advice on your tyres, having sustained damage, get in touch with Ablefit today. Serving Bristol and the surrounding areas, our family business has more than 15 years of expertise in keeping you on the road.