How to Know if Your Tire Can Be Repaired

close up view of a service tech performing a tire repair service

How to Know if Your Tire Can Be Repaired

Your tires are responsible for getting you where you need to go. Since they are the point where your vehicle makes contact with the pavement, they take a lot of abuse. If you run over nails or screws, bump against the curb, or hit potholes, you can end up with a flat tire. Our customers in Temple, Gatesville, or Killeen can visit us at Stanley Ford McGregor for tire service.

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Service Specials

Determine if the Puncture in Your Tire Can Be Repaired

Not all flat tires can be repaired. When you bring your tire in for service, the first thing the technician does is look at the puncture. Based on a few factors, they will tell whether it can be repaired or needs replacing. The location and severity of the puncture will determine which option is available.
Punctures along the tread area usually can be fixed if they are of a certain size. The puncture can’t be more than ¼ of an inch long. If you have two punctures, they must be under that length and at least 16 inches in distance from each other. The tire can't be repaired if you have more than two punctures.
If the puncture is found along the shoulder or sidewall, the tire will need to be replaced. If it’s over ¼-inch, it won’t be able to be repaired.

Is My Run Flat Tire Salvageable?

While the above information gives you the basics about when a tire can be repaired, you may still have some questions. Your tire may be able to be fixed even if you’ve had a flat repair before. It will depend on where the new puncture is located and how long. If it’s on top or too close to a prior repair, you’ll need to replace the tire. The previous repair must have been fixed correctly for any new repairs to hold.
If your tire has a bubble along the sidewall, you won’t be able to get it fixed. If you have a run-flat tire, it can get you to the service center for repair, but it may need to be replaced. Run-flat tires aren’t designed to be repaired if you allow the tire to go below 15 psi.
Emergency inflators and tire sealants have become popular to help people deal with flat tires. While they can air the tire up and prevent immediate loss of air, they won’t replace the need for a repair. Sealants can prevent the tire pressure monitoring system from working correctly. They often fail to stop the leak and can freeze when the temperatures drop below freezing.
These temporary fixes should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. If you can’t find a better solution, they may be used to allow you to get off the side of the road and take care of your flat tire.
You can bring your flat tire to our service center. Our technicians will look at the tire and let you know if they can make the repair. If not, the parts department will show you available tires you can purchase to replace your damaged tire.

Let Stanley Ford McGregor help you stay safe on the road with our premier tire service.

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Can My Tire Be Repaired?