Puncture Repair in Poole

Puncture repair in Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch

A nail or screw in your tyre doesn't always mean buying a new one. If the damage is in the right place and isn't too big, a proper puncture repair is safe, lasting and far cheaper than a replacement. We repair punctures at our Poole depot on Banbury Road, or our technicians can come to your home, work or the roadside anywhere in Poole, Bournemouth and across Dorset, usually the same day.

Can my puncture be repaired?

Not every puncture can be fixed safely. In the UK, the British Standard BS AU 159 sets out when a car tyre can be repaired. In short:

• The damage must be in the central part of the tread, roughly the middle three-quarters of the tyre's width.
• The hole must be small, typically no more than 6mm across.
• There must be no damage to the sidewall or shoulder, and no signs that the tyre has been driven on while flat.

If your tyre meets those rules, we'll repair it. If it doesn't, we'll show you why and give you a price for a new tyre instead. We'd rather be honest than send you away on a tyre that isn't safe.

How we repair a puncture properly

A roadside plug pushed in from the outside is only a temporary fix. We take the tyre off the wheel and repair it from the inside:

1. Inspect. We check the puncture's position and size, and examine the inside of the tyre and the sidewall for hidden damage.
2. Prepare. We clean out the injury and buff the inner liner around it so the repair can bond.
3. Repair. We fit a combined plug-and-patch repair with vulcanising solution, sealing the hole and the inner liner in one go.
4. Refit. We fit a new rubber valve, refit and balance the wheel, set the pressure and tighten the wheel nuts to the correct torque.

Signs you might have a slow puncture

Not every puncture goes flat straight away. Look out for:

• One tyre that looks lower than the others
• Having to top up the same tyre every week or two
• Your tyre pressure warning light coming on
• The car pulling to one side
• A screw or nail head visible in the tread

If you spot one, avoid long journeys on that tyre and book a repair soon. Driving on a soft tyre can damage the sidewall and turn a cheap repair into a replacement.

Stuck with a flat right now?

If the tyre is flat and you can't drive, call our emergency tyre fitting service. Our average arrival time is under 60 minutes, and our vans carry new tyres in case the puncture turns out to be unrepairable. If your car's locking wheel nut key is missing, tell us when you call so we can bring the tools to remove the locking nut.

Frequently asked questions

Is a puncture repair safe?

Yes, when it's done properly to the BS AU 159 standard, with the tyre removed and repaired from the inside. A correctly repaired tyre can be used normally for the rest of its life.

Can you repair a puncture in the sidewall?

No. Sidewall and shoulder damage can't be repaired safely, because those parts of the tyre flex too much. The tyre will need replacing.

Can you repair run-flat tyres?

Some run-flat manufacturers don't approve repairs, and a run-flat that has been driven on while deflated usually can't be repaired. We'll check yours and advise honestly.

I've used a can of tyre sealant. Can the tyre still be repaired?

Often, yes. We'll clean out the sealant and assess the damage as normal. Let us know you've used it when you book.

How long does a puncture repair take?

It's a quick job once we're with you. Call 0800 7311 260 and we'll arrange a time at the depot or at your location.