How do you use a tyre repair kit (sealant + compressor)?

When can you use the repair kit?

You can use the repair kit when the tyre has a small hole in the tread area, for example caused by a nail or a screw. It's no use and won't work in other cases.

• Not on cuts, tears or large holes.
• Not on shoulder or sidewall damage.
• Not if the tyre has come off the bead (out of its seat on the rim) or if the rim is damaged.
• Not if you've driven a long way on the flat tyre: the structure may be compromised.

To work out which solution is best, also read repair kit or space-saver?

How to use the kit: the steps

The main steps are similar for almost all kits, but the instructions printed on your kit always take precedence.

1. Make yourself safe, with the handbrake on and hazard lights switched on.
2. If the nail is still in the tread, it should generally be left where it is: follow the kit's instructions.
3. Shake the canister, if required, and connect it to the compressor and the tyre valve.
4. Plug the compressor into the 12 V socket with the engine running or the ignition on, as instructed.
5. Switch on the compressor: first the sealant goes in, then the air. Inflate to the specified pressure.
6. If the pressure doesn't rise within the time given in the instructions, the damage is probably too large: stop.
7. Stick the speed limit sticker where you can see it, if supplied, and set off straight away to spread the sealant.
8. After a few kilometres, stop and recheck the pressure with the compressor.

How can you tell whether the kit repair has worked?

The kit repair has worked if, when you check after the first few kilometres, the pressure has stayed steady or dropped only slightly and you've been able to bring it back to the correct value.

If the pressure has dropped a lot, or the tyre goes down again, the sealant hasn't sealed the hole: don't carry on. Stop somewhere safe and ask for assistance; continuing to drive risks ruining the tyre and the rim for good (see can you drive on a punctured tyre?).

How fast should you drive after using the kit?

After using the kit you must respect the speed limit set by the manufacturer, usually shown on a sticker to put on the dashboard. Drive gently, avoid sharp braking and get to a tyre specialist as soon as possible.

A sealant repair is temporary: it isn't designed to stay in the tyre permanently.

What should you do after using the kit?

After using the kit you must have the tyre checked by a tyre specialist, who will remove it, clean the inside and assess whether it can be permanently repaired or needs replacing.

• Tell them you've used sealant: some products make the subsequent repair more complicated.
• On cars with TPMS sensors, the sealant may also affect the valve: the technician will check it.
• Buy a new canister or replace the used one, as it can't be reused.

For the repairability criteria, read when can a tyre be repaired.

Would you rather not use the kit in Milan?

If you're in Milan or the surrounding province and don't want to use the kit, or it hasn't worked, SOS Tyre comes out 24/7, in 30 minutes on average: when technically possible we carry out an on-the-spot tyre repair. Call +39 377 326 0999.