On this page
- Which kinds of damage can generally be repaired?
- Which kinds of damage make a tyre unrepairable?
- Why does the technician have to remove the tyre?
- Repair or replace: summary table
- Does a repair kit compromise a later repair?
- Can a run-flat tyre be repaired?
- On-the-spot repair in Milan
- Frequently asked questions
Which kinds of damage can generally be repaired?
Small holes in the tread area, the part of the tyre that touches the road, can generally be repaired. The typical case is a nail, a screw or a small sharp object.
For a repair to be possible, other conditions must also apply:
- the hole is small and runs straight;
- the tyre hasn't been driven a long way while flat;
- inside there are no signs of overheating, rubbing or damaged plies;
- the tyre has no other defects (excessive wear, bulges, cracks).
If you have a nail stuck in the tread, also read the page on a nail in the tyre.
Which kinds of damage make a tyre unrepairable?
A tyre can't be repaired, and must be replaced, when the damage compromises the structure or is in an area that flexes.
- Damage on the shoulder or sidewall: the side of the tyre flexes continuously and a repair couldn't be relied on to hold.
- Long cuts or tears, even in the tread.
- Bulges: these indicate broken internal plies (see bulge on a tyre).
- Visible plies or cords.
- A tyre driven a long way while flat: the internal structure has been crushed and overheated.
Why does the technician have to remove the tyre?
The technician has to remove the tyre because a lot of damage is only visible from the inside. From the outside a hole can look small, while inside the object's path may be at an angle or may have damaged the plies.
After driving on low pressure, signs of rubbing or rubber dust can also appear on the inside of the sidewall: these point to structural damage that makes a repair inadvisable. That's why, before the inspection, anyone who says "it can definitely be repaired" is making a prediction, not an assessment.
Repair or replace: summary table
| Situation | Most likely outcome |
|---|---|
| Small hole in the tread (nail, screw) | Generally repairable, subject to internal inspection |
| Hole on the shoulder or sidewall | Not repairable |
| Long cut or tear | Not repairable |
| Bulge on the sidewall | Not repairable, must be replaced |
| Visible plies | Not repairable |
| Tyre driven a long way while flat | Generally not repairable |
| Slow leak with no obvious hole | Needs checking: the valve or the rim may also be the cause |
Does a repair kit compromise a later repair?
It can make it more complicated. The sealant in an emergency kit plugs the hole from the inside, but it has to be removed before an inspection and a proper repair; with some products this is more laborious.
The kit is still a valid solution for small holes in the tread when you have no alternative. The important thing is to have the tyre checked after using it and to tell the technician you've used sealant. The full comparison is in repair kit or space-saver.
Can a run-flat tyre be repaired?
It depends on the instructions from the tyre and vehicle manufacturers. Some manufacturers advise against or rule out repair, especially if the tyre has been driven without pressure; others allow it under certain conditions.
In any case the general criteria apply: location of the damage, size of the hole and internal condition. Find out more in run-flat tyres: how they work and on the page about a punctured run-flat.
On-the-spot repair in Milan
In Milan and the surrounding province, SOS Tyre reaches your vehicle in 30 minutes on average and, when technically possible, repairs the tyre on the spot. If the photos or description suggest the damage can't be repaired, we tell you on the phone before setting off. Find out about our on-the-spot tyre repair or call +39 377 326 0999.
Frequently asked questions
Can a hole near the shoulder be repaired?
Usually not. The border between the tread and the shoulder flexes a lot and a repair might not hold. The assessment depends on the exact position of the hole and the internal inspection, but the closer the damage is to the sidewall, the more likely a replacement is.
How many times can the same tyre be repaired?
There's no number that applies in every case. What matters is the distance between repairs, the general condition of the tyre, wear and the manufacturer's instructions. The technician assesses each case: a tyre that's already been repaired and is well worn is often better replaced.
If I pull the nail out, will the tyre go down straight away?
Often, yes: the nail acts as a plug and, if you pull it out, the hole is left open and the air escapes faster. That's why it's best to leave it where it is until the tyre is inspected. Pulling it out yourself won't tell you whether it can be repaired anyway.
Is it worth repairing an old tyre with a small hole?
It depends on the condition of the tyre. If the tread is close to the wear limit or the rubber has cracks due to ageing, a repair may not make sense even if the hole is small. You can check the age with the DOT code on the sidewall.
Who decides whether the tyre can be repaired?
The technician decides, after removing the tyre from the rim and inspecting it on the inside too. Photos and a description help with an initial assessment, useful for working out what's needed, but they don't replace a direct examination of the structure.