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When can a tyre be repaired on the spot?
A tyre can be repaired when the damage is a small hole in the tread area, typically caused by a nail, a screw or a sharp object, and the internal structure hasn't been damaged. This is the most common case with a nail in the tyre or a puncture with a slow leak.
The full criteria are explained in the guide on when a tyre can be repaired.
When is a repair not possible?
A repair isn't possible when the damage compromises the tyre's structure. In these cases it needs replacing:
| Damage | Repairable? |
|---|---|
| Small hole in the tread | Usually yes, after inspection |
| Damage on the shoulder or sidewall | No |
| Long cut or tear | No, see cut tyre |
| Bulge or hernia on the sidewall | No, see bulge in the tyre |
| Visible plies | No |
| Tyre driven on deflated for a long way | Usually not: internal structure damaged |
If a repair isn't possible, we can go ahead with a wheel change.
What does the technician check before repairing?
Before repairing, the technician checks that the tyre can genuinely be saved. The main checks are:
- Position of the hole: it must be in the tread area, not on the shoulder or sidewall.
- Size and shape of the damage: a small hole is different from a cut.
- Inside of the tyre: removing it shows whether the structure has been damaged, for example from running deflated.
- General condition: tread wear, any other damage or deformation.
- Rim and valve: sometimes the air loss isn't caused by the hole.
The final assessment always rests with the technician after the inspection: a photo helps point us in the right direction, but it isn't enough to decide.
How does an on-the-spot repair work?
The repair is carried out wherever your vehicle is, without you having to move it. In short:
- we make the vehicle and the work area safe;
- we lift the vehicle and remove the wheel;
- we locate the hole and inspect the tyre;
- if the damage is repairable, we carry out the repair;
- we refit the wheel and check the pressure.
When the damage is repairable, we have you back on the road in no time. If the inspection reveals damage that can't be repaired, we tell you and look at the alternatives together.
Does a sealant kit complicate the repair?
It can. A repair kit with sealant and compressor is designed to plug small holes in the tread so you can reach a tyre fitter; after use, the tyre must still be checked. Some sealants can make a later repair more complicated, because the liquid has to be removed from the inside before work can begin.
If you haven't used the kit yet, call us first on +39 377 326 0999. Full comparison in the guide repair kit or space-saver.
Can run-flat tyres be repaired too?
With run-flat tyres, repairability needs particularly careful assessment, because it also depends on how far and how fast you drove after losing pressure, and on the manufacturer's guidance. Read the guide on how run-flat tyres work and the punctured run-flat page, then call us with the tyre size and vehicle model.
Frequently asked questions
How close to the sidewall can a hole be and still be repairable?
There's no single distance you can judge at a glance: holes in the tread area are generally repairable, while those on the shoulder or sidewall are not. The technician assesses the exact position after removing the tyre and inspecting the inside too.
Can I drive normally after the repair?
If the tyre was judged repairable and the repair was carried out correctly, you can generally go back to driving normally. Check the pressure over the following days and, if the TPMS warning light comes back on or you notice a leak, contact SOS Tyre on +39 377 326 0999.
Can a tyre that has been repaired twice still be used?
It depends on the position of and distance between the holes, the condition of the tyre and the manufacturer's guidance. Several repairs close together can make the tyre unfit for use. The decision rests with the technician after the inspection: if in doubt, the cautious solution is replacement.
Can a tyre with a hole caused by glass be repaired?
Glass can cause a small hole, repairable just like one from a nail, or a cut, which usually isn't. What matters is the type of damage, not the object that caused it. A close-up photo helps, but the final assessment is made after the tyre has been removed.
Why is the tyre losing air even without visible holes?
The leak may be due to a very small, invisible hole, the valve, a damaged rim or an imperfect seal between tyre and rim. The technician checks these points during the job. In the meantime, avoid driving if the tyre is visibly deflated.