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What's different about a puncture on an SUV?
On an SUV, it's mainly the weight and size that change: wheels and rims are larger and heavier, the vehicle is taller and suitable lifting equipment is needed. That's why a DIY wheel change is harder work and, on the road, riskier.
- the car's jack must be placed at the lifting points specified by the manufacturer;
- the spare wheel, if there is one, can be heavy to get out;
- large-size tyres aren't always available immediately, so replacement needs to be checked on the phone.
Does your SUV have run-flat tyres?
Some SUVs, especially premium ones, come with run-flat tyres as standard, which let you carry on for a limited distance at reduced speed after losing pressure. Many manufacturers state, as a guide, up to around 80 km at a maximum of 80 km/h, but you must always check the owner's manual and the manufacturer's guidance. Run-flats require TPMS.
If your SUV has run-flats, read the punctured run-flat page and the guide on how run-flat tyres work.
Four-wheel drive: can you replace just one tyre?
On a four-wheel-drive vehicle, replacing just one tyre needs care. If the new tyre has very different wear from the others, the difference in circumference between the wheels can affect the drivetrain. Some manufacturers give specific guidance on this, for example on the permitted difference in wear or on replacing tyres in pairs or full sets.
So before replacing a single tyre on a 4x4, check the owner's manual for your model. If the damage is repairable, an on-the-spot repair avoids the problem altogether.
How do we deal with an SUV?
With an SUV, we come out quickly to wherever the vehicle is, with equipment suited to large, heavy wheels:
- we assess the vehicle's position and how stable the ground is;
- we lift the vehicle at the points specified by the manufacturer;
- we inspect the tyre and assess whether it can be repaired;
- if it can't, we carry out a wheel change using the on-board equipment;
- we check the pressure and wheel nut tightness.
Large rims and low-profile tyres: what are the risks in the city?
Many SUVs have large-diameter rims with low-profile tyres. This combination is more vulnerable to impact damage from potholes, tram tracks and kerbs: typically a bulge on the sidewall or damage to the rim. A bulge indicates broken internal plies: the tyre must be replaced and you mustn't drive on it.
What information do we need for an SUV?
When you call +39 377 326 0999, tell us the model and year of the SUV, the full tyre size including load index and speed rating, whether it's a run-flat, whether there's a spare wheel and whether it's four-wheel drive. If the SUV is in a garage, also tell us the entrance height and the floor.
Frequently asked questions
Is the SUV's own jack enough to change the wheel?
The car's jack is designed for your vehicle's weight, but it should only be used on firm, level ground and at the lifting points specified by the manufacturer. On an SUV the wheel is heavy and the job requires strength and care: on the road or on a slope, it's safer to call SOS Tyre.
Can I fit a non-run-flat tyre on an SUV that came with run-flats?
It's a choice to weigh up carefully: run-flats are specified by the manufacturer partly because there's no spare wheel. If you fit conventional tyres, you lose the ability to keep going after a puncture. Check the owner's manual and the approved sizes in the vehicle registration document.
Why is it better to repair rather than replace a single tyre on a 4x4?
On a four-wheel-drive vehicle, a new tyre alongside worn tyres can create a difference in circumference between the wheels, which some manufacturers advise against. Repairing the original tyre, when the damage is repairable, keeps the wheels matched. Always check the guidance in the owner's manual.
My SUV has a spare wheel mounted on the tailgate: does that change anything?
On some off-roaders and SUVs the spare wheel is mounted on the rear tailgate or under the floor. In this case let us know on the phone, along with any locks or locking nuts on the carrier: we need the relevant key to be able to remove and fit it.