Puncture in Perth — Repair or Replace?

Picked up a screw or nail? Here is when a puncture can be safely repaired and when you need a new tyre.

Repairable

• Puncture in the central tread area (within the AS 1973 repairable zone)
• Hole no larger than 6 mm
• Tyre not driven on while flat
• Tread depth above 1.5 mm
• No sidewall or shoulder damage

NOT repairable

• Sidewall punctures (always replace)
• Shoulder punctures (the bit between tread and sidewall)
• Damage from running flat (inner liner shredded)
• Holes larger than 6 mm
• Tyres with previous repairs near the same spot
• Old tyres or tyres with cracking

The right repair method — internal patch-plug

The roadside "rope plug" pushed in from outside is NOT a permanent or safe repair. A proper repair to Australian Standard AS 1973 involves:

1. Removing the tyre from the rim

2. Inspecting the internal liner for hidden damage

3. Fitting a vulcanised mushroom-shaped patch-plug from inside

4. Re-balancing the wheel

That is what we do at our Welshpool workshop — $35 per repair. Book a puncture repair.

I drove on the flat — can it still be repaired?

Probably not. Driving on a flat tyre even for 1-2 km usually shreds the inner liner. We will inspect honestly — if it is unsafe, we will tell you.

Avoiding punctures

• Keep correct pressures (under-inflated tyres puncture more easily)
• Avoid driving over obvious debris (broken glass, building sites)
• Carry a quality plug-kit and small compressor for emergencies