When is it illegal to repair a punctured tyre?
9th April 2026
Have you ever wondered what a punctured tyre looks like, and how to decide whether it’s repairable, or a replacement tyre is needed?
Fuzz Townshend visited Landsail stockist Glossop Tyres to get their expert insight into what to look out for and the action you should take…
Does the tyre look different?
Give your tyres a thorough visual check – do any of them look lower to the ground or noticeably flat?
It’s important to check all areas of the tread for any embedded objects like nails. If you discover anything like this in your tyre, then you should visit your local garage for advice on whether the tyre can be repaired or it needs replacing.
What is the difference between a puncture that can and can’t be fixed?
If an embedded object appears close to the sidewall of the tyre, it is illegal to repair it. This is because the sidewall is the weakest point of the tyre, so attempting to repair a puncture in this area would affect the structural integrity of the tyre, putting drivers at risk.
Seek advice from a professional
If you are in any doubt about the condition of your tyres, seek professional advice from your local garage.
You can check out further advice and tips from Glossop Tyres in the video below.
