I Have a Flat! When to Get a Tire Repair

I Have a Flat! When to Get a Tire Repair

It can be one of the most frustrating things to happen to your car. You are driving your car and you get a flat. Or, you simply walk to your parked car and notice one of your tires is completely deflated.

Aside from being a major inconvenience to your day, it can also be an expensive proposition. A ruined tire can mean at least 2 new tires that will need to be purchased and mounted. And, this is the case whether your tires are a week old or a couple of years old.

A tire repair can be an option, but there are several considerations that have to be taken into account.

How much has the tire been used while flat?

Tires are not designed to be driven flat, or even low on tire pressure. When your tires are deflated, the sidewall bulges, stretches and even touches the road where only the tread is supposed to touch. When this happens, the tires degrade very quickly. If you got a flat while driving and it took some time to notice it or to get to a safe place to stop your vehicle, you should consider the fact that the tire may no longer be safe.

What is the size of the puncture?

Cuts or gashes cannot be repaired, as it’s very possible that the wire structure of the tire may be compromised. A puncture (say from a nail) can typically only be repaired if the hole is less than ¼ of an inch in diameter; any bigger than that and it’s not advisable to repair the tire.

What is the location of the puncture?

A puncture can only be repaired if it’s squarely on the tread of your tire. Any damage near or on the sidewall cannot be repaired, regardless of the type or size.

Beyond these factors are less cut and dry considerations, such as the age and overall condition of the tire. If it’s already been repaired or has had a long life, it may be time to consider new tires than try to stretch the life the tire any further.

Peace of mind is also a key consideration. A puncture – even one which can be repaired, is still a weak spot on a tire and there is no guarantee that a repair will work long term. There is always the chance that there is hidden damage to one of the internal layers or sidewall, which would make another flat inevitable. The question then is whether or not you will be any safer or less inconvenienced should the tire go flat once again.

No one likes an unexpected repair or expense – yet they inevitably happen. When they do, it’s important to have a company you can count on to give you professional advice and an honest assessment of your situation.

The team at BBack Car Care offers fast, convenient tire repair assessments, tire sales and installation services, including balance and alignment services. Depending on the condition of your tire, we may be able to repair it or we can recommend getting 2 tires or 4. We can work with your budget and offer most major brands.

Have a flat? Request an appointment online or give us a call today and a member of our team will get you scheduled.