
HOW EXTENSIVE IS THE DAMAGE?Ī tire puncture or hole bigger than ¼ of an inch cannot be repaired. If the tire has two separate punctures, it may be repairable if the two damaged areas are at least 16 inches apart.

If the puncture or damage is located on the “crown” (middle) area of the tread, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches away from the shoulder, there is a good chance it can be repaired. If a puncture is on or very close to the sidewall, it cannot be fixed safely. WHERE IS THE DAMAGE LOCATED?ĭamage or punctures to certain areas of a tire can severely compromise their stability and cannot be fixed. If the tires are old and weak, it might be better just to start shopping for a new tire or a new set. If your tires are relatively new and in good condition, and you were just unlucky enough to drive over a nail, a professional may recommend a simple combination patch plug.

Hitting a curb or a pothole, on the other hand, could cause damage that’s harder to pinpoint and fix.

Driving over a nail or other sharp object could result in a small puncture. There are a few common ways to get a flat tire.
