Puncture in Portugal. Repair or replace?

[Terry]

My understanding is that an OPC would say you have to replace the tyre but a tyre dealer will tell you that as long as the puncture is away from the sidewall and the sidewall is not damaged then it is OK to repair. I have had a puncture repaired in the past without any problem but I doubt I would do so again because of the occasional high speed blasts on German autobahns etc. My suggestion would be get it repaired now and replace it when you have the opportunity to purchase a new tyre at a reasonable price. Terry

 

[Geoff_Fields]

I have looked at tyre as went flat over night so must be slowish puncture but no obvious nail.

Slow puncture or maybe a small screwdriver pushed into the sidewall near rim by some scroat. When I had this done it was to 2 tyres at the same time![] I have run a repaired tyre for thousands of miles with no problem BUT only on UK public roads. So no prolonged high speeds.

 

[Robin M]

I had a nearly new rear tyre repaired - small nail just off centre- and had no problem with it even on autobahn at an indicated 160. I guess it depends on how you feel yourself and of course if you trust whoever you get to repair it.....

 

[997London]

Typical really never had puncture before and now got one while on hols in Portugal on a Bank Holiday weekend. I had brand new Michelin ps2 put on 10 days ago all round. I have looked at tyre as went flat over night so must be slowish puncture but no obvious nail.

I have not put sealant stuff in tyre yet as then can't have ut repaired. Question is is it ok to get puncture repairs if not in side wall or do I have to buy new tyre? In middle of no where so hard to source.

Advice please.
P.s. They drive like maniacs here, all of em

 

[garyw]

I had one repaired no problem.. If its the plug then the higher the speed the harder they fit in... Mine saw me quite safe on the Autobahn.. garyw

 

[marlin]

ORIGINAL: 997London Typical really never had puncture before and now got one while on hols in Portugal on a Bank Holiday weekend. I had brand new Michelin ps2 put on 10 days ago all round. I have looked at tyre as went flat over night so must be slowish puncture but no obvious nail. I have not put sealant stuff in tyre yet as then can't have ut repaired. Question is is it ok to get puncture repairs if not in side wall or do I have to buy new tyre? In middle of no where so hard to source. Advice please. P.s. They drive like maniacs here, all of em

Have you checked the valve ? a bit if spit on the end after you have re inflated wil bubble up if leaking. [8|] Good luck.

 

[997London]

Thanks for all help. Found a tyre place half a mile away. Will try for repair in the morning or stop off at opc in Porto next day for new tyre. If that is the case will use the sealant stuff to put in tyre to get me the 40 miles there. Never used it but looks like u just squirt it in, pump up tyre and start driving and check 10 mins later. Due 4 year service when get back so will need new one anyway

 

[997London]

Taken tyre off and replacing it now as was full if a good handful of rubber rice size bits. These came from when I drove it 2km without realising it was totaly flat and ate in to inside of true wall. Guy said could drive on it for a 1000 miles but is structually week. Opc in Porto not have any but my guy here can get one by Tom morning. Shame as tyre gas only done 500 miles but think will defo have tyre pressure sensors on next car.

 

[PennyLake]

Hi Geoff,

How can you tell that someone has used a screwdriver to damage your tyre? I had 2 flat tyres on same side on my Boxster one evening this week, we have not yet removed tyres from wheel, and currently we have not recognised any malicious damage. I am concerned to find out why they went flat before I go to the expense of refurbishing or replacing the wheels as current suspicion is a leak at the rim.

Thanks, Penny

 

[CBschnell]

I recently had a blow-out near Northampton. Brand new tyres and refurbed wheels... It was not pretty seeing the rubber in the rear view mirror after the big bang sound! I had to refurb wheel and get a new tyre. The tyre had a large bolt size hole so would unlikely not have been repairable even if I had caught it in time. I have had recommendations not to bother with TPMS but I think the early warning is probably worth having them.

 

[Rodney Naghar]

Hi Geoff,

How can you tell that someone has used a screwdriver to damage your tyre? I had 2 flat tyres on same side on my Boxster one evening this week, we have not yet removed tyres from wheel, and currently we have not recognised any malicious damage. I am concerned to find out why they went flat before I go to the expense of refurbishing or replacing the wheels as current suspicion is a leak at the rim.

Thanks, Penny

Very hard to tell unless the tyre is off the car. Try squirting some washing up liquid mixed with water on the tyes and looking for bubbling. The areas of bubbling are where the holes are. If you can’t see screws or nails etc then it might have been caused maliciously.

You can be a little more certain of the diagnosis once the tyre is off the wheel.