How to repair a punctured tire on your car: a guide full of practical tips

First steps after suffering a punctured tire

Over the course of your car's lifespan, it is not uncommon for you to suffer a puncture in one of your tires. This may be the result of the tire's poor condition or a sharp object in the road. Whatever the case may be, the first thing you should do is use caution and stop the vehicle to avoid any possible damage to the wheel. Be sure to pull over in a place with good visibility.

Once you have pulled the car over to a safe place, check the damaged tire to find the cause of the puncture. This way, you can determine if it can be repaired.

Can the tire be repaired?

Not all punctures can be fixed. You will only be able to repair the tire in one of the following situations:

• The puncture was caused by a sharp object that did not leave a very large tear.
• The tire has a small cut in the tread.

If any of these conditions are met, it is possible to repair the puncture, either by taking the car to a repair shop or by repairing it yourself.

Ways to repair a punctured tire

There are several ways to repair a punctured tire. Some of the most commonly used are:

• Tire plugs: this is an affordable and safe option, but keep in mind that it is a temporary solution.
• Tire puncture repair kit: this is the easiest and fastest option. This spray is a substitute for a spare tire on many modern vehicles.
• Puncture repair patches: this is the most professional option for repairing a tire and is the method used in the repair shop if you bring your tire in for repair.

Fixing a punctured tire step by step

When you notice a punctured tire, pull the vehicle over to a safe place as soon as possible. Put on your reflective vest and your hazard lights. 

Then, follow these steps to fix the puncture with a tire puncture repair kit: 

• Remove the object that caused the hole.
• Completely deflate the tire. 
• Shake the canister well. 
• Screw the nozzle onto the tire valve. 
• With the canister in an upright position, hold down the button until the contents are completely released into the tire. 
• Inflate the tire until the required pressure is reached as soon as possible. 

As you can see, repairing a puncture in your tire using this method is so easy that anyone can do it.

Although the tire puncture repair kit is a practical and simple solution to fix a punctured tire, in some cases it may not be enough and you need to go to a professional. For example, if the damage is extensive or close to the tire's sidewall, it is likely that it cannot be repaired and must be replaced.

It is important to keep in mind that the use of this type of kit is a temporary solution and does not replace a complete tire repair in a specialized repair shop. Furthermore, some vehicle manufacturers recommend not to exceed 80 km/h after using a tire puncture repair kit.

Always with reliable products

Remember that, although these products can help you fix a punctured tire temporarily, it is always recommended to take your car to the shop for a permanent repair. It is also important to regularly check tire pressure and their condition in order to prevent punctures and ensure road safety.

Nevertheless, it is essential to have high-quality and reliable products to solve your car's problems. In this regard, Repsol offers a wide range of products for vehicle maintenance, both interior and exterior, including tire puncture repair kits, among others.