Punctures
When a tyre is punctured, First Stop specialists are there to check the wheel and repair the tyres, if appropriate, in a professional, safe way.
What can I do to avoid puncturing the tyre?
It is not easy to prevent a punctured tyre, but some of these suggestions can help reduce the risk:
- Regularly check the tyre tread, in case there is any glass or other foreign material embedded in it.
- Make sure the tyres are at the correct pressure. Do not forget to check the spare wheel as well.
How do I know if there has been a puncture?
A slow air leak can be detected visually (when one tyre has a lower profile than the others) or when driving (the car handles differently).
If there is a sudden loss of air, you will lose control of the steering wheel. In this case, the best thing is to slow down, while holding the wheel firmly, until the car stops completely, and repair the puncture as soon as possible.
If the vehicle is fitted with a Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), this warns you the moment the pressure drop occurs or there is a puncture in the tyre.
If the car is fitted with Run Flat tyres, you can continue driving after the puncture. RF tyres allow the car to travel at 80 Km/hr for a distance of about 80 km.
How many times can a tyre be repaired?
Before repairing a tyre, it is recommended to consult the vehicle manufacturer's manual, to see if there are any restrictions on use.
The decision on whether or not to repair tyres will depend on the damage they have suffered, and the position of the puncture on the car. For safety reasons, you can only repair a puncture on the tread; never one on the side wall.
Tyre repairs should always be carried out by a specialist. First Stop professionals perform all repairs according to the strictest safety guidelines.
