Not all simple flat tires can be fixed. It depends on several conditions, as recommended by the Rubber Manufacturer’s Association– the result is that you will need to buy at least one new tire (see Why you may need to buy 2, 4, or 5 tires).

• Tire repair centers should not repair a tire if . . .

• the puncture is on the sidewall or shoulder

• the puncture is more than 1/4” (“round”)

• there is less than 2/32” of tread on any 2 adjacent grooves

• it looks like the sidewall and tread area may be separating

• the tire cord or steel belt is exposed (i.e., you can see the inside material)

• it looks like the tire has been run flat (such as in a valve stem blow-out)

• Some tire dealers will not repair a tire if it already has two repairs.

Also, some dealers will not replace just one tire on all wheel drive (AWD) vehicles unless there is less than 2/32nd inch difference between the new tire and the existing tire beside it (i.e., on the same front or back “axel”). This is a dealer-specific policy, so you should check first.

Learn about buying New Tires or New Wheels and Wheel Combo

Tire or Wheel Problems

Technical Bulletins or Recalls