My Mini tyres is punctured, should I repair or replace the tyre?

Punctures are extremely frustrating & sometimes dangerous if they happen when you're travelling at speed. This week on the blog we're looking at identifying a puncture on your Mini Tyres & advising you what to do next...

I've got a puncture, can I still travel?

If you carry a temporary puncture repair kit in your Mini, you may be able to continue your trip. However, these are not permanent measures. You will need to make sure that you have your puncture repaired professionally or a new tyre fitted. If you have a correct spare wheel with a good tyre fitted then this will get you back on the road and could become the permanent wheel if it matches the other three.

Highways England advises against changing your tyre at the side of the road, instead they recommend finding a safe place to call your breakdown / recovery company. If they cannot get you going again, they will tow you to a garage.

What is a slow puncture?

A slow puncture are caused by small holes in your Mini tyres, they are not always immediately noticeable & tend to get worse over time. Small holes slowly release air, meaning they can often take days, or in some cases, weeks for you to notice. The cause is most often nails, screws or broken glass in the road, however they can also be the result of potholes.

In some cases it can even be the tyre's valve that is the cause, if it doesn't seal tight enough air can escape.

How can I tell if my puncture is a slow puncture?

If your Mini pulls to one side or feels like it is drifting this could also be the poor wheel alignment. Steering wheel vibration can also be an indication of a puncture, however you tend to feel this more when travelling at faster speeds, shuddering or noises can also suggest that there is reduced pressure in your Mini tyres.

Run Flats

Featuring a reinforced sidewall, run flats can make it difficult to tell if your Minis tyres are deflated. Run flats are not a permanent solution though, they are designed to only last for 50 miles, not travelling in excess of 50mph, essentially they are there to ensure you can safely get to your destination.

Unfortunately if you do drive on a punctured run flat, it puts the tyre under great stress that may weaken or damage the tyre, making it not safe for repair and future use. For this reason, it's recommended to not try and repair run flats.

What do I do if my Mini has a puncture?

If you think your Mini has a puncture, get it looked at by a professional straight away! Even if it seems like a small issue, if you ignore the problem it will grow. Punctures create uneven, excessive tyre wear & even leading to losing control of your Mini!

Can my Puncture be Repaired?

Occassionally punctures can be repaired, this is dependant on what kind of puncture you have & where the puncture is on the tyre. Always seek professional help and advice. They will be able to advise you if your tyre is repairable or if you need to replace it.

Emergency Repair Kits

Emergency repair kits do exist to help get you moving again... However - like the run flats, these are temporary measures to help you safely arrive at your destination. They are not a permanent fix.

Don't try to fix your tyre at the side of the road, this is dangerous! Ensure you are away from traffic & get passengers out of your Mini before you attempt to use the kit. Always follow the instructions provided.

 

Can I repair a puncture on my Mini Tyres myself?

No, we recommend that you seek out a tyre specialist. Home repair kits do not last & the tyre will still need looking at by a professional. Professional tyre specialists will be able to detect any issues or damage. They will also repair your tyre if it is safe to do so, whilst conducting a thorough inspection. Keeping you & other road users safe!

We also have a complete guide on 'Understanding Mini Tyres' that you can find on our blog here.

Don't forget, our team is available 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday to assist you with any questions you may have – or assistance you may need, please don’t hesitate to get in touch! Here at Mini Sport we also offer a wide range of Mini tyres, we also offer repairs, services & fitment.

Keep up to date with more Mini Sport News on our social platforms!