Torque Shop: When is it best to avoid using your tyre puncture repair kit?
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Tyre repair kits usually include an electric air pump that can inflate a flat tyre.
PHOTO: UNSPLASH
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My car came with a puncture repair kit instead of a spare tyre. The mechanic said if I get a puncture, it is best to just inflate the tyre to get to the workshop and not use the liquid sealant in the kit because it is otherwise more troublesome to patch the tyre. Should I follow this advice?
It is becoming more common for cars to come with a tyre puncture repair kit than a spare tyre. This is to save weight and free up boot space. Typically, the repair kit consists of a pressurised can of liquid puncture sealant and a tyre pump.
User instructions are usually printed on the kit itself. Only punctures caused by a sharp piercing on the part of the tyre that contacts the road can be fixed. Damages like a tear on the sidewall of the tyre cannot be fixed, so if that happens, the only remedy is to replace the tyre.
It is important to note that the puncture repair kit is only a temporary fix as the seal is not meant to be permanent. Any excess sealant inside the tyre will remain as liquid. This will cause the tyre to be out of balance. It is imperative that you drive to the tyre shop at your earliest convenience to have it looked at professionally.
To do the proper repair, the inside of the tyre must be cleaned thoroughly and the puncture permanently sealed.
Generally, if the puncture happens in Singapore, it is a good idea to try inflating the tyre and driving to the nearest tyre shop instead of using the repair kit. Usually, the leak is small enough that the tyre can maintain some air pressure to be driven for a short distance.
Never drive with a totally flat tyre. Not only is it dangerous, but doing so will also damage the tyre, making it irreparable.
If you are planning a long-distance drive, check the condition of the tyres, the repair kit and the air pump. Should you get a puncture on a drive in Malaysia, the tyre shop may not be near enough for you to reach without having to rely on the tyre puncture repair kit.
