Tyre Sealants
If you get a puncture in the main tread area there is a possibility that it could be repaired, rather than it needing to be replaced with a brand new car tyre. There are rules set by British Standards that confirms the various types of damage that are suitable to be repaired and how these should be done.
Above all the highest priority is that the car tyre itself is taken off the wheel and thoroughly examined for internal damage, otherwise if something had not been seen the tyre could fail suddenly, potentially leading to catastrophic effects. Therefore any exteranlly applied liquid sealants or plugs that have been injected into the valve of the tyre are not seen as permanent repairs.
A large proportion of car manufacturers have omitted the spare wheel and now supply a tyre inflator or tyre sealant instead. This is to reduce the C02 emissions and increase fuel economy, as a wheel and tyre weighs as much as a small child. These work by inflating the car tyre with a gel like substance yet the overall result will be much dependent upon what damage the puncture has caused and if the flat tyre has been driven for sometime.
There are two types of sealants, one type is used pre-puncture as a preventative messure. The good point with this is that you can continue driving without the need to immediately find somewhere to fit a new tyre in the most awkword of areas. There are some draw backs to this system as you may not even be aware that you have had a puncture. If you have a large nail or screw in the tyre this can cause further damage to the tyre or even the wheel, especially to low profile car tyres or van tyres under a heavy load.
The second type of sealant is used after a puncture. This sealant is generally a gel and is injected directly into the tyre via the valve. The tyre is then inflated and the gel seals hole as long as it is not too badly damaged.
Any sealant use is considered to be a temporary measure and the experts here at grippy believe the tyre should be professionally checked as soon as possible. The tyre needs to be removed from the wheel for a thorough inspection, and at this point we will be able to let you know if it is suitable for repair. Damage to the sidewall of a tyre would generally mean the tyre would need to be replaced.