Car tires encounter various hazards on the road, especially stray nails and screws. If you just had a puncture, you may be wondering whether your tire is repairable. Since tires are expensive, repairs can save you several hundred dollars. Different factors determine whether you should patch up a fixed tire or replace it. Read on to find out the key factors you should consider before repairing your punctured tire.

Cause of the Tire Puncture

The most common causes of punctures are small nails and screws. They penetrate the tire, causing air to escape and deflating the tire. Sometimes the nails and screws remain lodged in the tire after the puncture. This form of damage is easily repairable. All you need to do is patch up the tire to prevent moisture and foreign objects from getting inside.

There are other factors that can cause a flat tire. They include:

• Damaged valve stem: The valve stem is the protrusion used to inflate tires. It can get worn or clogged, causing a flat tire. You can repair or replace the valve stem without replacing the entire tire. 
• Bead leaks: A tire bead is the part of the tire that sits on the rim. It can leak air, causing the tire to flatten without a puncture. Inspect the tire to determine the cause of the air leak.

Punctures are not the only cause of flat tires. Luckily, if you have a bad valve system or a leaking tire bead, you don't need to replace the tire.

Diameter of the Hole

Nails and screws often leave small holes in tires. You can repair small holes without compromising safety and vehicle stability. However, if the damage to the tire is severe, a replacement may be necessary. For example, if your tire has been deeply cut by glass and the diameter of the hole is large, repairing it may not be an excellent choice. Over time, the patch will wear out too, increasing the risk of frequent punctures. Your tire technician can examine the damage and determine the best approach to fix it.

Location of the Puncture

For you to repair a punctured tire, the puncture should only be in the tread area. If the sidewalls have been punctured, it's not advisable to repair the tire. Sidewalls are essential to the form and stability of the structure. It's hard to fix the sidewall because the patch likely won't hold. Thus, check the location of the puncture to determine whether the tire is repairable.

Have you had a flat tire while on the road and don't have a spare tire? Are you unable to drive to an auto repair shop for help? Contact a mobile technician for mobile tire repair services.