Nail in your sidewall
Table of Contents
Nail in your Sidewall
Nail in Your Sidewall – When Can a Tyre Be Safely Repaired?
One thing I will always remember from my early tyre trade days was my time working at Kurt Neild Tyres in Leeds, UK. Looking back now, it was probably where I learned most of my tyre knowledge and many of the business skills that helped shape Pellon Tyres over the years.
Kurt Neild Tyres employed some of the best tyre technicians in the country at that time. They believed strongly in proper training and teaching younger staff the correct way to repair tyres safely and professionally. Much of that knowledge has stayed with me throughout my working life.
Back then, tyre repair work was carried out on everything from giant earthmover tyres to ordinary family car tyres. Interestingly, although the sizes varied enormously, the basic repair principles were very much the same. The materials used were all based around raw rubber compounds and specialist vulcanising processes.
The Problem with Sidewall Damage: Nail in your Sidewall
One thing motorists often ask today is the following:
“Can a tyre with a nail in the sidewall be repaired?”
Unfortunately, in many cases the answer is still no.
The sidewall and shoulder area of a tyre flex constantly whilst driving. This area experiences tremendous stress and heat build-up compared with the centre tread section. Because of this movement, ordinary puncture repairs are not considered safe in the sidewall region.
UK tyre repair laws are very strict regarding where a tyre may legally be repaired.
Under the current British Standard:
Only certain areas of the tyre tread can normally be repaired safely and legally on passenger vehicles.
Generally speaking:
- repairs are allowed only within the central tread area,
- and not in the outer shoulder or sidewall sections.
This is because repairs in those areas may weaken the tyre structure and increase the risk of sudden failure at speed.
The image shown alongside this article demonstrates exactly the type of damage I am referring to.
The Early Days of Vulcanised Repairs: Nail in your Sidewall
Years ago, if a customer arrived with a nail or screw in the shoulder area of a tyre, the answer was usually straightforward:
- The tyre had to be replaced.
At that time, tyre sizes were generally much smaller than they are today. Most family cars used:
- 13-inch,
- 14-inch,
- or perhaps 15-inch wheels.
Then along came the larger 16-inch tyres, which seemed enormous at the time and were very expensive when first introduced.
Being passionate about customer service and always trying to help customers save money where possible, I made the decision to purchase a specialist tyre vulcanising machine.
This machine allowed us to carry out advanced vulcanised repairs on certain types of tyre damage that would otherwise have required a costly replacement tyre.
What Is Tyre Vulcanising?
Tyre vulcanisation is a specialist repair process involving:
- fresh raw rubber,
- heat,
- pressure,
- and curing technology.
The damaged area of the tyre is carefully prepared before fresh rubber material is bonded into the damaged section. The tyre is then placed into a vulcanising machine where heat and pressure effectively “cook” the new rubber into the tyre structure itself.
When carried out correctly by trained technicians using approved methods, vulcanised repairs can provide a strong and long-lasting repair.
In many cases, the repaired area becomes almost as strong as the original tyre itself.
Why Vulcanising Became Less Popular: Nail in your Sidewall
As time passed, tyre manufacturing changed dramatically.
The once-expensive 16-inch tyres eventually became commonplace and far cheaper to replace. Customers naturally preferred fitting a brand-new tyre rather than paying for specialist vulcanised repairs.
Eventually, the repair side of the business became less viable financially, and many garages, including ourselves, gradually stopped offering major vulcanising repairs.
Of course, we continued carrying out standard puncture repairs and still do so today.
The Return of Larger Tyres
Interestingly, the tyre industry has now almost gone full circle again.
Modern vehicles, especially SUVs and premium cars, now use extremely large wheel and tyre sizes as standard. Today it is completely normal to see the following:
- 19-inch,
- 20-inch,
- 21-inch,
- or even 22-inch tyres fitted to everyday road vehicles.
Many replacement tyres now cost the following:
- well over £100,
- £200,
- or significantly more.
Even economy SUV tyres can now be surprisingly expensive.
As a result, many motorists are once again asking about specialist tyre repairs rather than immediately replacing damaged tyres.
Modern Specialist Tyre Repairs: Nail in your Sidewall
Because of the increasing cost of modern tyres, specialist repair technology has become relevant again.
At Pellon Tyres Halifax, we made the decision to invest in modern tyre vulcanising equipment so we could once again offer certain specialist tyre repairs safely and legally.
Importantly, we always follow:
- UK tyre repair regulations,
- manufacturer guidelines,
- and strict safety procedures.
Not every tyre can be repaired, and customer safety must always come first.
Any tyre showing:
- structural damage,
- exposed cords,
- large sidewall splits,
- or severe internal damage
must still be replaced.
However, some specialist repairs can safely extend the usable life of expensive tyres when carried out correctly.
UK Tyre Repair Law
Many motorists are unaware that tyre repairs in the UK are governed by strict safety regulations.
The current recognised standard is the following:
- British Standard BSAU159.
This standard sets out:
- which areas may be repaired,
- approved repair methods,
- acceptable damage limits,
- and inspection procedures.
Before any repair is carried out, the tyre must be removed from the wheel and thoroughly inspected internally for hidden structural damage.
Legally approved repairs must:
- restore the tyre’s integrity,
- maintain safety,
- and not compromise the tyre’s speed or load rating.
Unsafe or external-only “string repairs” are not considered permanent legal repairs under British Standards.
Why Proper Repairs Matter: Nail in your Sidewall
A tyre is one of the most safety-critical components on any vehicle. It is the only part actually touching the road surface.
A poorly repaired tyre can lead to the following:
- sudden deflation,
- blowouts,
- poor handling,
- or loss of control.
This is why proper training and approved repair methods are so important.
At Pellon Tyres Halifax, we have always believed that safety comes before profit.
Modern tyres are more complex.
Modern tyres are also far more advanced than older designs.
Today’s tyres may include the following:
- reinforced sidewalls,
- run-flat technology,
- low rolling resistance compounds,
- and high-speed ratings.
This makes correct inspection and repair procedures even more important.
Some modern run-flat tyres, for example, may not be repairable at all depending on how long they have been driven while deflated.
Final Thoughts
The tyre industry has changed enormously over the years, but one thing remains the same:
- Proper tyre safety matters.
From my early days at Kurt Neild Tyres in Leeds through to today at Pellon Tyres Halifax, tyre repair technology has continued evolving alongside changing tyre designs and vehicle technology.
With modern SUVs and premium tyres becoming increasingly expensive, specialist vulcanised tyre repairs are once again becoming a valuable option for motorists — provided they are carried out safely, professionally and within UK tyre repair laws.
At Pellon Tyres Halifax, we continue offering honest advice and professional tyre services to help keep local motorists safe on Yorkshire roads.
