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Tyres > Help > Tyres Help > Can a sidewall puncture be repaired?
No. Unlike damage to the tread, a puncture or cut in the sidewall can't be safely repaired, whatever the size. A tyre with sidewall damage will need to be replaced.
The sidewall doesn't have the reinforcing steel belts that run through the tread, and it flexes constantly as the tyre rotates and the car moves. Any repair fitted here is under repeated stress and is far more likely to fail than one in the tread area, which is why BS AU 159, the UK repair standard, only permits repairs within the central part of the tread.
A weakened sidewall is at much greater risk of a sudden blowout, particularly at speed. It can also affect grip, braking and cornering, and visible sidewall damage such as cuts, bulges or cracking can result in an MOT failure.
Get the tyre inspected by a professional as soon as possible and avoid driving on it if you can help it. If sidewall damage is confirmed, the tyre will need replacing rather than repairing. Our guide on damaged tyre sidewalls covers the warning signs to look out for in more detail.