Tyre repairs could leave motorists feeling flat

‘Motorists need to check that their tyres are repaired properly’

Forty per cent of tyre repair traders visited recently did not meet the legislation regarding the repair of small punctures.

Rochdale Council’s Public Protection Officers visited 10 tyre repair traders across the borough to see if they were aware of the legislation covering tyre repairs. At four of them non-compliances were found.

These non-compliances concerned the incorrect method of repairing small punctures where the puncture hole was not filled in but just covered up by a small patch.

The consequence of not filling the hole properly is that the tyre, when in use, will draw water in leading to the corrosion of the steel cords. This may in turn lead to the tyre failing with potentially fatal consequences.

There are strict national guidelines that say how tyre repairs should be carried out.

Motorists who take their ‘flat’ to a garage should check that the puncture is repaired with a patch on the inside of the tyre and check that the hole running through the tyre is filled

Councillor Martin Burke, Cabinet Member for Devolved and Environmental Services said: “This legislation is there to protect drivers, passengers and pedestrians and it’s important that traders understand the consequences if tyres are not repaired properly.
“Traders who did not meet the standards have been give advice and guidance leaflets reminding them of the legal requirements and what they have to do in order to comply with the British Standard.”