Dealing with a tyre puncture is one of the great tests that all drivers will have to take at some point in their lives. While 4x4s might be built to bear a little more punishment than your average commuter vehicle, if you’re hitting some pretty rough terrain regularly then, eventually, you might end up with a puncture.
Of course, in a perfect world, you’d always have a spare available for a quick replacement and we would certainly recommend a spare tyre (or two) as one of our most necessary 4×4 accessories. However, if you’ve already burned through your spare and you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere with a puncture and no mobile phone reception, you might need to make a temporary repair yourself.
Note that this should only be attempted in extreme circumstances where there are no other options and you should always replace that punctured tyre as soon as possible.
Getting started
First, you’re going to need to consider the extent of the damage, what tools you have available and your confidence level. Then, once you’ve taken stock, you’ll want to consider what type of puncture you’ve suffered.
If you can see damage to the sidewall then it might be a lost cause and you’ll need to find a way to reach a breakdown service. If it’s just a small hole or cut in the tyre tread, however, then it can be fixed temporarily. At least long enough for you to get to the nearest garage.
The tools
A good puncture repair kit for 4×4 tyres will provide you with not only the tyre plugs or repair cords necessary for plugging the hole but reamer and rasp tools to make the job less stressful too. A good kit should contain decent adhesive (or a sealant), reamer and rasp tools, lubricant and a puncture repair cord or plug.
Repairing
Start by removing any of the debris that might have caused the puncture or become lodged in the tyre. Once the tyre is clear, use the reamer tool to expand the hole wide enough to plug it with the repair cord. Before inserting your repair cord, cover it in the adhesive or sealant and use the rasp to plug the hole before removing it and leaving the adhesive to dry. Once it is bone dry and feels secure, inflate your tyres to the correct pressure and try to make your way to the nearest garage.
Replacing
Of course, this type of repair can only ever be a temporary fix. The adhesive will only hold steady for so long before giving way. So, replace the punctured tyre with a new one as soon as possible, ensuring that the tyres are all the same made and model (if possible). If this isn’t possible for all four tyres, at least make sure the tyres on the same axle match. And remember, don’t panic!
Image: boyphare / Shutterstock.com
