How much does a puncture repair cost?

A proper internal repair usually costs about $35 to $60, including rebalancing the wheel. If the tyre has a TPMS sensor that needs a service kit, it's more. Our puncture guide has the full price list.

Can you fix a flat tyre while I wait?

Usually, yes. Most puncture repairs are done while you wait. Call ahead on (03) 9763 0100 so we can tell you how busy the workshop is.

How do I know if my puncture can be fixed?

A small hole (about 6 mm or less) in the main tread is usually repairable. Damage in the sidewall or shoulder, a large cut, or a tyre that's been driven flat usually isn't. We take the tyre off and check it from the inside before we decide.

Can I drive on a tyre with a nail in it?

Only slowly and only as far as the workshop, and only if it's holding air. Leave the nail in, because pulling it out usually turns a slow leak into a flat. If the tyre is flat, fit the spare.

Is a plug from a kit or the roadside a proper repair?

Not really. A string plug pushed in from outside is a get-you-home fix. A proper repair is done from the inside with the tyre off the rim, so the inside can be checked for damage too.

Can run-flat tyres be repaired?

Sometimes. It depends on where the damage is and how far the tyre was driven without air. We'll inspect it and tell you straight.

What if my tyre can't be repaired?

We'll show you the damage on the tyre itself and explain why. Then we'll quote a replacement. We're a tyre shop, so we can usually fit one the same day.

Why does my tyre keep losing air with no nail in it?

Slow leaks also come from a corroded or bent rim, a leaking valve, or a damaged TPMS sensor seal. We check all of them when we look for the leak.

Do you repair punctures on commercial and light truck tyres?

Yes. We repair passenger, 4WD, SUV and light commercial tyres at our Knoxfield workshop.

Do you come out to me?

No. All puncture repairs are done at our Knoxfield workshop, where the tyre can come off the rim and be repaired properly.

Tyre Puncture & Flat Tyre Repair Melbourne

Tyre puncture and flat tyre repair in Melbourne, at our Knoxfield workshop.

A nail in the tread, a tyre that's flat every morning, or a pressure warning on the dash. Most punctures can be fixed properly for a lot less than a new tyre, and usually while you wait.

We repair punctures from the inside, the way they should be done. The tyre comes off the rim, we check the inside for damage, seal the hole and rebalance the wheel. If it isn't safe to repair, we'll show you why.

Maroon 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air inside the Tyre Doctors workshop, Knoxfield

Tyre Doctors shopfront on Ferntree Gully Road, Knoxfield, with a blue classic Ford parked out front

How we fix a puncture

Find the leak. We check the tread, sidewall, valve and rim, not just the obvious nail.
Take the tyre off the rim. That's the only way to see damage on the inside.
Repair from the inside. A combined patch and plug seals the hole and the tyre's inner layer.
Refit and rebalance. The wheel is balanced again so it doesn't vibrate.
Set the pressure and check the rest. You get a free tyre report on all four tyres.

A plug pushed in from the outside, from a kit or a roadside service, is a get-you-home fix. It's fine to get you here. It isn't a permanent repair.

Can my tyre be repaired?

Usually repairable:

A nail, screw or small object in the main tread area
A hole of about 6 mm or less
A tyre that hasn't been driven on while flat

Usually not repairable:

Damage in the sidewall or the shoulder (the edge of the tread)
A cut or hole larger than about 6 mm
A tyre that's been driven flat, which damages the inside
Bulges, or repairs too close to an existing repair

If it can't be repaired, we'll quote a replacement on the spot.

Classic Ford in charity-rally livery with a roof rack on the hoist at Tyre Doctors Knoxfield

Grey Toyota GR Supra on the wheel-alignment hoist at Tyre Doctors Knoxfield

Signs you have a puncture or slow leak

A tyre that looks low, or is flat in the morning
The tyre pressure (TPMS) warning light comes on
The car pulls to one side
A thumping noise or vibration
A nail or screw you can see in the tread

A slow leak doesn't always come from a nail. Corroded or bent rims, leaking valves and worn TPMS sensor seals all lose air too, and we check for each.

What to do if you get a flat

If the tyre is flat, fit the spare or call roadside assistance. Driving on it, even a short way, usually ruins the tyre.
If it's still holding air, drive gently and straight to us.
Leave the nail in. Pulling it out usually turns a slow leak into a flat.

Jeep Gladiator with all-terrain tyres on the hoist at Tyre Doctors Knoxfield

Blue BMW X5 on the scissor hoist at Tyre Doctors Knoxfield

What a puncture repair costs

A proper internal repair usually costs about $35 to $60, including rebalancing. Repairs on tyres with a TPMS sensor that needs a service kit cost more. Our puncture repair guide has the full price list and explains what's repairable in more detail.

European, low-profile and run-flat tyres

We repair punctures on everyday cars, 4WDs, SUVs, light commercials and European cars, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche and Volkswagen. Low-profile and run-flat tyres need extra care getting on and off the rim, and run-flats are only repairable in some cases. We'll tell you which applies to yours.

Why drivers bring their flats to Tyre Doctors

Repaired properly, from the inside, not plugged from outside.
Straight answers. If it isn't safe to repair, we show you why.
We're a tyre shop too, so a replacement can usually be fitted the same day.
Free tyre report on all four tyres with every repair.
606+ five-star Google reviews from local drivers.

Black SUV on the scissor hoist beside the tyre racks at Tyre Doctors Knoxfield

Get your puncture fixed today

Call the workshop on (03) 9763 0100 or 0455 330 000 and we'll tell you how soon we can fit you in, or book a free tyre check online. We're at 5/1644 Ferntree Gully Rd, Knoxfield.

Puncture & Flat Tyre Repair Melbourne