Tire puncture sets for summer vacation: 3 sets for emergencies

According to the General German Automobile Club (ADAC), battery problems are by far the most common reason why the “yellow angels” are called by drivers. Only a few get help from the mobile mechanics because of a flat tire. In 2023, the yellow angels only had to deal with defective tires in just under nine percent of their approximately 3.5 million missions. That’s fourth place in the breakdown statistics.

Why? Because a flat tire is pretty much the only problem that the average consumer and layperson can solve on their own in a car without a control device or automotive expertise. At least if you have a ready-to-use spare wheel with the right tools or a practical tire repair kit and a small compressor on board for the necessary tire pressure. In this article you will find out what is important in the event of a breakdown, how to use puncture sets correctly and when there is no way around the spare wheel.

The most cost-effective option in the event of a flat tire. However, it is also one that only works reliably at temperatures between 5 and 30 degrees Celsius and is only recommended until the next workshop. The principle is simple. Foam or a liquid is sprayed into the tire via the valve using a spray can and seals the leak from the inside. Important: The Corpus Delicti should have a maximum diameter of five millimeters. Once sealed, the remaining gas in the can provides the tire pressure that will get you to the nearest repair shop. If possible, do not drive faster than 50 kilometers per hour (km/h) with the repaired tire. Some manufacturers recommend releasing the gas after driving ten kilometers and inflating the tire with a compressor. In any case, pay attention to the instructions for use on the tire puncture spray. Attention: Tire sprays and other sealants only seal leaks in the tread of tires. If the side wall is damaged, they are ineffective. Also check regularly how long the product has a shelf life according to the manufacturer. Before long trips, it might be worth swapping the old one for a new one.

Work on a similar principle in so-called squeeze bottles. The filler and sealant here usually consists of a latex or rubber mixture. In contrast to spray, squeeze bottles do not come without additional out of. In order to fill in the sealant, the valve insert must first be unscrewed from the tire. The tools required for this are usually part of the tire repair kit. Then an adapter is screwed onto the valve. Now you need some muscle because the fluid won’t get into the tire on its own. Bottle empty? Then the compressor comes into play. It needs electricity and must be supplied with power from the cigarette lighter or another source in the car in order to be able to measure the remaining air pressure and pump it up. The same applies here: go to the nearest workshop as quickly as possible and have the “patched” tire replaced with a new one.

Even more comfortable and without sweating, you can get your broken down car back on the road again with a complete tire puncture set. Sets like that usually consist of a bottle of sealant, a 12-volt air compressor and, ideally, connection accessories for bicycle tires or footballs as a little extra. Unlike many squeeze bottle versions, the bottle with the sealant is placed on the compressor. It pumps it into the tire very easily. But the same applies here: only repair leaks on the tread that are no larger than five to six millimeters. If in doubt, put on the spare wheel. If you don’t have one on board, calling roadside assistance is the last resort.

Not every flat tire can be avoided. Often it’s just bad luck. Nevertheless, the ADAC advises car owners to check their tire pressure at least every two weeks. The experts also recommend regular visual inspections to detect cracks early and to check tire wear in general. The ADAC is critical of the fact that fewer and fewer new cars are equipped with an emergency wheel. In the event of a breakdown, this significantly limits the options for continuing your journey safely. The last and most important piece of advice from the ADAC: A repaired tire must always be replaced. And what many drivers don’t know: Cleaning the inside of the rim, which is stuck with the sealant, is time-consuming and correspondingly expensive.

By the way: It is not compulsory in Germany or Austria to carry a spare wheel, spare wheel or tire repair kit. It’s different in Spain, Croatia, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. A spare wheel is required there. If this is not provided for in your car, you must have a puncture repair kit or repair spray on board.

Apart from the sealant, a tire repair kit can be used several times without any concerns. To be on the safe side, you should check the compressor and the other accessories for completeness before long journeys. Things are different when it comes to sealant. Once opened and used, it should be replaced. The same applies to unused bottles that have waited in vain for five years to be used. In this case, it is better to get a new bottle.