A bicycle puncture often happens unexpectedly. A piece of glass, a sharp stone, a thorn or low tire pressure can puncture an inner tube during a commute or ride. Not every puncture should be repaired in the same way.
This guide explains when patching an inner tube makes sense, when the tube should be replaced and when the outer tire also needs to be renewed.
How should you check a puncture safely?
If a tire goes flat while riding, stop in a safe place and inspect the bicycle calmly.
Check at least the following:
- Is the tire completely flat or losing air slowly?
- Can you see glass, thorns, nails or other sharp objects in the outer tire?
- Does the outer tire have a cut, bulge or exposed casing?
- Is the rim intact and straight?
- Does the valve look damaged or crooked?
If the tire or rim is clearly damaged, do not continue riding before it has been repaired.
When can an inner tube be patched?
Patching often works when the damage is small and the rest of the tire is in good condition.
A patch is usually possible when:
- the leak comes from a small hole
- the thorn or piece of glass that caused the hole has been removed
- the valve is intact
- the tube does not have several holes
- the outer tire is not damaged
A small hole is often caused by a thorn, thin piece of metal or a small nail. Before patching, it is important to inspect the outer tire as well so that a sharp object left inside does not puncture the new or patched tube again immediately. (Park Tool)
When should the inner tube be replaced?
Not every tube is worth patching.
A new inner tube is usually the sensible choice when:
- the holes are large or there are several of them
- the tube is torn
- the valve is broken
- the tube is old and has been patched many times
- the damage resulted from a major tire failure
A long tear or a large burst area is generally no longer reliably repairable. A tube torn around the valve base should also usually be replaced. (Park Tool)
When does the outer tire also need replacing?
Sometimes the problem is not the tube but the outer tire.
The outer tire should be replaced if:
- the tread is clearly worn
- there are cracks in the sidewall
- the tire has a deep cut
- the casing is visible
- the tire has developed a bulge
- the same tire keeps causing new punctures
A worn or damaged outer tire increases the risk of new punctures even if the inner tube is replaced.
Patch, replace the tube or fit a new outer tire?
| Situation | Recommended solution |
|---|---|
| One small hole, outer tire intact | Patch the inner tube |
| Several holes or a tear in the tube | Replace the inner tube |
| Broken valve | Replace the inner tube |
| Cut or bulging outer tire | Replace the outer tire and, if needed, the inner tube |
| Tire casing visible | Replace the outer tire |
| Repeated punctures in the same tire | Inspect the outer tire and replace it if needed |
What should you check before riding again?
After the repair, check a few more things.
Make sure that:
- no thorns or glass were left inside the outer tire
- the tire is seated evenly on the rim
- the valve is straight
- the tire is inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure
- the wheel spins freely and the tire does not rub the frame or brakes
Low tire pressure increases the risk of pinch flats, where the tube is squeezed between the rim and an obstacle. Correct pressure helps prevent new punctures. (Park Tool)
When should you bring the bicycle to a service point?
Service is a good idea when:
- the tire keeps going flat
- you cannot find the cause of the leak
- the outer tire is damaged
- the rim looks bent
- you are unsure whether the tire is safe to use
- you want to confirm the correct pressure and tire condition
Replacing only the inner tube does not always solve the problem. If the glass, thorn or other sharp object that caused the puncture remains in the tire, the new tube can fail within the first few kilometres.
Tire service without an appointment in Jyväskylä
If you get a puncture, you can bring the bicycle to the Rullaamo Jyväskylä service point without an appointment.
Rullaamo is in the Seppälä K-Citymarket parking area at Vasarakatu 29, 40320 Jyväskylä.
We confirm the price before starting work. Tire service and inner tube patching are listed in Rullaamo’s price list, and spare parts are not included in the work price. Rullaamo performs mechanical service work on regular bicycles and e-bikes, but does not service e-bike electrical or electronic components or suspension systems.
The service point is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00.
If you are unsure whether a patch, a new inner tube or a new outer tire is needed, walk in. We will inspect the bicycle and give you an assessment before starting work.