ATS Euromaster Launches National Run-Flat Fitting and Repair Service

ATS Euromaster is to equip each of its 507 centres across the UK with new technology to enable it to service and carry out minor repairs to the latest generation of run-flat technology tyres. The announcement contrasts with official advice given by the BRMA (now BTMA) and TIC a little over a year ago. Neither body recommended the practice. A technical representative of one leading manufacturer even went as far as saying it is “not prudent” to repair these products.

The repairs are expected to be part of a “while-you-wait” service that will take around an hour to complete (half an hour for inspection, half an hour for the repair itself). The cost of the service will start at £9.99.

However, according to the Michelin-owned retail equity, the new service will enable motorists to avoid costly replacement bills in the event of a typical puncture, such as a nail piercing the central area of the tread, avoiding the expense of purchasing a new tyre.

In order to carry out the procedure ATS Euromaster technicians must verify that the tyre is approved by the manufacturer to be repaired and that the repair is then performed in line with the British Standard for tyre repairs – BSAU 159. This sees a thorough examination take place to check for any sign of abnormality on the exterior and/or interior of the tyre, such as abrasions on the sidewall, tread or bead areas of the tyre, marbling and/or separation of the internal rubber liner from the tyre, or damage caused by a penetrating object. If any of these deformities are found, or if the tyre has already been repaired before, then the tyre will be replaced.

Russell Fleetwood, National Car Sales Director at ATS Euromaster, said: “The growth in run-flat tyres has had a massive impact on motorists, enabling drivers with a puncture to continue at a safe speed to the nearest garage…Until now this had almost always meant purchasing a new tyre on arrival, but this investment enables us to carry out professional repairs to run-flat technology tyres, approved by the tyre manufacturers, at a fraction of the cost.”