Ford Puma Tyre Repair

The Value of Appropriate Puncture Repairs: A Pellon Tyres Lesson

Ford Puma with a tyre problem: rolled into **Pellon Tyres** the other day. He had been filling up his tank every few days, like many drivers, in the hopes that the issue would simply go away. However, tyres don’t mend themselves, as we are all aware!

We swiftly removed the wheel and pushed the car onto the ramp. As expected, a little nail was found lodged in the very middle of the tread. A classic example of a puncture that can be repaired, but only if done correctly.

The Importance of Correct Puncture Repairs

This is when things start to get interesting. The client informed us that a local backstreet garage had given him a **”bargain price”** quote for repairing a puncture. Immediately, alarms began to sound.

A large number of **unregulated tyre shops** continue to employ antiquated and **illegal** repair techniques. The traditional method involves **glueing a rubber plug into the hole** without properly sealing the tyre’s interior. This strategy may appear to be a quick and inexpensive solution, but it’s **risky**.

When fixing punctures, Pellon Tyres adheres strictly to the **British Standards (BSAU159)** and the recommendations of the tyre manufacturer. This implies:

For examination, the tyre is **completely removed** from the rim. The interior is examined for any concealed damage.
We only do repairs in the tread’s **safe centre zone**. A **suitable vulcanised plug patch** is installed from the inside. The repair is sealed to keep moisture out.

Instead of following these procedures, many cowboy garages simply **shove in a plug**. Now that you’re aware, the low cost of some puncture repairs can be attributed to these shortcuts.

Avoid Putting Your Safety at Risk for a Fast Fix

It is **very dangerous** for a tyre to deflate unexpectedly while driving due to a **bad repair**, especially when travelling at high speeds on a motorway. The tyre should **not** be repaired; it needs to be replaced if the sidewall has been destroyed or the puncture is outside the safe repair zone.

Please enquire with your tyre installer about their method for mending the puncture if you have any uncertainties. They’re not doing it correctly if they don’t remove the tyre from the rim! **A few pounds saved is not as valuable as your safety.**

A Synopsis of the Ford Puma in the United Kingdom

This customer’s **Ford Puma** caught my attention while I was working on it. What a fantastic little vehicle! In the UK, the Puma has a somewhat cult following and has existed in various versions for decades.

Puma’s Original (1997-2002)

Based on the modest Ford Fiesta, the **first-generation Ford Puma** was a sporty, front-wheel-drive coupé that made its debut in the UK in **1997**. It possessed a dynamic 1.7-litre **Yamaha-developed engine**, quick handling, and a genuine **driver-focused** feel. It soon gained popularity among people looking for a fun, reasonably priced vehicle.

The Puma was also well-known for its **”Rhythm is a Dancer”** television commercial, which featured **Steve McQueen** and was digitally set in San Francisco in the 1960s. It made the automobile look cool and vintage.

Despite its occasional presence at vintage car shows, Ford discontinued the original Puma in 2002, causing it to disappear from UK roads.

The Current Puma (starting in 2020)

Ford revived the Puma brand in **2020**, although this time it was a **small SUV**. The new **Ford Puma**, which is based on the Fiesta platform, adds **practicality and hybrid technology** while retaining part of the original’s athletic DNA. It has a good amount of room, snappy handling, and a useful feature called the **”MegaBox”** in the boot, which is ideal for keeping muddy boots in storage after a stroll on **Ogden Moor**.

The ST version boasts 200 horsepower, making it a genuine small hot hatch. The fact that the new Puma is now among Ford’s best-selling vehicles in the UK is hardly surprising.

If you ever encounter a slow puncture, resist the urge to attempt a hasty fix; instead, ensure it’s done correctly. Additionally, you’re behind the wheel of a vehicle with some **British motoring history** if you’re fortunate enough to drive a **Puma**, whether it’s the contemporary SUV or the vintage coupé!

Visit **Pellon Tyres** if you need your tyres tested; we’ll ensure your vehicle is roadworthy and safe. **Just professional service, no shady repairs!** 🚗💨

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