Hours vary Novato (415) 898-4842
Hamiltons automotive INC
Same-Day Tire Repair

Family-owned · Novato, CA

Same-Day Tire Repair

Flat tire, slow leak, or nail in the tread, we get you back on the road fast.

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Fast Same-Day Tire Repair Services

A nail in your tire isn't a crisis, but leaving it alone is. At Hamiltons Automotive, we handle same-day tire repair for cars, trucks, motorcycles, and golf carts at our shop on First Street in Novato. Most puncture repairs are finished while you wait. If the damage is repairable, we'll tell you straight. If it isn't, we won't waste your time pretending otherwise. Call us at 415-898-4842 and we'll let you know if you can drive it in or if you need a tow.

Tire repair cost depends on where the damage is, how big it is, and whether the tire's sidewall is involved. A standard plug-and-patch for a nail or screw in the tread is a straightforward fix. Sidewall damage, multiple punctures, or a tire that's been driven flat are different situations entirely, and a patch won't hold in those cases. We inspect every tire before we quote anything. Every job is different, contact Hamiltons Automotive for an accurate estimate.

THE PROCESS

How We Handle a Tire Repair Tire Repair

  1. 01

    Inspect the Damage

    We pull the tire, look at the puncture location, check the sidewall, and measure the damage. Some tires can't be safely repaired. We'll tell you that upfront, not after you've paid.

  2. 02

    Plug and Patch It Right

    Industry-standard repair means a combination plug-and-patch from the inside. A plug-only is a temporary fix. We don't do temporary. The repair gets done once, and it holds.

  3. 03

    Remount, Inflate, and Check

    We remount the tire, inflate it to your vehicle's spec, and recheck for leaks before it goes back on. We can also rotate tires while it's off the rim if you're due.

Can Every Tire Be Repaired?

01

Tread Punctures

A nail, screw, or sharp object in the tread area can almost always be repaired with a proper plug-and-patch, as long as the puncture is no larger than a quarter inch.

02

Sidewall Damage

Punctures in the sidewall or shoulder can't be patched safely. The sidewall flexes constantly while you drive, and any repair there will fail. Replacement is the only honest answer.

03

Driven-Flat Tires

If a tire has been driven on while flat, the internal structure is likely compromised even if the outside looks fine. We inspect these carefully. Some can be saved, most can't.

04

Multiple Punctures

One clean puncture is one repair. Multiple holes close together, or a second hole near a previous patch, change the structural math. We'll evaluate and be straight with you.

GOOD TO KNOW

Plug vs. Patch: What Actually Lasts

A lot of shops still offer plug-only repairs because they're faster. We don't. A plug inserted from the outside seals the hole but doesn't address the inner liner, and over time, moisture and air work their way through. The right repair is a patch applied from the inside, combined with a plug to fill the hole. It's a two-step process that takes a little longer and costs no more than a plug alone. That combination repair is what tire manufacturers and the Tire Industry Association actually recommend. Anything less is a shortcut you'll eventually pay for on the side of the highway. With 4.7 stars across 111 Google reviews, we've built that reputation one honest repair at a time. Leo runs this shop and he's not interested in selling you a new tire when a patch will do the job. If it can be fixed, we fix it.
Box truck in the shop lot for service

More Than Tires at This Shop

A tire issue sometimes points to something bigger. We check while we're in there.

01

Wheel Alignment

A tire that keeps losing pressure or wearing unevenly often has an alignment problem behind it. We handle wheel alignment in-house so you don't need a second stop.

02

Brake Inspection

While the wheel's off, it costs us nothing to take a look at your brake pads and rotors. If we see something worth knowing about, we'll tell you. Brake repair is available same-day in most cases.

03

Suspension Check

Worn shocks and struts cause uneven tire wear and make your vehicle harder to control. If your tires are wearing in an odd pattern, the suspension is the first place we look.

Straight from Google

What Customers Say actually check

4.7111 verified Google reviews
My oil change light came on as I was driving to a client meeting in Novato. I stopped by Hamiltons Automotive after talking to Leo, the owner, on the phone. The team was helpful and even recommended a tire realignment. They got me out of there quickly and provided a great service.
Grayson PhillipsGrayson PhillipsSep 2026 · Google
This shop is the best I've ever been to. The owner Leo goes out of his way to give you the best price and quality service He's shown me that time and time again. If you want a good maintenance shop, and they also do smog checks, this is the place!! Hamilton's Automotive. I'm with them for life!!
Sanford SkolnickSanford SkolnickDec 2025 · Google
Hamilton Automotive is FAMILIA! SO GLAD I found this place. Hamilton Familia has been taking care of all my autos exclusively for 6yrs, 2 Toyotas, 2 Fords a Hyundai SF, and an Audi. They get you on the road and keep you there, call with estimate, go over your service, service the whole car, keep up on regular maintenence. I'm singing their praises when I drive. After my last repair car had sensation it was going to take off flying, I thought, I guess it's running pretty good. Take a chance on Hamilton you'll keep coming back. Big Thank You to everyone there.
Jordan JumpshotJordan JumpshotJul 2026 · Google
Outstanding services the staff was friendly honest and very professional from start to finish they quickly diagnosed the issue with my vehicle explained everything clearly and completed the repair on time at a fair price my car is running perfectly now its hard to find a trustworthy mechanic but this shop definitely earned my trust i highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable and high-quality automotive services
Rami CifuentesRami CifuentesAug 2026 · Google
Very affordable and nice and great service. They fixed à seal and new tires too for a very cheap price and they are fast and gave me a ride home! Loved it
Laura Sheehan BarronLaura Sheehan BarronFeb 2026 · Google
Read all 111 reviews

Tire Repair Questions

Can a nail in a tire be repaired?
Usually, yes. If the nail is in the tread area, hasn't been driven on for long, and the puncture is under a quarter inch, a plug-and-patch from the inside is a safe, permanent repair. If the nail is in the sidewall or shoulder, that tire needs to be replaced. We inspect every tire before touching it so you know exactly what you're dealing with.
Is it better to plug or patch a nail in a tire?
Neither alone is the right answer. A plug by itself doesn't seal the inner liner properly. A patch by itself doesn't fill the hole. The correct repair is both: a plug fills the puncture channel, and a patch seals the inner liner from the inside. That combination is what the Tire Industry Association recommends and what we use on every repair we do.
How long can you drive on a repaired tire?
A proper plug-and-patch repair is permanent, not temporary. You can drive on it for the remaining life of the tire with no restrictions. The caveat: it has to be done correctly. A plug-only or patch-only repair degrades over time. If another shop patched your tire and you're not sure how they did it, bring it by and we'll check.
How much does tire repair cost?
A standard puncture repair is one of the more affordable things we do. The cost varies depending on the tire size, the puncture location, and whether there's additional damage to the rim or valve stem. We won't quote a flat rate here because sidewall damage is a completely different situation from a clean tread puncture. Every job is different, contact Hamiltons Automotive at 415-898-4842 for an accurate estimate.
What happens if I drive on a flat tire too long?
The tire's internal structure, the steel belts and inner liner, gets damaged within a very short distance of driving flat. Once that happens, no repair holds. You also risk damaging the rim itself, which adds cost. If you suspect a slow leak, get it checked before it becomes a full flat. We can also check your alignment if it feels off after the repair.
Do you repair tires on motorcycles and other vehicles?
Yes. Most shops only work on standard car and truck tires, but we handle tires on motorcycles and specialty vehicles too. Motorcycle tire repairs require specific techniques because of the different construction and pressure ratings. Bring it in and we'll tell you whether a repair is safe for that specific tire and riding load.
Do you repair tires on motorcycles?
Yes. Most shops only handle car and truck tires. We work on motorcycles and specialty vehicles too. Motorcycle tire repairs require different techniques because of the construction and pressure requirements. We'll inspect the tire and tell you whether a repair is safe before we touch it.

Flat or Leaking? Call Us Now

Same-day tire repair at 1032 First Street in Novato.

Call (415) 898-4842 Call to Schedule, 415-898-4842

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