I recently had one of my car tires punctured by a screw. It lost pressure only very slowly, it probably took a couple of days before I noticed the tire was below pressure. The guys from the tire company removed the screw, and then somehow "fixed" the tire. They claim it is as good and reliable as a new tire. I don't know on what that claim is based. My question is: is this indeed true?

The tire was actually very new, I bought it just 2 weeks ago. It's s Continental Premium Contact 2 if that would matter...

I refuse to save money on tires because I believe they play a crucial role in road safety. I am now a bit worried that this fixed tire can cause a blowout more easily.

I am looking for something a little more substantial than your own experience or just "common knowledge". Have any tests or scientific studies been done about this subject?