Plugs
- Repairing tires with patches. A tire patch/plug is (and always has been) the best way to repair a tire, but it costs more because of the additional time and materials ...
- Prepping for the patch. We’ve marked the injury with chalk, removed the staple, and now we’re buffing the area. ...
- Installing the tire patch. ...
Full Answer
Should you plug or patch your tire?
“The proper repair of a punctured tire requires a plug for the hole and a patch for the area inside the tire that surrounds the puncture hole. Punctures through the tread can be repaired if they are not too large, but punctures to the sidewall should not be repaired.
What is the best tire plug repair kit?
Top 6 Best commercial tire plug kits
- Grit Performance commercial tire plug kits. Grit Performance commercial tire plug kits is the epitome of what a great tire plug kit should be. ...
- WYNNsky commercial tire plug kits. The look and feel of this tire plug kit are consistent with the high quality we’re used to from the rest of WYNNsky’s lineup.
- OFFROAD BOAR commercial tire plug kits. ...
How long will a patched tire last?
on average, tire experts predict that a proper plug and patch can last from 7-10 years. although tire patches can last a long time, a tire should never be patched more than once. it can negatively affect the speed rating and potentially cause blowouts. but don't worry!
Are tire plugs or tire patches better?
Tire plugs are easier and faster to use, while tire patches will create a better and long-sustainable result. In some states, it’s only legal to repair a tire if both the plug and patch are used. Otherwise, the tire might need to be replaced. In this guide, we will evaluate both types of tire repairs.
Can you patch a tire that has a plug in it?
NEVER repair a tire that has an existing, improper repair; the tire must be scrapped. A plug by itself or a patch by itself is an unacceptable repair. NEVER perform an outside-in tire repair or on-the-wheel repair.
How long can you drive on a plugged and patched tire?
So, how long can you drive on a plugged tire? The safe travel distance for the tire plugs will be about 8 miles. Of course, the shorter you sit on it, the better.
Is it better to patch or plug a hole in a tire?
Patches are better than plugs for bigger holes, holes closer to but not the sidewall and holes that aren't completely straight. Note that if you're looking to do tire sidewall repair, a patch will usually not cut it and you'll likely want to replace the tire. Don't patch the tire if it's near the sidewall.
Can a plugged tire blowout?
So, if you plan on racing, off-roading, or just want to go fast, a plugged tire isn't going to work. Over time, it's possible for that small puncture to slowly get larger. This results in a greater loss of air while also increasing your chances of a blowout on a road.
How long will a plug last on a tire?
Plugging or patching is only a temporary measure before you have enough time to change into a new tire. The life of a tire after plugging can last from 7-10 years or 25,000 miles; no one can be sure that there will not be any problems.
When should you not patch a tire?
Never repair tires with a tread puncture larger that ¼-inch (6mm). Tires that are worn to the tire's treadwear indicators or to 2/32-inch remaining tread depth in any area of the tread should not be repaired.
How long does a tire plug take to dry?
The cement and plug is designed to dry instantly, but let it dry for at least a minute before cutting the excess plug from the tire surface.
How long does a tire patch take to dry?
Place a patch centred over the puncture. Smooth out and make sure there are no air bubbles. Leave to dry for about 10 minutes. 8.
Can you drive long distance with a nail in your tire?
The short answer is yes, you can drive with a nail in your tire. Drivers cruise over nails all the time and don't realize it. Nails can lodge in a tire so tightly that air isn't able to escape; the car hits the nail so fast and so hard that air is never given the opportunity to release.
What is the tool used to patch a tire?
The patch is then smushed into the tire using a tool called a tire stitcher.
What is a plug only tire?
A plug-only is about a third of the cost of a patch/plug, so people often want to know why one shop charges so much more than another. For the record, repairing with a patch plug is the only RMA (Rubber Manufacturers Association) approved way to repair a tire, but plugging was effective.
What is a buffing tire?
The buffing removes the slick surface and exposes a “raw” surface the patch will stick to. We also use a solvent to remove the mold release agent the tire was coated with during manufacture and prep the rubber for the tire cement.
How long does it take for tire patch cement to dry?
Tire patch cement is a applied and allowed to dry for 5 minutes or so. Then the plug patch is pushed into place. The plug portion of the plug patch is encased in a disposable metal sleeve to guide it through the tire.
What is the first step in tire repair?
The first step in any tire repair is to find the injury. This one was easy enough, we just followed the hissing sound to the bit of metal sticking out of the tire. We didn’t even need the dunk tank.
How many plugs does a patch have?
A plug patch has only one “plug” portion . This raises the question of whether it would be better to install a separate plug in one hole, and use the patch plug to fill the other, or to just fill one of the two holes with the patch plug. I think that because the holes are so close together, the latter would be the better option.
Why do you pay more for a tire repair?
Here are some of the reasons you might want to pay more for this repair: 1. You have expensive tires with lots of tread left, and you want a quality repair to protect your investment. 2. You’re willing to pay more increased reliability. 3. A family member drives the car, and while you might go with the cheaper option on your own car, ...
Can a Plug Do More Harm than Good?
The most serious issue with driving on a plugged tire is that it still has a hole in it! While this may be a workaround, it's vital to remember that your tire still has a structural problem that needs to be addressed.
Why Is It Better To Replace The Tire?
The best way to fix a damaged tire or a flat tire is to replace it. A tire patch or plug may offer a temporary solution to the problem, but keep in mind that a plug is only supposed to be a temporary remedy.
Tire Plugs
A tire plug is made of pliable rubber that expands when fitted into a puncture and prevents air from escaping. Tire plugging should only be used as a temporary remedy for a damaged tire, not as a long-term solution for tire repair.
Tire Patches
A patched tire is one that has had a patch sealant placed to the exterior of the tire where the leak is. A properly patched tire should, for the most part, allow you to drive safely for an extended period of time. This is a far more powerful and successful method of fixing a tire.
When Should You Replace Your Tires?
Keep in mind that you should never use a plug or a patch to fix any damage that is within an inch of either sidewall. When the tire is rolling, the sidewall and shoulder portions flex too much, causing any repairs to come loose, resulting in an unanticipated and catastrophic loss of air while driving and eventually a crash or blowout.
About THE AUTHOR
I've spent many years selling cars, working with auto detailers, mechanics, dealership service teams, quoting and researching car insurance, modding my own cars, and much more.