While earlier plugs were difficult and more of a band-aid kind of repair, many modern plugs actually vulcanize to the tire to provide superior stability. The plug can be put into the hole after the nail or sharp object has been removed to stop the leak. Plugs are the best option when you run over a nail or other blunt object that punctures the tire and causes it to leak air. Although the leak may have stopped, it's tempting to assume that the tire has been mended and is ready to go nevertheless, this is not the case. A tire plug is a greasy, expanding device that is inserted into the damaged portion of the tire from the outside and adjusted until no air leaks out. Tire plugging should only be used as a temporary remedy for a damaged tire, not as a long-term solution for tire repair. Tire PlugsĪ tire plug is made of pliable rubber that expands when fitted into a puncture and prevents air from escaping. While it may be appealing to test how far a five-dollar repair will get you, the implications of a plugged tire failing are considerably worse than if the tire had been replaced in the first place. 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. The best way to fix a damaged tire or a flat tire is to replace it. Furthermore, the plug could fail while you're driving, leaving you right back where you started. As a result, you'll lose more air, and your vehicle will be prone to a blowout on the road. The minor puncture will likely get larger over time. A blocked tire will not work if you plan on racing, off-roading, or just want to speed up. Once a tire has been fixed, the manufacturer will no longer maintain its speed rating. This is especially true when driving on the highway at higher speeds. It seems to reason that a blocked tire will not be able to withstand the same amount of stress and strain as a tire in optimum condition. 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. If you have your tire fixed by a licensed technician, you can be assured that the job will be done correctly. When it comes to your vehicle's safety, it's better to leave it to the professionals. If your tire doesn't pass the test, you should get a new one. You can use the classic penny test to measure the tread. If your tire's tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch or less, it's too far gone to be filled with plugging. You should take note of the type of screw or nail and the angle at which it penetrated the tire.Īnother factor to consider while plugging is the age and quality of the tire. On the other hand, if the tire gets punctured at an angle, it may be a struggle to properly seal the perforated area with a plug. A quick repair would be the right way to go in this situation. The nail or anything that punctured your tire generally goes straight in. The direction of the puncture also has a significant impact on the plug's effectiveness. You'll need to replace the tire if the hole is on the sidewall or shoulder. The punctured hole must be no bigger than 0.25 inches in diameter and must be positioned on your tire's tread. Depending on the tread on your tire, the degree of damage, and the size of the puncture, you may not be able to patch your tire with a plug. When it comes to plugging a tire, the first thing you should think about is if it's even safe to do so. You should consider plugging your tire only under certain circumstances. Having dealt with many flats in our years of driving, we have gone through the same problems and are here to guide you through this predicament of having to choose between a tire plug or tire patch. On the other hand, patching is too time-consuming and intricate for an operation as simple as a minor nail hole. That is, assuming it is even safe to plug your tire. In situations like this, how should the tire be repaired? Installing a plug, it turns out, can have a significant impact on the integrity and life of your tire. Running over a nail with a perfect tire can be a frustrating experience, but it's all too common. A patch is a strip of rubber with a sticky back that is placed on the damaged part of the tire to prevent air from escaping. patch – what is the best way to fix a damaged tire? Why is it preferable to repair or replace a broken tire rather than plug it?Ī tire plug is a piece of leather coated with a rubber compound placed into the hole and plugs on the inside of the tire.
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