Patching a tire

[sirben711]

I am sure this has been asked a million times. Do you think this tire can be patched?

I'm going on a road trip soon - are patches safe for 8 hours of driving a day?

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[stannypack]

from my understanding those patch kits are just to hold you over until you get to an automotive shop where they'll do a permanent fix?

 

[sirben711]

from my understanding those patch kits are just to hold you over until you get to an automotive shop where they'll do a permanent fix?

I should have been more specific - I will be having a shop fix it haha

 

[sk47]

Hello; Short answer is yes the tire can be patched. You can do it yourself if you have an air source. If you do decide to fix it yourself, get the plug kit with a pistol grip handle. Makes the task easier.

Likely some will have the opinion no puncture should be fixed and trusted. I have plugged tires many times over the years. Put lots of miles and years on plugged tires, some on long road trips.

If you do get it plugged at a shop test the repair before the trip. Get a spray bottle & put some dish soap with water in it. Shale it up and spray onto the plug. Look for bubbles. No bubbles you are OK.
Last bit is if you are at all nervous about a plug is to run the plugged tire on the rear if possible. I know some cars have different sizes front and rear. Also if you do not already have a spare, get one.

 

[KeyLime]

What sk47 said. I've plugged nail and screw holes in performance tires. I always thought the home plug kits are a sketchy fix but I've never had one fail. I figured at some point my home fix would develop a slow leak and I'd go to a tire shop, but that never happened. I've run plugged tires until the the wear markers are showing.

Would I do that if I was going to the track? No. Daily driving? Yes.

If you're just trying to get by a few days until you get to the tire shop? Hell yes.

 

[MiamiGT350]

Yes, should be just fine to patch. If you take it to a competent tire repair shop, they'll also remove the tire from the rim and put a patch sticker on the inside, which will give it extra re-enforcement.

Even the DIY plug should be fine.

 

[Justpassingas]

I was in a similar situation recently and my concern is if you go to a tire place they may say it’s too close to the sidewall and refuse to repair it…ask me how I know so I went to the local Autozone and bought a plug repair kit and plugged it myself…the tires fine …plug it and enjoy your trip.

 

[Oakley]

I was in a similar situation recently and my concern is if you go to a tire place they may say it’s too close to the sidewall and refuse to repair it…ask me how I know so I went to the local Autozone and bought a plug repair kit and plugged it myself…the tires fine …plug it and enjoy your trip.

that's what they'll do. basically if its not dead center discount tire usually won't touch it. they sell tires not fixes. I use plugs, never had one go out. I would try to plug it and see if it holds air. its possible the shrapnel narrows and its just a smaller hole on the inside.

get this and keep it in your car from now on with some needle nose pliars.

 

[jcttraveler]

As the others say, a well-executed plug should last, but... how much life do you have in that tire? The wear bar looks pretty close. Are the other tires the same? While it might be a couple months sooner than you originally scheduled, maybe consider a new set of tires and drive worry free, not only about tire leaks but hydroplaning in the spring thunderstorms.

 

[Torinate]

A plug is not a patch.

A competent shop will make more off fixing the tire properly (inside patch) and tire balance afterwards than it will for profit from a new tire.

The patch will be a permanent fix. Shoulders are risky and therefore shops will not touch it. Not worth it.

OPs tire will be completely fine and the patch, if done properly, will outlast the rest of the tire.

I worked as a “tire jockey” for 7 years putting myself through university. We also did transport trucks the same way!

 

[sirben711]

Just dropped off the wheel and tire off at the shop to get patched

 

[Discount Tire]

I am sure this has been asked a million times. Do you think this tire can be patched?

I'm going on a road trip soon - are patches safe for 8 hours of driving a day?

Definitely looks repairable. A proper patch in the tire will last the life of the tire. If you are close to a Discount Tire location, store personnel will repair your tire free of charge!

 

[Oakley]

Definitely looks repairable. A proper patch in the tire will last the life of the tire. If you are close to a Discount Tire location, store personnel will repair your tire free of charge!

that's interesting every time i've taken a tire to my local discount tire they won't touch it if its anywhere near the shoulder, that's why i don't even bother trying them.

 

[NightmareMoon]

I've taken tires with borderline sidewall punctures and asked to pay the shop for the repair attempt regardless if it works.

I don't need them to guarantee anything, if it looks (to me) like its likely going to be a mostly flat area on the inside, the patch will probably work, and I'm willing to gamble with the $20 or so the tire place near my house charges for a fix.

 

[shogun32]

Stop & Go mushroom solution is 100x better than sticky string.
https://www.stopngo.com/products/7861

I've patched tires and the repair lasts forever. Probably won't pass Tech Inspection at HPDE event if they are particularly eagle-eyed and lucky eough to spot it. but otherwise fine.

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