If it is resisting, dont worry; just keep pressing as hard as you can. Take note of how the nail or screw looks and the angle that it entered the tire. A TIA-certified tire technician can inspect your tire and let you know for certain if its safe. You can tell if they are underinflated, overinflated, or poorly aligned by just one glance. Another thing to think about when it comes to driving on a plugged tire is how your repair may impact the manufacturers warranty on your tire. The size of the damage (hole) should be no larger than 6.35 mm and must be situated on the tires tread. In case the tires tread has been worn under 1/16 of an inch, know that the tread cannot be plugged. Both are meant to repair and maintain a tear or puncture in the tread of the cars tires. Thanks to a few advancements in technology, a plug and patch job is not what it used to be. When a tire is patched, the tire is removed from the rim and the tire professional uses a die grinder to clean a two-inch diameter area around the puncture. If the puncture was caused by a blunt object like a nail, glass, or sharp metal bits. You come out to the parking lot after work and discover you have a flat tire and no spare. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); My website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Top 8 Best Tires For Tesla Model 3 of 2022: From Low-Budget To High-End Models, The 8 Best Tires For Honda Pilot of 2022: Reviews & Top Picks For 4 Seasons. This is considered a superior repair method, but its no longer an either/or question. Insert the plug deep enough so only about 1 of it is outside the tire. The puncture should not measure more than 1/4 of an inch in diameter., As we stated above, you cannot plug (or even patch a tire) if that hole is in the wall or the sides of the tire. This piece is combining the best assets of both a patch as well as a plug. Most tire repair shops offer a component of a patch/plug combination., Sometimes, not all tires can be plugged or patched. Before asking yourself how long does a plugged tire lasts, it is important to consider whether it is even safe to install a plug, to begin with. Sometimes, a radial patch can repair sidewall damage. Proper tire maintenance can also extend how long a plugged tire lasts. The age and quality of your tire is also an important factor in whether or not it can be plugged. It can reduce the speed rating and increase the risks of a blowout. You may insert a can of tire fix into your car in the evening, and see that the tire is flat in the morning! The safest time to use is not too long from when you repair using the above method. There will be leaks in them every so often, and that leak can develop anywhere on the tire. If that happens, stop the car and perform the examinations given above. Over time, its possible for that small puncture to slowly get larger. But these fixes should never be seen as a solution that can last you days- even weeks. At this point, you do not have to remove the tire from the vehicle, but you might find it easier if you use a car jack to lift the vehicle. In some cases, it can also be done when the tire and the vehicle are connected. AAA, however, suggests drivers switch out the penny for a quarter for precise measurement. Dont be surprised if the plug falls loose after a few days due to a subpar job done (by you!). When you are putting a plug or patch in your tire, you are not technically repairing it you are buying yourself time before the actual fix. You may even get away with that plug for a year. When you work with Tread Connection for your flat repair, the tire will be removed from the wheel and carefully inspected inside and out. It will widen the hole and clear up the inner surface so it receives the plug better. Your email address will not be published. As long as the wound has adequately been reinforced, you are entirely safe traveling by car with tires. Based on the dimensions of the puncture, the tread of the tire, and the severity of the damage, the tire may not even be applicable for a plug. Weve all been there before. If the pin is too small to be reamed, use a hand drill with a smaller tip to expand and then machine the whole face. You call roadside assistance. Be careful though! Take note of the angle the screw entered the tire and how it looks in there. Get those wheels aligned so that the tread is evenly distributed. Use a T-tool to close the hole, of course, before doing this step, and you. While the patch is generally of better quality- it does require a bit more labor and work than just plugging a tire. This is when you have to purchase a brand new set of tires. How long does a tire plug last? But what is a tire plug, and how long does a tire plug last? So next time you plan on conducting a DIY operation on your car to save some money, think twice as you may end up costing yourself more in the long run. Ive heard that its not very safe to drive on a plugged tire. Since the tire has already been punctured, the tire is at a higher risk of another yet another puncture- causing a blowout. Think twice the next time you consider opting for a DIY approach on your next tire repair. Make sure your tire passes the penny test before you even thinking of plugging it. However, if the puncture is leaning toward an angle, you will have a hard time sealing the hole properly. The patch is sealed and then given time to dry., The best modernized tire fix is a patch/plug combination method. How Long Does A Plugged Tire Last: When You Should Not Plug A Tire, How Long Does A Plugged Tire Last: How to Plug A Tire, The Seven Steps To Installing A Tire Plug, How Long Does A Plugged Tire Last: Tire Care And Maintenance, How Long Does A Plugged Tire Last: Things To Notice While Driving. If you just purchased a tire or recently bought a set of expensive tires, it can be a frustrating experience. Ideally, whatever damaged your cars tires went straight in and that makes the fix fairly straightforward. If the tire can be repaired, our team will take care of it for you. Leave about 1/8 sticking out. When using too many repair measures, the impact will affect the inherent functions, causing deflation and explosion. You arent going anywhere. Bumper may not have the complete historical records of every vehicle. Dont hesitate to reach out to a certified professional the tire(s) may still be salvageable. But if those holes are less than 16 inches apart, then its time to buy a new tire. We have nothing against tire fixes in a can, but dont look at them as long-term solutions., Get your tires rotated on a regular basis.. But how long does a plugged tire last? Plugs are considered less reliable, though they have the advantage of not needing to remove the tire from the rim in emergency situations. You can attempt plugging a tire if the puncture is on the side of the tire. Plugs are meant to be a temporary solution until they can be replaced properly. Most DIYers do not have tire irons and a tire mounting/balancing setup. A plug is inserted from the outside and seals itself to the tire through pressure, centrifugal force and inflation. In fact, they sell these cans of tire fix at stores nationwide. Hopefully, it will help you when you encounter a similar situation. And there are some limitations to a plug job. The issue, however, is that tires are not meant to last forever. Heres how you know: In order to retain traction and keep the vehicle on the road, tires require tread. The keyword here is repair. However, there are conflicting opinions on this quick fix.. Those few days turn into months, which can quickly turn into a year. The plug will stay in the tire while the tool itself will slide right out. Outside of these scenarios, driving on a plugged tire could be dangerous to you and other drivers. For many of us, construction on our streets is never-ending! We bring the tire shop to you and can repair your flat or replace your tire at your home and on your schedule. Push the T-handle reaming tool inside the hole before working it up and down numerous times all while rotating it. Bumper will not share or sell your email. This helps us ensure whether or not it can be safely repaired. This gives the patch enough of a bond. The tire repair person then takes the patch and pushes it from inside the tire, and through outside of the tire. In addition, while its tempting to just get a tire plug kit and pull off a DIY repair, you really should remove the tire from the rim even for a plug job. Why is repairing or replacing a damaged tire a better option than plugging a tire? This is why it is confusing when many people claim they dont conduct regular maintenance on their tires. As we mentioned before, that a plug can last for years- but its better to purchase a new or great used tire, to avoid a blowout.. Theres a bubble or bulge in the sidewall. By clicking the button above you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and you agree to receive emails from Bumper.com. Plugging may be the only choice- but is it safe? Fill the tires with air, press to see if the pressure has reached the standard when you feel the hardness, then ok. A can of tire fix may help you for a few minutes, but you want to make sure that you take that tire to a professional. Lets scroll down to read more information! Use a cutter to cut the cord, leaving only about inch. You walk up to your car, hoping to drive it to get to your designated location only to see a flat. But it is still recommended that you get the tire fixed. Lower the car, extract the jack, and you can resume driving right away. However, in theory, sidewall damage is a sign that the tire(s) must be changed immediately. However, do not drive when there is a wound near the wall or on the side of the wheel; if the plug diameter exceeds inch, it is best to replace the tires. A can of tire fix may help you for a few minutes, but you want to make sure that you take that tire to a professional. What we could tell you is that its not quite safe to drive with a plugged tire. While it may be tempting to see how far you can get with a five-dollar repair, the consequences of a plugged tire failing will be much worse than if you had replaced the tire in the first place. Yes, that plug may last you a few months. As it turns out, plugging a tire can have serious repercussions on the integrity and life of the tire. A vehicle is one of the most expensive purchases you'll likely make, and you deserve to have access to Remove the auxiliary equipment, to let the car return to its original state. Although it is expensive, it is best to put safety first. After the pin has entered the muscle a certain length, leave about an inch outside the wheel surface, slowly remove the plug. Is it something you can count on? This is amongst the most. The excess plug material is then trimmed so its flush with the tire tread. When it comes to the safety of your vehicle, its always best to leave things to the experts. From there, the plug can adhere to the lining of the tire and provide an effective repair. But once a plug is installed correctly and by a professional, that plug can last a good amount of time for you. Today, there have been some advancements in tire plugging that last a bit longer., A tire patch, is considered to be a better choice for repairing tire. Spray a layer of solution all over the face to check the level of leakage occurs again or not. Required fields are marked *. You wake up or walk to your car after work, only to look down and see a flat tire and a nail sticking out. Tire inspection should be done once a month. Get a plug strip from the tire plugging kit and thread it through the plug insertion tools eyelet. If there is none, you did it right and the plug is sitting properly. A radial patch is a piece of rubber that has to be laid flush against the inside of a tire and technically, that repairs the damage. Snip off most of the excess plug with wire cutters. We modernize the tire buying experience by offering unmatched quality, convenience, and value. For example, with plugging a tire, if the puncture is greater than a quarter of an inch, then the plug or the patch will not work., Lots of tire experts agree that you can drive with a plug for about seven to ten years. This mushroom-shaped seal should keep moisture from infiltrating the tire and keep air from escaping. The penny trick is a super easy and popular method used to measure tread depth. Serpentine Belt From Timing Belt: What You Need to Know, 4 Oil Change Scams to Watch for: All You Need to Know, What Does Fault Code P0705 Mean? Any tire that fails this test has to be replaced anyway. Home The Danger of Driving on Plugged Tires. Spray the wheel methodically if the leak is not obvious. Your best bet is to replace the tire completely, especially if the tire is already worn. When checking the tread, you have to look for depth.