A punctured tire is the last thing drivers want to deal with whenever they’re out on the road. It can get you in trouble in the middle of a road trip, and it might cost a pretty penny to fix. Depending on the severity of the damage, the tire might need to be replaced or might require a quick fix like applying a vulcanizing patch. Here’s a demonstration:
How Long Does a Patched Tire Last?
A tire that’s patched properly can last anywhere between 7 and 10 years. However, poor installation or the hole’s location can prevent the tire from holding air.
Patching vs. Plugging
A set of new tires doesn’t come cheap, which is why a lot of drivers look for ways to make the most out of their stock tires.
Punctured tires won’t immediately require replacement, especially when a simple patch or plug can get them back on the road in no time.
Patching
Patching generally involves removing the damaged tire’s inner liner and covering the hole with a vulcanizing patch.
An additional layer of cement is spread over the patch before the tire is inflated.
Plugging
Tire plugs are considered to be temporary fixes to a punctured tire and should only be used for emergencies.
But if a tire store is swamped, they’ll sometimes install a plug to get a car back on the road quickly. Some plugs will stay in the tire for tens of thousands of miles without giving trouble. If, however, the tire has already been plugged and another puncture happens within six inches of the first plug, the tire should be replaced. Take note that any sidewall repair is a no-no.
Plugging the tire is done while the tire is still inflated and on the car. The leak hole must be slightly enlarged with a hand reamer before the plug is coated with glue and inserted with the special tool. This tire plugging operation isn’t for the weak or faint-hearted, and it takes strong hands and arms to get it done, so don’t think it’s going to be easy.
Some plugs will stay in the tire for tens of thousands of miles without giving trouble. If, however, the tire has already been plugged and another puncture happens within six inches of the first plug, the tire should be replaced.
– Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
The Verdict
Compared to plugs, tire patches offer a long-term fix to punctured tires. Although tire patching requires more work and might be a bit more expensive than plugging, you can rest assured that the previous problem won’t resurface anytime soon.
Pros and Cons of Patching a Tire
Patching a tire is considered an inexpensive fix to a punctured tire. You’ll be able to save a lot of money by taking your vehicle to the nearest repair shop instead of shopping for a new tire.
Patching a tire also means that all four tires will continue to wear evenly since they have similar tread depths.
At the same time, patching can only be done once. If the same tire gets punctured again in the same location, you won’t have any other choice but to buy a replacement.
Some experts also argue that patching a tire can cause it to wear prematurely because it makes the tire susceptible to heat build-up.
When Should You Patch a Tire?
Patching should only be done if the damage lies within the puncture repair area. This is located at the center part of the tire, 1 to 1.5 inches from the shoulders.
Patching can also be done if the puncture is less than a quarter inch.
In some cases, patching a tire will do more harm than good. If the following conditions are present, it might be best to buy a replacement instead:
- The tire already has a thin tread depth
- Puncture is adjacent or overlaps a previous repair
- Excessive wear or cracks in the sidewall
- Puncture is at the shoulders or sidewall
- Puncture is greater than a quarter inch
Is it Safe to Drive with a Patched Tire Under High Speeds?
According to most tire manufacturers, a punctured and repaired tire won’t have the same speed rating as it did before.
It should be treated as a non-speed-rated tire that’s driven no faster than 85 mph.
Parts of a Tire
Knowing the parts of a tire is crucial to determining whether or not a patch is suitable to repair a punctured tire.
Tread
Tread refers to the part of the tire that comes into contact with the ground. Unlike the other parts of the tire, tread rubber is compounded for a combination of traction and tire wear.
Most new tires have a tread depth of 11/32 in. Once it reaches a legal limit of 2/32 in., bald strips appear across the tread.
A tire has grooves that separate tread blocks. Also known as circumferential grooves or kerfs, these are characterized by deep recesses molded in the tread.
Sidewall
The sidewall sits between the tread and wheel. This is also the part where you’ll find the tire’s size and construction details.
After some time, ozone damage can cause the rubber to oxidize, turning the sidewalls brown.
Some premium-quality tires come with anti-oxidizing chemical additives blended with the sidewall rubber to prevent this from happening.
Bead
The bead serves as the foundation of the tire. It’s located where the tire grips the inside of the wheel rim.
If the bead is cut or damaged, the tire must be replaced.
Body Ply
Also referred to as ‘carcass plies,’ body plies create the main framework of the tire.
Body plies are made from different materials, including rayon, nylon, aramid, and polyester.
Rayon
Rayon offers a smooth ride quality. However, this material tends to rot if exposed to moisture.
Nylon
Nylon is another common body ply material, but it has tendencies to “flat-spot” after sitting overnight.
Aramid
Aramid is typically used in high-performance-tire construction because it’s several times stronger than steel.
Polyester
Polyester offers the same smooth ride characteristics as rayon, but what sets it apart from the latter is that it comes with rot resistance features.
Polyester also has the same strength as nylon.
Belt
A tire belt stabilizes the tread, increases its service life, and improves vehicle handling.
The belt is made from two or more layers of material applied over the body plies and under the tread area.
Tire belts can be made from steel mesh, rayon, nylon, fiberglass, or aramid.
Inner Liner
The inner liner is the soft rubber lining inside the tire.
This part protects the body plies and helps the tire seal itself when there are small punctures.
Major Splice
The major splice represents the stiffest part of the tire.
The major splice is where the body plies, belts, and tread rubber overlap.
How to Get Your Hands on New Tires
While patches are quick, cheap, and highly effective ways to fix any puncture damage in your tires, they won’t last forever. Even if the best patches (if installed properly) can last up to 10 years, it’s always better to replace a damaged tire entirely. Getting your hands on some new tires can be costly, but not if you’re getting them at CarParts.com.
Our tires come with a low-price guarantee, so you don’t have to break the bank to get top-notch replacements. We also make it a point to source them from the most trusted manufacturers in the industry to give you the best value for your money.
The best part? You can get your hands on a new set of tires without ever leaving your house. All you need to do is visit our website with your mobile device or your computer. From here, you can use our vehicle selector and search filters to customize the selection to your needs.
Why rely on patches when you get new tires at unbeatable prices at CarParts.com? Shop now!
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
