Is there anything wrong with plugging a tire?

It isn’t safe and could lead to a dangerous blowout. A plug by itself, or a patch by itself, is not acceptable. But a safer tire repair, done to the RMA standards, can give you thousands of miles more use from your tire. Need your tire repaired by an expert?

When should you not plug a tire?

If there are punctures or damage in the shoulder or sidewall of the tire, it is not repairable. If the injuries are close enough so that the repairs overlap or the injuries are directly across from each other, the tire cannot be repaired and must be scrapped.

Do tire plugs ruin tires?

A tire plug is performed using malleable rubber that when inserted into a puncture will expand and trap air from getting out. Tire plugging should be a temporary fix for a damaged tire and not a permanent solution for proper tire repair.

Is plugging a tire a good idea?

Plugs, when installed correctly and in the right situations, can help a tire last for up to 25,000 additional miles. But while plugs can be effective, usually patches are considered to be the better, more secure option of the two. The patch/plug combo is the safest and most reliable option.

Is it better to plug a tire or patch it?

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.

How long can you drive on plugged tire?

That notwithstanding, tire plugs can be driven, at most, for a distance of up to eight miles safely, though the shorter you drive with it, the better.

Are tire plugs permanent?

Tire plugs are not meant to be a permanent fix and should only be driven on for as long as it takes to get to a repair shop for a more permanent repair. Depending on the location of the puncture, a plug and patch kit may be used to fix the damage and can last for several years.

How much does it cost to plug a tire?

On average, tire puncture repair will cost you between $10 and $20. The repair will involve getting the tire patched. Some tire dealers will repair a punctured tire for free if you purchased your tire from them.

Can I plug a tire myself?

While you can patch a tire yourself, it may be better to bring your car to a tire shop. You must first remove the tire to install the tire patch and then remove the tire from the rim. While it’s possible to do this yourself, it can get pretty complicated. If the hole is too big to plug, you shouldn’t try to drive.