Does a tire plug really work?
Tire plugs are a quick fix and can fail over time. Tire plugs may cause air to become trapped between the layers of the tire tread, eventually causing the tire tread to separate. Tire plugs can wear down over time and air or water leaks can reoccur. Generally, a tire patch is more durable than a tire plug. However, just like with a tire plug, using a tire patch by itself is not recommended to repair a tire. A patch can seal the puncture hole, but it doesn’t address potential internal damage that the tire may have sustained when it was punctured.A tire patch is ideal when the damage is larger or you’re looking for a long-term fix. Instead of plugging the hole from the outside, a patch is applied to the inside of the tire. This method creates a stronger, more reliable seal, preventing air from leaking.Plugs Are A Temporary Fix Plugs are designed to seal small holes in the tyre’s tread temporarily. Over time, the plug can loosen or come out completely, allowing air to leak and leaving your tyre vulnerable once again. For this reason, it’s best to treat plugs as a stopgap measure and not as a long-term repair.When considering plug vs patch tire repair, patches generally last longer and provide a more durable solution. Plugging a tire is ideal for temporary fixes and small punctures but may not hold up well over time, especially in harsher driving conditions.Generally, a tire patch is more durable than a tire plug. However, just like with a tire plug, using a tire patch by itself is not recommended to repair a tire. A patch can seal the puncture hole, but it doesn’t address potential internal damage that the tire may have sustained when it was punctured.
When should you not use a tire plug?
Don’t plug your tire if it’s anywhere near the sidewall. Don’t plug your tire if it’s an irregularly shaped hole. Don’t plug your tire if it’s a large hole or thick nail. Don’t plug your tire if you’ve run the tire while it was flat for more than a mile, as this can mean that the sidewalls are damaged. Some sources say a properly plugged tire can be driven on for 25,000 miles, although that’s not recommended since determining if a plug has been put in correctly is extremely difficult without taking the tire off the rim.Plugs work best on small punctures in the tread (such as from nails or screws) and can be installed quickly without removing the tire from the rim. Plugs cannot be used on sidewall punctures. While they’re cheap and fast, plugs are considered more of a temporary or emergency fix.Limit the Time on the Road: While it’s okay to drive on a plugged tire, try to avoid long trips or excessive driving until you can have the tire properly repaired or replaced. The plug is a temporary fix that could fail if the tire undergoes too much stress over time.
Are tire plugs safe for high speeds?
Short-Term Fix, Long-Term Risk In fleet or shop settings, a plug can keep a vehicle in service. But plugs can dry out or loosen over time, especially under heat or highway speeds. A plugged tire should return for inspection as soon as possible. Yes, tyre plugs are legal. However, tyre plugs should only be used as a temporary fix. Tyres affected or fitted with plugs should be replaced as soon as possible. They are only really suitable for a short period of time.
How long can a tire last with a plug?
These repairs can last up to 10 years (25,000 miles). Tire plugs and patches can’t repair everything. You’re better off replacing a bad tire if the sidewall is damaged, there’s overlapping damage, or the tire is more than three years old. The tire can’t be repaired if you have more than two punctures. If the puncture is found along the shoulder or sidewall, the tire will need to be replaced. If it’s over ¼-inch, it won’t be able to be repaired.According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) and the Tire Industry Association (TIA), the only method to properly repair a tire puncture is to fill the injury with a repair stem and back the stem with a repair patch.
What can I use instead of a tire plug?
Plugs offer a quick and convenient solution for minor punctures, while patches provide a more durable and long-lasting repair. Combination repairs and tire sealants can also be effective, depending on the situation. Tire Plugs (also called Tire Strings) For as long back as we can remember, tire plug kits have come with a small bottle of rubber cement. While the glue may aid in installation (acts as a lubricant), the rubber cement added to the product does not actually add value in sealing up the puncture.