Tire Repair – Choosing Between a Tire Plug and a Tire Patch

A puncture can be a very annoying and frustrating experience, especially if you are driving somewhere important. Fortunately, most punctures can be fixed with either a tire plug or a patch. The type of Tire Repair that is best for you will depend on the size and location of the hole in the tire. A tire plug is typically used for small holes away from the sidewall of the tire and is a very quick and easy repair. A tire patch, on the other hand, is a more permanent solution. It requires dismounting the tire and using a reamer to clean out the hole and prepare it for the patch. It also takes longer to complete a patch repair than a plug repair.

A tire plug is a long, woven cord that is covered with a tacky substance. It is usually supplied as part of a tire repair kit, which also includes a reaming tool and an insertion tool. The insertion tool is used to insert the plug into the puncture hole, which fills and seals the hole. Once the plug is inserted, rubber cement is applied to the plug and tire to create a seal. The tire is then driven, which heats the plug and rubber cement to vulcanize the repair and create an airtight seal.

Plugs are often a fast and affordable way to repair a flat tire, but they are only a temporary fix. They can degrade over time, which may cause the tire to leak again. Additionally, a plug only addresses the puncture, not any internal damage that could be creating low tire pressure or causing sidewall and tread separations.

A tire patch is a thin patch of rubber that is attached to the inside of the tire over the puncture. It’s the most common form of a puncture repair and is a great option for many people. A patch is more expensive than a plug, but it’s the most durable and reliable option for puncture repairs. It’s a good choice for most people who want to get back on the road quickly and safely.

While a patch or plug is the most common way to repair a puncture, some tire injuries are too severe and cannot be repaired. If the puncture causes a large bulge or bubble in the tire, it is not safe to drive and should be replaced.

Most tire service professionals use a combination of methods to repair punctures, including plugging and patching. A patch-plug is a mix of the two types of repairs and is often the most reliable way to repair a tire puncture. A tire technician will start by removing the punctured tire from the rim and using a reamer to clean the injury and prep the inner liner for a patch. Then, the technician will apply a patch to the inner liner and attach it to the injured area. They will then inject a vulcanizing liquid into the injury channel, which permanently bonds the repair to the tire and enables it to withstand a long road trip without leakage.