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. Tire plugs on their own do not completely seal off the inner liner from air or water entering the tire.
Finally, firmly secure the plugs through heat and cut off the excess wire. Depending on many factors, some people point out that its life can be up to 25,000 miles in some cases. But, this is not a long-term option. Experts recommend that this solution is only temporary for about 8-10 miles.
It shouldn't be a problem if you've been driving the car with the plugged tires on for a short, moderate period. But the advice we give is to limit the use of tires that appear to have large plugs located near the tire wall when traveling in for a long time.
Tire plugs are typically made of rubber or latex and are inserted into the tire to fill the hole. Tire plugs are a quick and easy fix, and they can be done without even taking the tire off of the car. However, tire plugs are not a permanent fix, and they may not be as effective in sealing larger holes.
NEVER repair a tire that has an existing, improper repair; the tire must be scrapped. A plug by itself or a patch by itself is an unacceptable repair.
Punctured tires will likely need to be replaced if: The puncture is more than a ¼ inch in diameter. There's a puncture in the sidewall or shoulder of the tire. You have multiple punctures that are less than 16 inches apart.
Patching a tire with a radial patch can take about 20 to 30 minutes while installing a plug takes only a few minutes and usually can be done while the tire is still on the car. Often, it is necessary to vulcanize the tire patch, a process which uses heat and curing agents to reinforce the rubber of your tire.
Tire plugs are useful for emergency cases, but they should not be overused. When deciding how many plugs can you put in a tire, two or three should be the maximum. Otherwise, the vehicle's safety is at stake. Remember to keep a plug kit with you in case someone uses a tire slasher tool on your car.
Tire plugs can wear down over time and air or water leaks can reoccur. Tire plugs on their own do not completely seal off the inner liner from air or water entering the tire.
A tire plug could be just fine for a day, a week, a year, or even longer. Done properly, it can effectively seal the tire and let you keep using it, but there's no guarantee it's going to last.
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?
The quarter-inch rule
This is very simple: never repair a tire with a puncture greater than a quarter inch or 6 mm in diameter. Also, never repair any punctures found on the tire sidewall. Puncture repair is limited to the tread area and only between the outside shoulder grooves.
What could make matters worse is the significant size the puncture has created at more than a quarter of an inch. The closer the patch gets to the sidewall, the more fatal for your tires to get a blowout.
If the leakage is slow, you may be able to continue driving for several hundred miles before you think about changing the tire. However, if the puncture is severe, you'll likely need to replace your tire immediately before driving on it further.
Plugging a tire will void your tire manufacturer's warranty. 2. A tire patch by itself is not a good repair because it doesn't fill the hole left by the nail or screw.
Having a nail in your tire, doesn't mean you have a flat. But it does mean something is wrong and if you don't get it repaired in time your tire could blow out or ruin completely. Don't take a chance driving on the road with a nail in your tire.
A tire puncture greater than 1/4 inch (or 6mm) cannot be repaired. A new tire replacement is needed if a puncture exceeds this limit. Large tread punctures, irregular gashes or cuts exceeding 1/4 inch cannot be repaired.
The size of the hole must be no larger than 0.25 inches and must be located on the tread of your tire. If the puncture is on the shoulder or sidewall, then you will need to replace the tire. The angle of the puncture also makes a big difference in the effectiveness of a plug.
Punctures larger than a quarter-inch in diameter also can't be effectively and safely repaired. If the tire has a cut or gash, it can only be repaired if it's less than a quarter-inch in length. If the tire is worn and has less than 2/32-inch remaining tread depth, it is unsafe to repair and must be replaced.
If your tire is losing very little air as a result of the nail puncture, you may be able to drive for a hundred miles or more! If it is losing air fast, you might want to drive to your local mechanic as soon as possible. In either case, it's important to be proactive to prevent further damage.
Suitability: Tire plugs work best for small punctures located in the tread area, but they aren't recommended for larger punctures or those on the tire's sidewall or shoulder. Tire patches can handle larger and more awkwardly positioned punctures, including those on the sidewall.
Let's Recap: If your tires' tread depth will be within 4/32” of each other, you can get away with replacing just one or two tires. If you drive an AWD vehicle, the tires must be within 2/32” of each other. But you should always check the vehicle owner's manual to see what the manufacturer recommends.