That's because: The patch won't hold - Tires have cords that run all around the tread of the tire, the part the makes contact with the road. But on the sidewall, those cords aren't there. So, there's just no way for a plug to fill that hole.
The sidewall of your tire is an important structural component, as it provides support and stability. Unlike the tread, though, the sidewall isn't supported by steel belts, with only one layer of radial plies running below the rubber surface. Therefore, patching a sidewall puncture or damage is NOT repairable.
If you have a leak, hole or tear in your sidewall as opposed to your tread, you should not repair it with a patch. The thinness of the sidewall gives little material for a patch to adhere to, and the damage to the sidewall leaves the tire structurally compromised.
Puncture repairs are limited to the center of the tread area. If there are punctures or damage in the shoulder or sidewall of the tire, it is not repairable.
The use of a standard puncture repair unit in the shoulder (S-T) area will result in the repair unit being exposed to more stress in the upper sidewall, due to the characteristics of the tire. This could potentially result in a premature repair failure.
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.
The puncture is within the tread area* of the tire – sidewall punctures are NOT repairable.
The short answer, yes. For years, sidewall damage has been a fatal blow to off-road tires. However, GlueTread has changed the game. GlueTread products make sidewall repair simple and easy allowing the rider to repair their tire and continue riding.
The Sidewall is the "smooth", vertical area on the side of the tire between the edge of the tread and the bead of the tire, which does not include any area where tread grooves are still visible.
Sidewall damage can have serious implications for the safety and performance of the tire. Chipped or cut sidewall rubber can weaken the tire's structure, leading to a potential blowout or a sudden loss of air pressure.
If you experience a flat tyre while out and about on the roads, you should not continue to drive the vehicle – as this could damage your wheels and necessitate costly repairs. Instead, stop in a safe location as soon as possible.
A bulge or bubble on the sidewall of a tire generally indicates damaged cords caused by a severe impact. Damaged cords are often accompanied by a visible break in the inner liner. If cords have been damaged, air has infiltrated into the plies and can result in a bulge.
The plug can become dislodged from the tire, resulting in excessive air pressure loss and a potential blowout. This can be extremely dangerous, especially when going at high speeds. Driving on a plugged tire for long distances can also cause the tire to wear unevenly, which can lead to further damage to the tire.
If you have onboard air, we recommend removing the valve core or waiting until the tire is completely deflated before installing the plugs so there is less resistance. If you don't have an air source, you will likely want to install the plug as quickly as possible so you don't lose more air than necessary.
The sidewall is the most fragile part of the tire. Compared to the tread, the sidewall is not only thinner, but also has insufficient steel wire to adhere, so it is more fragile.
The shoulder of the tire is the weakest part. So only those holes in the middle of the tire can be repaired.
Tire sidewalls vary in thickness from the shoulder area to the bead area. In the thinnest part, typically in the middle to upper area, most sidewalls are between 6- and 15-mm thick – about 1/4- to 5/8-inch thick.
Slime's tube sealant is not guaranteed to seal gashes from glass or metal, bead leaks, sidewall punctures or pinch flats.
Road hazards include potholes, debris, and curbs, which can leave a cut or a puncture in the tire. The damage may be immediate, making the tire go flat or explode, or it may be long-lasting. The latter will expand and eventually deflate the tire fully, causing a tire sidewall blowout.
No, super glue cures hard and brittle, try this and 3 seconds on the road will cause the super glue to crumble to powder. Plus it probably wouldn't stick to the rubber anyway. Replace the leaking tire with the spare, drop the leaking tire off at the tire shop.
You can do this by running your fingers along with the scuff and feeling for areas that cut into the sidewall. Wash away any dirt and debris using a dry rag and then soap and water. Apply your tire-specific product and follow the included instructions. Check for any missed spots and reapply as necessary.
No, most tires on new cars are covered under the warranty only for manufacturing defects. what is commonly known as road hazard damage is not covered.
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.
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?