
The reason that the inspection is so important is that sidewall damage often takes place when a tire has been run flat. When the tool that is used to insert a plug is pulled out of the tire, it can damage the tire’s steel cords leading to a shifted belt and a compromise in the structure of the tire.Īny tire repair should include a thorough inspection of the damaged tire, and this requires the tire to be removed from the wheel – which does not occur with a $10 plug repair.

After a certain amount of time, this tire plug push-pull “combat” could cause the plug to dislodge. There is only glue (vulcanizing fluid) holding the plug in its place, and the air pressure in your tire is constantly pushing the plug outward while the road surface is simultaneously pushing it back in.Consequently, this heat will cause the tire’s rubber to expand, increasing the possibility of the plug coming out of the tire. Driving at higher speeds will cause heat to build up in your tires.However, a plug should never be treated as a permanent repair for three reasons: This is generally an acceptable temporary fix (ie: inserting a plug into a damaged tire in order to get the vehicle safely to a nearby shop). Many shops these days still do a simple plug repair in which a plug is pushed into the hole of a tire with some vulcanizing fluid and the air leak is stopped.
FIX A TIRE PATCH
The RMA no longer considers a traditional patch or a plug to be a safe repair for a damaged tire. *The “tread area” of the tire is the area that is one inch in from each sidewall.Ī Patch-Plug is the ONLY way to safely repair a damaged tire according to the RMA. However, if the tire is repairable, then a patch-plug can be utilized.

What are the basics regarding safe tire repair?Ī tire inspection is necessary in order to assess whether or not your damaged tire can be repaired. Rest assured that ArborMotion is one of the few shops that adhere strictly to these standards and perform safe tire repairs according to RMA guidelines. Unfortunately, this unnerving statistic is the result of shops and dealerships not adhering to the latest industry guidelines when it comes to tire repair. An improperly repaired tire is a serious safety hazard for everyone on the road, and according to the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), approximately 88% of all tire repairs are done incorrectly. When you have a damaged tire, it is best to avoid shops and dealerships that offer a “quick fix” solution.
