So, you have a flat tire or one that’s leaking air. It’s not the end of the world. Luckily there are safe and cost-effective ways to properly repair most tire punctures. The purpose of this article is to show you the difference between a safe, permanent repair and a temporary string, plug or patch repair. Show
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. This is commonly known as a combination repair or a patch/plug repair. Tire Plugs and String Repairs are Temporary RepairsEmergency roadside plug repairs are NOT intended to be a permanent tire repair. Plugs and string repairs are designed to get you back up and rolling long enough to get home or to the nearest service center to perform a proper tire repair. The common misconception with plug and string repairs is that because they hold air, they are safe to use. While it is true that many plug repairs do a great job of keeping air in the tire, that’s only part of the equation. Because they’re not completely sealing the injury, plug repairs may allow air and moisture to penetrate the body of the tire. Over time, this could lead to a dangerous (or even deadly) blowout. A Patch-Only Tire Repair Leaves Your Tire Susceptible to DamageA tire repair that uses only a patch is also NOT considered proper or safe. A properly installed patch will do a great job of allowing the tire to hold air. However, similarly to the plug-only repair, the patch does not fill the injury channel. Therefore, air and moisture could seep into the tire from the tread surface and eventually damage the tire. The Proper Tire Repair Process According to Industry GuidelinesOnly a proper patch/plug repair completely seals the puncture from inside the tire and through the entire injury channel. There are a few extra steps necessary to perform a proper tire repair in accordance with industry guidelines. We’ve developed a simple acronym to help organize and remember the steps: R.E.P.A.I.R.
When is it Safe to Repair Your Tire?There are a number of factors that may determine whether or not your tire is safe to repair. These factors fall into three main categories:
Conclusion:The occasional flat or leaky tire is an unavoidable part of life. But, taking shortcuts to repair it can be dangerous to you and your passengers. Take the time and do the research to do the job right and/or find a reputable tire repair shop trained in proper tire repair procedure. Does AutoZone patch tires?Though not a permanent fix, AutoZone supplies you with the temporary rubber cement, tire patch or tire repair kit you need to get your ride rolling again. From a tiny nail on the ground to something like a valve stem leak, there are many sources that can cause a flat tire.
Is repairing a tire worth it?A slow leak from a nail or screw that's gotten lodged in your tire is a good candidate for repair. Tire repairs are relatively inexpensive, and can even be free if you have a tire warranty. If done right, your repaired tire will be safe to drive on for its original full life.
How much does it cost to repair a tire tear?The cost depends on the selected maintenance center; the amount of this service is not uniform. But the number is not too expensive, ranging from $30-40$ for a patch. A mechanic takes 15 minutes to remove the tire from the rim to find the leak and 20-30 minutes for the repair and finishing work.
How much is a tire patch?If you're looking into having a puncture repaired on a tire, you're looking at spending on average between $10 to $20 dollars.
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