Only a proper patch/plug repair completely seals the puncture from inside the tire and through the entire injury channel. The Proper Tire Repair Process According to Industry Guidelines Therefore, air and moisture could seep into the tire from the tread surface and eventually damage the tire. However, similarly to the plug-only repair, the patch does not fill the injury channel. A properly installed patch will do a great job of allowing the tire to hold air. A Patch-Only Tire Repair Leaves Your Tire Susceptible to DamageĪ tire repair that uses only a patch is also NOT considered proper or safe. Over time, this could lead to a dangerous (or even deadly) blowout. Because they’re not completely sealing the injury, plug repairs may allow air and moisture to penetrate the body of the tire. 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. The common misconception with plug and string repairs is that because they hold air, they are safe to use. 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. Tire Plugs and String Repairs are Temporary RepairsĮmergency roadside plug repairs are NOT intended to be a permanent tire repair. The repair essentially becomes part of the tire, creating an air-tight seal that keeps air in and moisture and contaminants out (more on this procedure below). The repair is then permanently bonded to the inside of tire and through the injury channel using a cold, chemical vulcanizing process. If the angle of the puncture exceeds 35 degrees). However, special circumstances may require the use of a two-piece combination repair (ex. Patch/plug repairs are most often performed using a one-piece repair unit that combines the repair stem and cap (or patch) into one unit. This is commonly known as a combination repair or a patch/plug repair. The purpose of this article is to show you the difference between a safe, permanent repair and a temporary string, plug or patch repair.Īccording 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. Luckily there are safe and cost-effective ways to properly repair most tire punctures. So, you have a flat tire or one that’s leaking air.

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