Tire Patching 101 Ultimate Guide

In modern technology, roads are getting safer and are built with innovation. Still, you may face road hazards that can come in any shape. No matter how secure we go, the vehicle sometimes gets wear and tear to our tires in the parking lot, garage, nails and glass on the road, and road derbies, and that is where a tire patching or tire puncture comes in.

A screw or a nail on the road can ruin your day by giving a flat tire, tire patching is expected in tire life span, and car owners are aware of that. However, not every vehicle owner knows how to cope with this.

Don’t worry. This article will endow with an inclusive guide for tire patching Ultimate Guide and inspection.

What is a punctured tire? 

Puncture in the vehicle is a common issue that arises as a result of a sharp object on the road, e.g., glass, screws, or nails that can damage your tire . as an outcome, the tire loose pressure letting air getaway.

It may seem like it is not a big issue. However, if you don’t take the necessary action to fix the problem soon, it could cost you more by damaging the whole tire, and as a result, you need tire replacement. Also, driving on a punctured tire is dangerous and causes an accident.

Identifying a puncture 

When your tire gets punctured, it’s not visible instantly at a glance. There are numerous signs to look for if you believe it’s a punctured or a flat tire. Here are some ways to identify whether the tire is punctured or not. 

• When you feel uncomfortable, steering becomes difficult, feel a vibration while driving. 
• When you feel wobbly or shaky while driving.
• The car will pull either towards the left or right side, depending on the right or left side puncture. 
• When you hear a tickling sound due to a nail or screw, once the nail or screw makes contact with the road or rim.

Can you patch and fix a tire with a nail in it?

This totally depends on the area where the nail is inserted, if the nail pierces through the center of the tread area hen it can be patched, also if the nail causes a puncture that is larger than  ¼  of an inch then you need to replace your tire it’s not recommended to patch it in this case.

Usually, bent nails cause the tire puncture, and curved nails are in the ideal position to pierce through the tire, though there are some prickly objects you should look out these include

• Bolts and screws
• Broken glass pieces
• Sharp rocks
• Staples
• Metal sheets
• Steel components

Can a Nail Cause A Tire Blowout?

If a nail pierces though very close to the side wall, there is a risk of a tire blowout. Tire blow is one of the significant causes of automobile accidents. If you notice that a sufficient amount is leaked from the tire, it’s not recommended to drive with it as it’s also the primary reason for a tire blowout.

Why is proper tire repair necessary?

Appropriate tire maintenance helps extend the lifetime of car tires. This leads to various advantages on your side as a car owner.

Here are some of them:

1. It reduces cost and saves money. If tires are accurately and well-maintained, you can evade frequent repairs and other car issues. Bad-shaped tires increase fuel economy, and good tires also save fuel costs.

2. Reduce waste. Tires have properties that it didn’t decompose. If we maintain the tire properly, we don’t have to buy new tires frequently, reducing waste tire disposal.

3. It helps keep you stay safe on the roads. If tires are in bad shape, it leads to car performance and safety issues. Also, lousy shape tires can cause an accident.

Tire Patching Methods

There are various methods to patch a punctured tire. most commonly used are.

1. Patch

A tire patch is a repair technique that works well for leaks and tiny punctures. But only if the stab is in the middle of the tread area.

Patching a tire is easy, if you have the right tools, a tire patch can swiftly get your tire back in gear. there are many patch kits available in tire shops you can use to get a car patch fixed.

Necessary Steps and Tools require to Patch a Tire

Necessary Supplies needed: 

• Tire marker/white marker
• Tire Sander
• proper size Tire patch
• Rubber Cement
• Buffer tool for stitching the patch

Step 1: Use your marker to mark the spot you want to scrap.

Step 2:

• Use the tire sander to rough up the area with an embed pattern.
• Make sure to appropriately rough the place as the patch sticks better if the area is adequately sanded.
• Ensure 1/2″(1.25 CM) of the punctured site is rough evenly.

Step 3: Apply rubber cement straight to the roughen surface of the tire and extend uniformly. Please wait until it becomes a bit dry and sticky.

Step 4: Take away the back from your patch without touching the bare face. Place the patch accurately over the puncture position where rubber cement is applied.

Necessary Steps and Tools require to Patch a Tire

Step 5: Press the patch tightly over the stab area. Make sure to press all the way and especially down the edges. Use the buffer tool to suture the patch down and dry out any trapped air. After ensuring the boundaries of the patch are firmly attached, remove the apparent plastic backing from the patch.

Step 6: Wait for the patch to totally dry, remount the tire, and air up. well done, you have productively patched a tire! 

How long does it take to patch a tire? 

A high-quality tire patch takes roughly 20-30 minutes. It is because, in a tire patch, the tire must be taken off and inspected adequately to locate the punctured area.

A repair person can’t inspect it properly without taking the tire off. Remember that tire patches are only appropriate if the stab is in the middle of the tread area.

How long does a patched tire last? 

If the tire is patched proficiently, it can last up to 7-10 years. It’s highly recommended to fix the tire with a professional mechanic as they have the proper tools and skills to perform this task.

2. Plug

Tire plugging is the quickest but temporary method to fix a punctured tire. The sticky piece of sting cord, coated with sticky rubber, is inserted into the punctured area to prevent the airhead from escaping through the tire.  

How to plug a Tire 

Step 1: Position the tire leak

• Fill the tires with air, and press to see if the pressure has reached a point when you feel the hardness.
• Dilute the soap or surf in water to make a solution and spray it all over the wheel’s surface, where there are air bubbles; that’s where the puncture is.

 Step 2: Drill The Holes 

• Sand Properly around the located pierce area, then Use a T-tool to close the hole.
• Stab the damage to a suitable degree once the mark is round.
• If the pin is too tiny to be reamed, use a hand drill with a smaller tip to enlarge the whole face.

 Step 3: Make Plugs Ready

• Take a strip of plugs out from the kit; place it in the repaired string into the eyelet. 
• Pull the plug string through the hook up to the desired length using pliers.
• Apply a layer of cement paste to cover the strip and the hole in the car’s body.

 Step 4: Add Strip

• Push the plug tightly into the hole.
• Once the plug is entered up to a certain length, leave approximately an inch outer the wheel surface and gradually remove the plug. 

 Step 5: Fill Air In Tires

• Fill air again in the tire with a margin of 10% lower than the pressure index of the tire.
• Spray a soapy water solution all over and check for any bubbles or leakage occurs again or not.

Step 6: Cut the excess

• Use a portion of the paper to remove the access cement coating; let it cool down to dry completely (about 5-6 minutes).
• Use a knife or cutter to cut the extra cord and leave only about ⅛ inch.

 Step 7: Test

• Spray Soap Solution repeatedly to check for any leakage one last time.
• Take away the jack to let the car return to its original state.

The time it requires to plug a tire? 

Unlike the tire patch, a tire plug takes significantly less time and can be done in just a few minutes or a maximum of 15 minutes. in plugging, we don’t require taking off the tire, which saves valuable time.

How long does a plugged tire last? 

A proper plugged tire can last up to 7-10 years or 25,000 miles, tire plugged is not as reliable as a tire patch but it is still a good alternative to fix a stab tire.

3. Combination of plug and patch

A tire patch-plug is the type of repair involving both plug and patch. It’s done by inserting a tiny round Rubber patch into the tire centre with a plug in it.

This technique is the best option among all the three as it involves both plug and patch. It creates safe and long-lasting punctures. Most tire professionals prefer the patch-plug method due to its reliability.

How to patch-plug a Tire

A tire patch plug is a type of repair consolidating both patch and plug methods. That requires using a small, round rubber patch with a plug in its centre.

It’s the best of all three options as it performs a better, safer, and long-running solution for punctures. Most professionals prefer this repair method.

Steps to patch-plug a Tire

Step 1– Drill through the punctured area to widen it.
Step 2 – Buff the tire puncture from the inside.
Step 3 – Glue the buffed patch.
Step 4 – Draw the plug from the outside of the tire.
Step 5 – Cut the plug’s length to equal the tire’s tread.

How long does a patch-plugged tire last? 

Patch-plug punctured if done correctly can last for the whole life for this reason most professionals prefer this method among patch and plug method.

Which one is best patched, plugged, or replaced

Now, as you are familiar with all tire repair options, it’s important to analyze individual car needs and choose the best option which suits your tire need. A plug, patch, combination of patch-plug or replace it.

Can a tire be patched twice?

It would be best if you never patched a tire more than once. Doing so increases the risk of a blowout, slowing your car’s driving speed and fuel cost.

Can you drive on a patched tire?

If a patch has been done according to an expert’s industry principles, you may completely drive on patched tires. Well-maintained patch tire can last up to 7 years.  

The patched tire can go a long distance?

A good patched tire presents no safety hazard. It’s recommended a specialized do the job for you. Baring this in mind, you’ll be able to drive the patched tire long distances the same way before it got punctured.

How fast can you drive on a patched tire?

It’s safe to go up to 80 to 90 mph. Anything beyond that depends on the value of your tire and the patch itself. Nevertheless, it is safer to drive a patched tire according to the suggested speed perimeter.

Conclusion

Tires are one of the most essential components of a car. It’s the only component that touches the road. We rely on them big time to carry us and deliver our goods safely to desired destinations thousands of miles away, So maintaining them and doing necessary tire patching if needed, putting them in proper shape, and taking care of them is a must, ensuring a safe trip and a stable performance.