Tire patching or plugging?

[craigbrooks]

Originally Posted by blackelantra

Oh, I just wanted to say that this board is so awesome. Bunch of helpful people. We are like a close knit community

Noticed you haven't met us all yet! Just kidding...lots of helpful knowlegable folks here.

My vote...patch btw.

[Bianco]

Originally Posted by Buerkletucson

A Plug is an emergency temporary repair.

An internal patch is a permanent fix.

Had plugs in a few tires for over 5-6yrs and never had one fail. Really not a temporary repair, if done right.

[silvergls]

Originally Posted by FloridaGator

The optimum way to repair a tire puncture involves removing and demounting the tire for inspection and using a system that combines a tire patch and plug in one unit.

The tire inner liner must be repaired and the puncture hole needs to filled.


Tire Repair | Michelin Tires



RMA: Tire Repair

Best insurance of a complete fix.

Originally Posted by Bianco

Had plugs in a few tires for over 5-6yrs and never had one fail. Really not a temporary repair, if done right.

Words are "done right" Lot of failures are from improper repair.

Just like brushing one's teeth, you'd be surprised how much don't even do that properly.

[RXElantra]

As has been said, every tire manufacturer recommends a patch from inside. The tire is inspected and if there is any ply-damage, a visual inspection from inside may catch that. This repair is virtually 100% effective. As has also been noted, a plug can also be a life-long fix. but with a plug, you get no internal visual inspection of the tire carcus. So there might be some implied liability by the mfgr if he recommended plugs. The manufacturers need to be 100% all the time.

Add to that a tire shop may be able to fix 95 out of 100 cars on the first try with a plug. those other 5 people where there was a slow leak or the plug worked loose, may bad mouth the tire shop saying they do shoddy work. A plug is quicker and easier to do but they may not want the bad publicity.

That all being said, I have had both plugs and patches installed professionally and installed plugs myself. I would not think twice about their effectivity or their life.

P.S. I'm just glad we don't have to fool around with inner tubes anymore!

[OkieRich]

Oh, let's not bring up inner tubes! I'm trying to forget those. Only good inner tube was the one your uncle had off a tractor-trailer tire. Had a 100 patches on it...take it to the lake and float in it all day. If you had one, EVERYONE at the lake was your friend.

[Xion]

Originally Posted by OkieRich

Oh, let's not bring up inner tubes! I'm trying to forget those. Only good inner tube was the one your uncle had off a tractor-trailer tire. Had a 100 patches on it...take it to the lake and float in it all day. If you had one, EVERYONE at the lake was your friend.

I REMEMBER THOSE WHEN i WAS A KID, LAST TIME I HAD A FLAT REPAIRED THE GARAGE PUT A PATCH AND THEY TOLD ME THAT PLUGS WERE NO LONGER USED IN GARAGES. (I'm not yelling BTW my caps were ON)

[Buerkletucson]

Originally Posted by Bianco

Had plugs in a few tires for over 5-6yrs and never had one fail. Really not a temporary repair, if done right.

It is a temporary repair...........just because you continue to use it this way does not make it a permanent fix.
It makes it a permanent temporary repair.

There is a reason commercial vehicles can not legally use this type of repair.

[Don67]

Originally Posted by Buerkletucson

It is a temporary repair...........just because you continue to use it this way does not make it a permanent fix.
It makes it a permanent temporary repair.

There is a reason commercial vehicles can not legally use this type of repair.

Temporary, permanent... how long does a tire last anyway?

I've been using plugs for 25 years and have never experienced a failure within the life of the tire to which it attached. The only exception was a truck tire with a 1/2" gash that we filled with three plugs in a fit of roadside desperation. It leaked slightly over the next 100 miles.

What exactly do people fear about plugs anyway? Is it the 0.5% probability that it might develop a slow leak, vs. 0.25% for a patch? I face bigger risks than that every time I eat chili.

[blackelantra]

Originally Posted by Don67

What exactly do people fear about plugs anyway? Is it the 0.5% probability that it might develop a slow leak, vs. 0.25% for a patch? I face bigger risks than that every time I eat chili.

touche

[FloridaGator]

Originally Posted by blackelantra

touche

I didn't think this was a contest.

I don't think anyone here has said external tire plugging doesn't work as it certainly does. To me, the question should be, which is the better way to repair a tire puncture? traditional external tire plugging? or, tire removal, demount, inspection inside and out and repair with a modern style patch/plug devise?. Everyone can repair their tire punctures any way they choose but I think one would be hard pressed to deny that the most optimum way to repair a tire puncture is tire removal, demount, inspection inside and out then repair with patch/plug devise.

Most of us are very picky about our cars and their appearance, operating and mechanical condition and so on. If we hear a funny noise we get concerned, if bluetooth burps we get concerned and many do their own maintenance because they want it done right. Why would you not want the very best for your tires by not fixing a tire puncture using the best possible techniques available? To me, repairing a tire puncture with a simple external tire plug when other more comprehensive methods are readily available is like blowing smoke in the face of safety. The tires are just one of the most important things on the car. When I am on some interstate this summer in 95 degree heat going 75 mph or more I don't want to be riding on a tire or tires that have been repaired without a full inspection and best possible repair.

To Plug or Not To Plug? That Is The Question

"William somebody"