Wether a tire patch or a plug is
the way to go, a lot of drivers who have had tire problems on the road might be
interested in the best way to fix a flat. Needless to say, local shops disagree
on this all the time. The availability of options leads to some debate over
what's the "best" way to fix a tire. Is it the patch or the plug?
Here are some considerations for learning which you would rely on in a flat
tire emergency.
The Case for Plugs
Some shops may recommend a plug in a tire because
it is the cheapest and the quickest option. When someone has broken down on the
highway and needs to get somewhere, they can enjoy the convenience of the quick
plug (which often costs less than $10 and can be done in just a few minutes).
Also, the technology for plugs has improved over time. In the old days, plugs
were simply inserted into the tire, and that was that. Newer plugs
"vulcanize" to the tire for improved stability on the road. As a result,
a driver can get a quick tire plug and drive another 20k miles on the tire with
no problems.
Limitations to Tire Plug Methods
Even though a tire plug by itself might be enough,
national road safety agencies caution against a simple plug. Here are some of
the situations where relying on a plug might be less effective:
- When the hole is near the sidewall - many
experts recommend a patch for when a tire puncture is near the sidewall,
as the plug may not be able to completely seal the damage.
- When the puncture is not straight - a diagonal
puncture is more likely to need a patch solution.
Other
Concerns About Plugs
Lots of experts also caution that a plug should not
be applied without a patch unless a shop takes off the wheel for a visual
inspection. Thorough inspection of the punctured tire helps catch additional
damage that may go unnoticed when the tech is simply inserting a plug from the
outside of the tire. The best and most effective solution, according to safety
experts, is to combine a plug with a patch, to make sure the fix will stabilize
the puncture.
Larger Tire Punctures
Some classes of tire puncture are not generally
repair-worthy, according to those who understand tire safety. A puncture of
greater than 1/4" in diameter will require a more complicated solution
than a plug and patch. Some drivers deal with this by using a full-sized spare
as a replacement and buying one additional tire.
The above will help drivers understand what they
can do about the next flat that finds them on the road. Ask your mechanic about
what specific methods they routinely use to repair a tire, and don't be afraid
to ask for the option that you feel is the safest and the best.
