Tire patch vs tire plug which repair method is best?

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How tire patches and tire plugs compare in key characteristics, so you'll know how and when to use them.​


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If you've been driving long enough, getting a flat tire is pretty much as certain as taxes, given that millions of flats happen in the U.S. every year. If you’re one of the lucky few who reach the end of your driving life without ever experiencing a flat, then you’ll never get to know the joys of learning how to fix one (or more likely have someone fix it for you). So, how do you fix a flat tire, anyway? There are two main ways, using tire patches or tire plugs. Read on to learn all about each way to fix a tire.

What Is a Tire Patch?​

A tire patch is a flat piece of rubber that you stick to the inside of your tire to cover the puncture. To install it, you first must remove the tire from the rim, put some special adhesive over the patch and around the punctured area, and then use the patch to cover the hole in your tire from the inside.

After making sure it's fully dry, put the tire back on the rim and inflate it. Patching works on small and slightly larger punctures, and it's usually strong and reliable as long as there isn't more internal damage.

What Is a Tire Plug?​

A tire plug is a sticky, flexible piece of rubber that plugs the hole in the tire. It's the old-school method for fixing a flat tire and works best on small punctures. You'll first need to clean the puncture and give it a certain shape that helps the plug fit in perfectly. For that, you'll need a reamer, which resembles a corkscrew.

After using the reamer on the puncture a few times, you'll use a special tool and some adhesive to install the plug before removing the excess rubber.

Tire Patches vs. Tire Plugs: Installation​

Fixing a tire with a patch is usually more difficult given that you need to take the tire off of its rim to place the patch on the inside, which can present a challenge if you're stranded with a flat. A tire plug kit, which includes a plug, insertion tool, and reamer, can be a lifesaver in case of an emergency and is easier to execute if you’re in a tough situation.

Tire Patches vs. Tire Plugs: Durability, Longevity, and Safety​

While plugs are usually easier to install, generally speaking patches last longer. A properly installed patch can last for years. If you intend to replace your tire soon, then using a plug is perfectly fine. However, if your tire is relatively new and you plan on using it for a long time, it's wiser to go with a patch.

Patching your flat tire is also safer on average than plugging it because the plug can loosen over time, potentially leaving you with an underinflated or worse a flat tire again. If you know that one of your tires has a plug in it, it’s probably best to avoid excessive sustained speeds or extended driving on bad roads.

There are specific industry standards for both methods, the most important of which is that you should only plug or patch punctures that occur over the tire's central area. If it's on or near the sidewall, you're better off replacing the tire because no fix is likely to last long.

Tire Patches vs. Tire Plugs: Cost Comparison​

Using a tire plug on balance is cheaper than a tire patch. A DIY kit will probably cost somewhere between $10 and $20, so it's a good idea to buy one and keep it somewhere in your car, especially if you’re traveling somewhere where AAA or similar may not be able to easily reach you. Patching a tire is a little more expensive, with the patch and the glue costing up to $30, depending on the size of the puncture. If you take it to a professional, the added labor costs can drive the price up to around $50.


When To Best Use a Tire Patch​

Because patching your tire is more difficult but lasts longer, it's usually the best option if you have the time, space, and equipment to do it and you plan on using that tire for a longer term. It's also the better solution for larger holes, as plugs aren't usually large enough to cover more than a small puncture.

When To Best Use a Tire Plug​

Tire plugs are quicker and easier to install. If you're on the road in a remote location and get a small tire puncture, having a repair kit with you will get you back on the road quickly and with minimal fuss. A tire plug is a great solution in an off-roading environment, as chances are there aren't many tire repair shops around.

Limitations and When Not to Repair​

Knowing how to choose a tire patch vs. tire plug is important, but there are situations where neither is the right solution. Some common ones include:

  • Punctures that are larger than 0.25 inch in diameter
  • Any puncture that's on or near the sidewall
  • More than one puncture on a single tire
  • Tires with other issues, such as bulges, cracks, or sidewall blisters

Professional vs. DIY Repair​

Unless you have a fair amount of experience working with tires, applying patch or plug yourself isn't normally a practical long-term solution. They only address the obvious issue— the hole in your tire—without addressing the potential internal damage that may have occurred when the tire was punctured or right afterward when you were driving on an underinflated tire. A professional repair job will only take around 20 minutes and is relatively inexpensive, so it's never a bad idea to have your tire inspected after fixing it.

We sometimes forget that the only thing standing between our cars and the road beneath them is a thin layer of rubber. Less than half of all drivers check their tire pressures regularly, and three-quarters of roadside flats come on underinflated tires. Now that you know which method is best in each situation, you may be tempted to fix a flat tire yourself. But even if you do, it's still a good idea to have a professional take a look at it to be on the safe side. And regardless, remember to keep those tires properly inflated!



 
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