Auto Tire Repair: Is it safe?
No one plans on getting stranded with a flat, but it happens. When you have a flat, running on your spare tire will only get you to an auto shop. There, a tire repair technician can determine if auto tire repair is possible, or if new tires are needed. Of course, having a simple tire repair is cheaper than buying new tires, and much less of a hassle than trying to find the exact replacement to match the rest of the tires on your vehicle. Most of the time, however, it is recommended that you purchase at least two front, or two back tires, at the same time. Of course, the main concern of most vehicle owners is obvious; is auto tire repair safe?
Auto Tire Repair as an Alternative to New Tires – is it really safe?
Repairing today’s modern tires is accomplished by either one of two ways – using plugs or patches, plugs being the most efficient and affordable way to make repairs, such as small nail holes. However, fixing a tire with patches is a more complex procedure and many will agree that it is a safer way to repair a tire. However, it is ultimately the decision of the vehicle owner about which option to choose, but a good tire specialist will definitely recommend an option that is the best, on a case-to-case basis.
To make an informed decision, consider the basic difference between the two methods, briefly explained below:
- Tire plugs – these are short leather strips covered with an unvulcanized rubber compound that is forced into puncture holes using specialized tools, which are heated to seal the holes. Fast, easy to apply, and cheap, tire repair using plugs does not require removing the wheel.
- Tire patches – pieces of rubber sheets that are placed on the inside of the tire, these have a hanging tail which threads into holes to stop air from escaping. Patches are also applied using heat, but takes more time, as the wheel needs to be removed during the process. Basically, tire patches provide a stronger repair but cost more.
If you have a flat, don’t rush off to buy new tires too quickly because tire repair could be an affordable solution instead. Are tire repairs safe? Generally, "yes," if your tire has been professionally repaired by a tire expert. In fact, you will feel no difference while driving with either plugs or patches. Of course, it will be just a matter of time before you will need to purchase new tires because of normal wear and tear, but your mechanic can advise about how long the good tire repair can last.
Wondering if it's time to buy new tires? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair for more information about auto tire repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto repair shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
No one plans on getting stranded with a flat, but it happens. When you have a flat, running on your spare tire will only get you to an auto shop. There, a tire repair technician can determine if auto tire repair is possible, or if new tires are needed. Of course, having a simple tire repair is cheaper than buying new tires, and much less of a hassle than trying to find the exact replacement to match the rest of the tires on your vehicle. Most of the time, however, it is recommended that you purchase at least two front, or two back tires, at the same time. Of course, the main concern of most vehicle owners is obvious; is auto tire repair safe?
Auto Tire Repair as an Alternative to New Tires – is it really safe?
Repairing today’s modern tires is accomplished by either one of two ways – using plugs or patches, plugs being the most efficient and affordable way to make repairs, such as small nail holes. However, fixing a tire with patches is a more complex procedure and many will agree that it is a safer way to repair a tire. However, it is ultimately the decision of the vehicle owner about which option to choose, but a good tire specialist will definitely recommend an option that is the best, on a case-to-case basis.
To make an informed decision, consider the basic difference between the two methods, briefly explained below:
- Tire plugs – these are short leather strips covered with an unvulcanized rubber compound that is forced into puncture holes using specialized tools, which are heated to seal the holes. Fast, easy to apply, and cheap, tire repair using plugs does not require removing the wheel.
- Tire patches – pieces of rubber sheets that are placed on the inside of the tire, these have a hanging tail which threads into holes to stop air from escaping. Patches are also applied using heat, but takes more time, as the wheel needs to be removed during the process. Basically, tire patches provide a stronger repair but cost more.
If you have a flat, don’t rush off to buy new tires too quickly because tire repair could be an affordable solution instead. Are tire repairs safe? Generally, "yes," if your tire has been professionally repaired by a tire expert. In fact, you will feel no difference while driving with either plugs or patches. Of course, it will be just a matter of time before you will need to purchase new tires because of normal wear and tear, but your mechanic can advise about how long the good tire repair can last.
Wondering if it's time to buy new tires? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair for more information about auto tire repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto repair shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
