When Can You Patch A Tire?

A flat tire can leave you feeling, well, rather flat. Our busy and congested South Florida roads can contain many tire hazards. Whether it’s a sharp object such as a nail, or a piece of debris, our tires can take a pounding. Replacing a tire can be an expensive exercise. It can seem wasteful when there’s just a small nail or screw through it. The good news is that in some cases, your tire will be repairable. By patching it up the hole, your tire will give you a lot more mileage. But how do I know when to patch a tire?

Patch A Tire Before It’s Too Late

Timing is everything when it comes to repairing a tire. Driving around on a flat or damaged tire will quickly inflict further damage on it and the rim. If you want any chance of plugging or patching a tire, it’s best to take it straight to an auto repair facility. Make sure you never drive a tire when it’s flat. This can cause damage to the inboard and outboard sidewalls. If you’re worried about driving with a flat tire, then rather give them a call so that they can come out and assist you.

What Kind Of Damage Is It?

The next step is to assess the extent of the damage to your tire. It will most likely be a cut or a small round puncture. Here’s how to approach each type of tire damage.

• Cut Damage

  Cuts or slices in your tire wall are generally not repairable. Cuts can sever the steel cords inside your tire that give it strength. When the steel cords are damaged, the integrity of your tire is up for question. Patching a cut in a tire would repair the air leak, but it wouldn’t restore the strength of the tire. Cuts smaller than a ¼ of an inch are repairable in some cases. But it’s best to get it checked out by the professionals. If it’s not repairable, they’ll recommend the best replacement tire for your car.

• Tread Puncture

  Punctures around the tread area of your tire are generally repairable. The culprits here are most often nails. Your tire should be repairable as long as the puncture isn’t larger than a ¼ of an inch. Small puncture patches in your tread won’t compromise the strength of your tire.

• Shoulder Puncture

  Punctures that are situated around the shoulder of your tire shouldn’t be repaired. The shoulder of your tire is under the most pressure. Tire flex is more active in your tire shoulders than anywhere else on the tire. The shoulder also contains a curve which makes it difficult to patch or plug. Repairing a shoulder puncture will put you at risk of a tire blowout.

• Sidewall Puncture

  Sidewall Punctures should also be replaced. The Sidewall of your tire is also under increased pressure which creates flexion. The weight of your car causes the air of your tires to press out on the sidewalls. This weight is dynamic as you drive. Patching a sidewall will put you at increased risk of a blowout at the repair area.

Prioritize Tire Inspections

Is easy for small punctures to go unnoticed. Small nails can stay wedged into our tire tread for months. It’s best to get into the habit of checking your tires regularly. Filling up with gas could be a good time to do a routine tire inspection.

Make sure you look for issues such as incorrect tire pressure and uneven wear. Also, be on the lookout for nails or cuts in your tires. It’s recommended to get your tires professionally inspected. Any reputable auto repair facility will offer this under a scheduled maintenance program.

Expert Tire Maintenance At Pompano Beach

At Foreign Affairs Motorwerks, we are a specialist auto repair facility. Our expert team deals with all aspects of tire performance and maintenance. There’s a lot riding on your tires. Our attention to driver safety will give you the peace of mind you need. Feel free to stop by for a quick tire inspection at your convenience or call us at 954 746-0488.