Plugging the tire is a budget-friendly solution to a flat tire. The average cost to plug a tire ranges from $20 to $40. So most people prefer to have a fix than to spend a couple hundred dollars on a medium-quality tire. But, how long does a tire plug last? Does it pose any safety threat and cause an accident?
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How Does The Plug Work?
A tire plug uses a sticky, cord-like strip of raw rubber to seal a hole, typically caused by a nail or screw in the tire’s tread.
- Preparing the hole: First, a special, rough tool called a reamer is pushed into the puncture. This cleans out debris, squares up the edges of the hole, and roughs up the rubber inside. This is essential for the plug to stick.
- Inserting the seal: Next, the sticky rubber cord (the plug) is threaded through a split-eye needle tool. This tool is then forcefully pushed all the way through the puncture.
- The sealing action: When the insertion tool is quickly pulled out, the plug stays behind. Because the plug is made of sticky, raw rubber, it instantly fills the space and seals the air from escaping. The air pressure inside the tire actually helps, pressing the plug firmly against the inner edges of the hole, strengthening the seal.
How Long Does A Tire Plug Last?
Plugging seems to be a temporary fix and you will hear many warnings against it. It is illegal for commercial vehicles and many repair shops don’t offer this service. Some mechanics will advise you against it and suggest a tire change.
However, the truth is there is nothing to be worried about in a plugged tire as long as you have repaired it the right way. What the mechanics need to do is to vulcanize the hole from the inside and then rebalance the tire.
So, how long does a tire plug last? According to tire experts, a plugged tire can last from 7 to 10 years. It will outlast the tire’s lifespan unless there is another puncture.
How long does a patched tire last? The answer is the same as long as the repair is done correctly. However, it is not safe to plug or patch a tire more than once because it may lead to blowouts.
What Are The Safety Risks Of Plugging A Tire?
Plugging a tire is generally a safe method. How long can you drive on a plugged tire? Indefinitely until the tire expires or picks up another puncture.
But the process has to be done by demounting the tire from the rim. Also, a mechanic has to examine the inside of the tire. However, you should not choose to plug in these conditions:
When the puncture is big
A plug can seal only small holes, which are not bigger than 1/4 inch in diameter. Go for the repair only if the puncture is small and is on the tread of the tire.
If the hole is near the sidewall
How long does a tire plug last? Not long if you do it to close up a puncture near the sidewall. To be precise, if the slit is within an inch of either sidewall, just change the tire.
This area of the tires flexes much when you drive the vehicle, causing the plug to be pushed out eventually.
3. When the sidewalls are damaged
It happens when you drive on a flat tire for more than a few hundred yards. If any of the sidewalls is worn out or there is a huge amount of rubber dust inside the tire, discard it and install a new tire.
What To Do When You Have A Flat Tire?
Tire plugging
If you are interested in having a DIY tire plugging, you can follow this process as it is quite simple, but make sure that you have some knowledge and skills on auto mechanics!
- Step 1: Look for the punctured areas on the car tire
- Step 2: Remove the sharp object from the wheel’s surface using pliers or similar instrument, then wipe that area clean.
- Step 3: Remove the malfunctioning air valve to deflate the tire, making it more straightforward for the plug wire to enter. Take caution since the air valve is pretty delicate.
- Step 4: Use the reamer to manage the wound better; this step is critical and time-consuming since it determines whether or not the plug wire fits the wound mouth.
- Step 5: Prepare the plug wire as well as the install tools. Thread the pliers through the cord. Spread a thin coating of liquid cement over the whole plug if it is available.
- Step 6: Insert the plug wire into the hole until the complete amount of gas enters 23. Pull the pliers out by rotating them 90 degrees. If the cord is excessively long, cut it off; wait approximately 5 minutes for it to dry completely and entirely.
Change your car tires
The second method of wheel repair is to utterly replace it. It is an ideal option that ensures your safety.
Despite the fact that it is rather pricey, it comes with a guarantee of the advantages of a wide tire, decreasing the dangers you may face in the future.
FAQs on How Long Does A Tire Plug Last
Is a tire plug a long-term solution?
No, as we’ve often stated, a plug is only a temporary remedy until you can change the wheel or get a more permanent fix.
It would be helpful if you recognized that the vent plug is only intended for temporary usage because it leaks with time, allowing air to escape through the hole when moving at high speeds.
Furthermore, the plug wire might corrode and damage the entire wheel assembly if it is submerged in water.
When is it not a good idea to plug a tire?
The following are the situations in which you should not plug the tires:
– When the hole opening exceeds an inch, do not insert the plug.
– When the wound emerges on the shoulder’s sidewall and the models’ shoulders
– When tire wear surpasses 2/32 inch, there are too many wounds close together.
Wounds are stacked on top of one other.
Is it better to plug or patch a tire?
Patches are frequently more successful than plugs, at least in terms of time. A plugged-in model is only safe to travel for 8 miles, therefore use the patch repair option to move the car farther and for a longer period of time.
Patches are generally less impacted by the environment, therefore a pierced one patched can last up to 7-10 years with proper care.
After plugging in the model, how long do you wait?
You must wait more than 5 minutes. When the adhesives are entirely dry, the plug is securely fastened at the mouth of the hole to guarantee that water and moisture cannot enter, allowing you to drive with confidence.
Check out this video from FortNine for some warnings on tire plugging and patching!
Final Words
We have just scrolled through some information to answer your questions of how long does a tire plug last and the risks associated with tire plugging.
Hope you find this article helpful and see you again with more insightful Car maintenance tips with Car From Japan!
