1. Home
  2. Toyota Camry
  3. OT Tire patch vs plug

OT Tire patch vs plug

Daughter had flat tire (radial) took it to repair shop. Asked how long to plug it? The gent haughtily replied "No one plugs tires anymore, it's unsafe. Patching is all that's done." OK................

Went to the hardware store next door, bought a plug kit, 99 cents, used the stations free air and did it myself, home in 15 minutes.

Worked my way through college (30 years ago) in a service station, radials had been around for about 10 years, but plugging was all we ever did. What's changed? Teach an old dog a new trick.

BTW; Kid's car stays pretty well in town, no long highway trips. Maybe

65 mph for 10-15 minutes max.

Thanks Mark

Reply to
pheasant
Loading thread data ...

I've plugged my own for years - never a problem. I fail to see how it's "unsafe".

Reply to
Hopkins

A plug was always considered a temporary repair. Many tire dealers in my area will patch a tire for free.

Reply to
Art

While many consider a plug a temporary fix, as you state it has been the norm for many years. I think most tire shops started getting away from the plugs when the higher speed rated tires became more popular, or when people started driving low speed tires at a high speed. :-) There are plugs now that have an umbrella type patch on them that install like a plug. The umbrella part spreads out inside the tire and when pulled tight it seals from the inside. Now you have a double seal and I think should be safe for any tire except racing. If you are interested I can get the brand name tomorrow as I think they may only be available from distributors rather than retail outlets. HTH, davidj92

Reply to
davidj92

Hey All

Thanks for the replies. Guess it's very similar to medicine these days; Cover Your A## Now that I've heard from ya'll going back to the hardware store to buy a couple more plugging kits. Ahh........ some of the old things are still fun to do. :) Mark

Reply to
pheasant

My local tire repair guy said that a plug alone (depending on installation technique and tire) could separate the tread layers and allow an air bubble to form between the layers. A patch alone could let road water enter and rust the steel belts. A patch plug (new-fangled combo repair part) solves both problems for the best repair - no air or water can infiltrate the tread. For a buck or so extra I think it's worth it.

JustDave

Reply to
JustDave

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.