Tire Repair Question

Bob wrote in article ...

It all depends on the method of repair and the quality of workmanship.

I have repaired rivet-nail holes in racing tires - a constant "road hazard" at the race track considering how many "pop" rivets are used in each race car - with hot-vulcanizing patches, and have had absolutely no problems using them up as practice tires and spares.

I have seen the TECH tire suppliers repair sidewalls with their cold chemical-vulcanizing plug kits. I really would be comfortable with that sort of repair - if done correctly.

Hot and chemical vulcanizing are both permanent processes in which the patch becomes a part of the tire rubber, but they must be done correctly. And judgement must be used if there is the possibility of cord damage, but nail holes are usually easy to repair.

If you ever see a "TECH Two-Way" tire repair truck parked at the local gas station, stop and take a look at the front tires - usually the left (driver's) front. It will likely contain several untrimmed plugs in the sidewall - offering a rolling testimony to the viability of the TECH tire repair process, and the feasibility of sidewall tire repair.

One of their sales methods is to hand an ice pick to their potential customer, have him puncture the tire sidewall on the TECH truck, which they then permanently repair with their product to prove that it patches sidewalls as well as tread areas.

Bob Paulin - R.A.C.E. Chassis Analysis Services

A puncture through the tread is one thing. A sidewall hole or tear is another.

I know what I expect of a car, and would not risk my life on shitteaux tires.