Rubber tires are impressively durable. They're robust and dense, built to handle high speeds and long distances. However, they're not built for running over the nail that jumped out of a handyman's truck bed or for going ten thousand miles past their recommended use.
All-Season car tires have a demanding job and will eventually give out under pressure. Worst of all, you often don't know if there's a leak or puncture until you're driving. Feeling your car rumble as your tire malfunctions is one of the most anxiety-inducing events you can feel on the road.
Drivers must know basic repair procedures to escape an emergency quickly. Getting trapped on a busy highway is a stressful and dangerous situation. Knowing how to plug a leaky tire is one of the easiest ways to get back on the road long enough to find a long-lasting solution.
What is A Tire Plug
A tire plug is a compact, usually rubber or synthetic material, designed to seal puncture holes in a tire temporarily. When using a plug, the rubber is pushed through the outer hole with an insertion tool and expands to fill the area from the inside.
Most tire kits supply adhesive that helps the plug stick to the tire. This glue may be built into the plug or a type of rubber cement you apply separately.
Purpose of a Tire Plug
A tire plug offers a quick and convenient solution for repairing minor punctures. When a tire is pierced by a nail, screw, or other sharp object, it leads to air leakage and eventual deflation. A plug won't return your tire to its original condition but will buy enough time to get help.
Many drivers notice the problem and continue driving. They bet the tire will last until they get home or reach a repair shop. However, that's a best-case scenario, placing you and your vehicle in unnecessary danger.
In the worst and most dangerous case, driving with a puncture can lead to a total blowout. As the air pressure decreases and the tire fails to maintain its shape, the sidewall flexes and heats up significantly. The rubber expands beyond its limits and rips off the wheel's interior.
A tire blowout is a perilous situation that could lead to losing control over your vehicle. Imagine being on a busy highway, cliffside, or icy road while this occurs. This situation is why immediately addressing your 'low tire pressure' light, a critical alert provided by your vehicle's Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Reasons for a Leaky Tire
Aside from running over a sharp object, there are several causes for a leaky tire. Unfortunately, not all of these can be resolved with a quick tire plug or patch. Many serious leaks require changing into a spare tire or waiting on roadside assistance.
Other common reasons for a leaky tire include:
Compromised Valve Stem
The valve stem is the metal nozzle on a tire that's used to transfer air. Of course, because air enters through this port, it needs to prevent air from escaping simultaneously. Valve stems are sealed with rubber gaskets, which are sometimes unseated by the tire's centrifugal force, moisture, or general wear.
This problem can be mitigated with a valve cap that provides a secondary seal. However, many stock tires come with plastic caps, which perform poorly. Metal caps are highly preferred as a backup plan. It's important to note that a valve stem core, the tiny insert within the stem, can be replaced using a valve stem core tool, and new stems can be inserted at a low cost to repair some valve stem problems.
Crooked Wheel Alloy
The wheel alloy is the infrastructure on which your tires rest. Despite their importance, they must be made with light metals like aluminum and magnesium, which increases the risk of damage from the road.
A damaged wheel alloy will create uneven contact with the tire, allowing air to leak out gradually. Even the most minor structural change will eventually cause a flat tire.
Wear and Tear
Tires have an expiration date. Most are rated for anywhere between 25,000 and 50,000 miles, but many drivers tend to use them until a problem occurs or their mechanic suggests a change.
Over time, tires build up hairline cracks from driving over countless pebbles and potholes. Tire plugs can't fix these problems, and you'll need a replacement.
How Do You Plug a Tire?
Plugging a tire is the best method for getting to a repair shop, so keeping a plug kit in your glove compartment or trunk is highly recommended. However, fixing the sidewall, valve, or metal infrastructure with a plug kit is impossible.
It's best to have a spare tire when things go wrong. However, sometimes another problem happens before you can replace your spare, or you're not in a safe situation to get out and make the switch.
In these cases, plugging the tire is your best method for getting to a repair shop in one piece. Keeping a kit in your glove compartment or trunk is highly recommended. Remember that plugs are meant to repair the tire's tread area and NOT the sidewall, which doesn't mitigate all potential causes of outside tire wear.
Like all car maintenance, plugging a tire requires a few tools. Getting all these shouldn't be a problem if you discover the problem at home. But it might be tricky if you're unprepared on the roadside.
- Tire plug kit
- Needle nose pliers
- Spray bottle with water
- Portable air pump
- Dish soap
- Sharp knife
Identifying the Location of the Puncture
You might know the old trick of using soapy water to find a puncture hole. This works because the escaping air causes bubbles to form, so you can use this sign even if the hole is invisible to the eye.
It helps immensely if your tire has a decent amount of air since it will increase the pressure and make the bubbles easier to spot. So, use the portable pump to fill the tire before spraying it with soapy water.
If there's an object embedded in the hole, use the needle nose pliers to dig it out before continuing.
Preparing the Puncture Area
In most cases, you must make the hole larger before plugging it. To widen the puncture hole, take the reamer included in the plug kit and twist it in and out multiple times. This makes the plug easier to push in without tearing the material.
You should also remove any large pebbles or debris from the area around the hole. These things may stick to the plug and make things more difficult.
Inserting the Tire Plug
Plug kits supply multiple rubber strips for repeated use or for anyone who doesn't get it on their first try. Take the plug and push half through the opening at the reamer's end. The process is similar to threading a sewing needle.
At this point, if the plug is not naturally sticky, apply some rubber cement to the length of the plug. Now, push the reamer into the puncture hole until only the two ends of the plug are visible. Twist the reamer roughly 90 degrees before removing it.
Trimming Excess Plug Material
Ideally, the excess plug material will sit beneath the tread, but sometimes it's pulled too far out. This will expose the rubber to the road and decrease the plug's lifetime, so take a sharp knife or scissors and trim away the extra bits.
Inflating the Tire
Finally, use your air pump to refill the tire. Do this step even if you filled it to full at the start. Your tire likely deflated considerably during the process. Look up and adhere to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended PSI. After inflating the tire, you can perform the soapy water test to check if any air is still escaping.
Conclusion
Knowing how to plug a leaky tire might make the difference in making a child's sports game, reaching the doctor's office, or being on time for a job interview. It's a vital skill that every driver should keep in their back pocket.
A tire plug offers a quick and affordable solution for repairing punctures. However, some forethought is required as drivers must prepare the plug kit and other necessary tools. By temporarily sealing the problem area, tire plugs buy the necessary time to reach a safe location or a professional shop.
By familiarizing themselves with tire plugging techniques and maintaining proper tire maintenance, drivers can mitigate the risks associated with tire damage and enjoy smoother travels on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take to Plug a Tire?
Repairing a punctured tire is relatively quick, typically taking 10 to 30 minutes. This estimate assumes you have the necessary tools prepared and have easy access to the hole's location.
For example, specific models and puncture locations will require you to remove the wheel. This will considerably increase the repair time since you must unscrew the lugs and raise the vehicle with a jack.
Additionally, the size of the puncture can make things tricky. Minor leaks are more difficult to find, even with soapy water, and require extra time to expand with the reamer.
Is Plugging a Tire Safe?
Manufacturers claim you can drive on a plug for up to ten years when plugged properly. However, it's hard to tell if the plug is that reliable because it's sitting beneath the surface. Using the plug temporarily and getting the tire professionally checked is best.
Another safety factor to consider is where you're stopped. Spending 30 minutes outside your car while on a busy highway or intersection may be unsafe. If you're unable to make it to a safe place, we recommend waiting for help instead.
How Close to the Sidewall Can You Plug a Tire?
Tire plugs should generally not be used to repair punctures located too close to the tire's sidewall. Plugging a tire too close to the sidewall can compromise structural integrity and increase the likelihood of future blowouts. We advise against using a plug if the hole touches the tread surface's rim.
Tire Plug vs Patch
Tire plugs fix holes by pushing rubber into the hole. They're considered a more temporary measure compared to tire patches.
Patches are the older brother that fixes what the plugs can't. They're glued to the tire surface and fix puncture holes too big to fill or tire cracks. Patches are a more permanent solution but require more time and skill to apply.
Neither option can be used to repair the sidewall. This area is thinner and experiences more pressure while driving. Patches and plugs are too weak and increase the possibility of a blowout when used for sidewall repairs.
