Tyre patch and plugs are the processes that are employed in attending to repairs in a tyre that is caused by penetration of objects.
The radial patch is considered to be better than the plug. The plug is safe, but only for a short period of time that is just about the time to get to the store.
Unlike plug, The patch is safe and long-lasting. It is safe to drive on but it cannot be considered as a permanent measure as it does not fill the void that occurs due to the penetration of objects.
How do you patch a tyre?
The following procedure is involved in patching a tyre,
- You need to jack up the vehicle. Before that ensure that the lug nuts have been loosened using a wrench
- Jack up the car and use Jack stand to stabilize the car. You may also consider using a hydraulic system to save time
- Remove the lug nuts set it aside and remove the wheel from the hub
- Use the pliers to remove the protruding object and mark it with a chalk
- Remove the tyre from the rim
- Clean out the hole and surrounding surface using an air die grinder
- Apply vulcanizing cement
- Remove the sticker in the patch
- Fix the patch. The patch should be fixed by inserting the hole from the inside of the tyre and pushed onto the outer side
- Remove the air bubbles by rolling the inner side of the patch
- Use rubber patch sealant to cover the whole of the patch and some tyre
- Give it some time to dry and reinstall the tyres
Frequently asked questions
- Can you patch a tyre with a nail in it?
Yes, it is possible to patch a tyre with a nail in it if the puncture is on the tread and the area of damage is a screw less than the ¼” in diameter.
- Can you patch the side of a tyre?
Though the patch is safe for driving it is not the right option if the puncture is on the sidewalls.
- Can you patch Z rated tyres?
The Z-rated tyres are those that considered being suitable for high-speed driving. You can patch a Z rated one, but it would lose its Z rating when it is patched.
- Can a tyre be plugged twice?
Plugging a tyre twice is advisable only if the two punctures are at least 16 inches away from each other and if the previous puncture is attended to properly.
- How long does it take to patch a tyre?
The time taken for fixing a patch varies from a novice to expert, the minimum time required to fix a patch after the patch glue is applied is the time it takes for the patch glue to dry which is pretty quick.
- How long can you drive on a patched tyre?
You can actually drive on when you have fixed the wheel you have removed for patching. With proper installation of the patch by an expert mechanic on a repair that has not damaged it, you can safely ride on a patched tyre for a long time.
- How much does it cost to patch a tyre?
The average cost for repairing a puncture including the patch is around $10- $20. There is also a scope to avail free service from the dealer if you have purchased it from them.