Plugging tires?

[lrrifleman]

For about the last year, I've had a slow leak in one of my tires. I've had the truck in for oil changes and to have the tire checked 3 times. Once, the dealer changed the valve. This trip, the mechanic found a nail in the outer tread, about an inch and a half from the sidewall. The shop claimed that the tire couldn't be plugged. I'm positive that I've had tires with nails closer to the sidewall that have been plugged. Does the dealership claim that the tire can't be plugged sound correct, or does it sound like they want to sell a tire?

 

[s&wchad]

Go to another shop or do it yourself.

Plug kits are cheap and I've kept one in my truck for years. I also keep a small tube of rubber cement to supplement the plug adhesive.

 

[AugieTN]

That sounds really close to the sidewall. If they didn't take the nail out get a second opinion at a different shop.

There are radial tubes that could possible solve your problem

I've seen do it yourself tire plug kits at auto part stores.

I've never trusted plugs and prefer an internal patch

I hope that helps

 

[oldman10mm]

Does the dealership claim that the tire can't be plugged sound correct, or does it sound like they want to sell a tire?

Sounds like they want to sell a tire but there's nothing wrong with having a new tire if the tire in question is old.
I worked part-time at a Tuffy automotive center, the boss always gave tire-plugging to me because I had a high success rate. Never encountered one that couldn't be plugged, even close to the edge.

 

[madmikeb]

If it's in the tread no problem with plugging. Before I left Maine they had passed a no plug law. I worked at a dealership and plugged tires for years, the brown fiber, rubber impregnated plugs work best, and never had an issue. I keep a plug kit in my toolbox and don't hesitate to use them. I even keep a plug kit and mini compressor on my motorcycle for emergencies, but if I plugged a tire on that I would just use it to get home then put a new tire on.

 

[SweetMK]

My tire guy does not plug,,
he puts a patch inside.

Where it is at pretty much does not matter.

It does cost $20,, which, around here, is high.
I guess other places that is cheap,

 

[Jeff423]

$25.00 here

 

[444 Magnum]

I plugged tires successfully for years until I bought my F250. The higher pressure tires on the F250 are too thick for me to hand plug, so I have to have them patched.

Once, I had Walmart put new tires on an F150 and I had a slow leak the next day out of the sidewall on one tire. There was a very small hole like an ice pick would make. I went back to WM and they refused to do anything for me since I hadn't purchased road hazard on the tires. They happily offered to sell my another tire. I declined and haven't been back.

I took it to an independent tire dealer that I knew (I should have bought from them). We discussed the dangers of patching a sidewall and he agreed to do it for me. He buffed very lightly and patched it. The tire/patch held for years until I replaced them all.

Some shops only want to sale tires, others are afraid of liability. If you have the hand strength, patch it yourself. Buy the kit with a strong T handle and thick plugs (rust/orange colored where I buy them-not black) or just get it patched properly and be done with it.

 

[Yendor357]

The days of replacing one tire are coming to an end. That is because nowadays, just about every vehicle has a wheel sensor on every wheel. You get 3 worn tires, and one new tire with greater diameter and the possibility exists that your vehicles computer thinks you are in a situation of compromised stability. The computer then interviens. This is especially true in AWD vehicles.

I’ve had 100% sucesss rates with plugged tires, even a MC tire once.

Don’t buy tires from Wal-Mart.

 

[WR Moore]

You'd be surprised at what the folks who deal with commercial vehicle tires can do. Back in the 90's had a slow leak in a high grade truck tire. Turned out to be in the sidewall. I was torqued as I didn't need to be buying a new tire just then. They described how it could be fixed, I tried it. Took awhile, but-per their explanation-the bad part of the sidewall was cut out, a special patch installed and new rubber filled in the area between patch & side wall.

I thought I misunderstood the whole thing, but when the tire came back I couldn't see the repair on the outside, just slightly on the inside. Ran it till the tread wore out. Don't recall what I paid, but it was far less than a new tire.

Wonder if they still do this/are allowed to still do this?

Prefer internal patch if in the tread, but if too close to the edge of the tread, they won't do it because of sidewall flex.

 

[Onomea]

The days of replacing one tire are coming to an end. That is because nowadays, just about every vehicle has a wheel sensor on every wheel. You get 3 worn tires, and one new tire with greater diameter and the possibility exists that your vehicles computer thinks you are in a situation of compromised stability. The computer then interviens. This is especially true in AWD vehicles...

I had a slow leak in one of the tires last spring on my AWD 2022 Mazda CX-5. The dealer showed me a screw in the right front tire. It looked to be right at the outer edge of the tire tread where the sidewall begins.

I said, "Okay, plug it." He said no can do because of the location. I said, okay, replace it. He said no can do because AWD and uneven tire wear. I bought four new tires.

But I had been thinking about better tires anyway, so was kinda happy to have an excuse to do so. The Toyos that came with the car are okay, but I drive the car pretty aggressively, and occasionally we get snow and ice here. Bought Michelin Cross Climates which I like a lot.

I also looked into the AWD tire issue a bit, and learned that one approach is to buy a new tire to replace the faulty tire, and have it shaved so that the wear matches the remaining three tires rather than replacing all four tires due to one faulty tire.

Re the OP's question, I'd take the car to another tire place or two and see what other pros say.

 

[gym cat]

I would prefer an inner patch if possible. Alot of people give positive notes on plugs, location is a concern. I myself have heard negative results. IMHO air pressure pushing a patch from the inside with no outlet is much better than air pressure pushing a plug from the outside.

 

[oink]

I've plugged many a car, light truck and motorcycle tire. I try to always use self vulcanizing plugs. I've never plugged a sidewall. I've put many miles on plugged motorcycle tires, expecially the rear tire. I've checked the plugs on the inside after the tire was worn out and you can't separate the plug from the tire rubber on the inside. I've had light truck tires I couldn't force the plug into by hand. I had to place the plug tool under the tire and trive up onto the plug tool. That must be done carefully or you'll just destroy the tool but it can save being stuck. Probably not possible with a real cheap tool.

 

[Bald1]

I’d suggest an inside patch. But a DIY plug is ok too. If you’re not up to the job, a bottle of Slime might work. I’ve used it with great success on mowers and ATVs.

 

[Grayfox]

If it'll work depends on how close to the sidewall it is, the size of the hole and very important, the angle of the hole.
If the hole is fairly small and it angles to the inside, yes plug it. Should be just fine. However, if the hole angles to the sidewall, plugging is questionable.

 

[Autonomous]

Our out-of-control torte system has forced the big tire shops to restrict what they can patch.
Find a small independent tire shop that works for cash.
I carry a small compressor and patch kit in all my vehicles.

 

[Imissedagain]

We keep a Safety Seal pro level kit in each vehicle.
Plug holes in tread areas but not in sidewalls.
Might be okay for a short ride.
Keep a quality hand pump or scuba tank, with a regulator modified for tires and air brush use.
Wear gloves to protect hands when using plug kit.
On long trips I have a cordless drill with bit for
making the hole for the plug to fit.
Don't want to damaged my shooting hand.
On boats we have tapered wooden plugs for
holes that need plugging.

 

[CH4]

I like the idea of the internal patch, but have never had a problem with a plug in a rear motorcycle tire or any pickup/car tire. Put 50K miles on plugged tires with zero issues. Actually, forgot they were plugged.

 

[Vtgw938]

I'd have bought lots of tires if not for plugs. Way more issues with valve stems and tire bead issues due to aluminum wheels corroding. I replace valve stems and sand and paint my aluminum wheels including where they seat whenever I put new tires on (two sets of rims).

 

[BKLooney]

I've used so many plugs over the years I must be a preferred customer somewhere, I've never had an issue. Had a problem one time at some place I kept going, not even sure where it kept happening, but I kept getting various nails & screws in my tires...when I finally got a new set on that truck the guys at the tire shop were laughing their heads off, one of those tires had 6 plugs in it!