Repairing a damaged tire may be more budget-friendly than buying a replacement, but if the tire can’t be safely fixed, it’s always better to replace it. A professional can evaluate whether the tire is repairable or not. Irregular cuts or gashes and large tread punctures also can’t be repaired because it could compromise the structure of the tire making it unsafe to drive on, especially at high speeds. HOW EXTENSIVE IS THE DAMAGE?Ī tire puncture or hole bigger than ¼ of an inch cannot be repaired. If the tire has two separate punctures, it may be repairable if the two damaged areas are at least 16 inches apart. If the puncture or damage is located on the “crown” (middle) area of the tread, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches away from the shoulder, there is a good chance it can be repaired. If a puncture is on or very close to the sidewall, it cannot be fixed safely.
WHERE IS THE DAMAGE LOCATED?ĭamage or punctures to certain areas of a tire can severely compromise their stability and cannot be fixed. If the tires are old and weak, it might be better just to start shopping for a new tire or a new set. If your tires are relatively new and in good condition, and you were just unlucky enough to drive over a nail, a professional may recommend a simple combination patch plug. Hitting a curb or a pothole, on the other hand, could cause damage that’s harder to pinpoint and fix. Driving over a nail or other sharp object could result in a small puncture. Wait for the glue to get tacky, then apply the patch and press firmly until it adheres.There are a few common ways to get a flat tire. For a patch that requires glue, add a thin layer of glue to the tube and patch. For a glueless patch, simply stick it over the hole and press firmly. Start by cleaning the punctured area and roughing the surface with an emery cloth. If you have a new tube, skip to the next section.
If you’re the thrifty type who likes to reuse old tubes, or if you’ve gotten multiple flats on your ride and have no more spares, then you can patch your tube with a patch kit. By lining the tube up with the tire using the valve as a point of reference, you can double check the area where the hole is to ensure the culprit is removed. A single hole is a sign that your flat was most likely caused by a sharp object. Two holes side by side indicate a pinch-flat, where the tube gets pinched between the tire and rim. If you’re using tubes and want to do a little detective work, pump some air into the old one to find the leak. Also inspect the outside of the tire, again looking for any foreign object that might still be stuck in the rubber. Carefully run your fingers along the inside of your tire and rim, making sure nothing sharp is left behind otherwise, you risk getting another flat. Once the tire is loose, pull out the old tube (if applicable) and look for the source of the flat, which could be a thorn, piece of glass, or some other sharp object.
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