Everyone hates being in a situation where you have to abruptly park your car to find out that your tire punctured. You may believe that a punctured tire can be fixed in no time. However, there is a limit on how close to the sidewall a tire can be patched and you have to keep it in mind.
A sidewall can be patched at a distance of 6mm or 1⁄4 inches. The greater the area of the hole, the less likely it will be patched. Damages can be repaired such as the outer sidewall but not all inner damages can be repaired so easily. However it is possible for tires to be patched properly if avoided properly.
To discover effective solutions to your questions, continue to read the article below. You will find all of the essential information that will include information such as how to avoid punctures and the repairing of the tire when it is too damaged.
What Type of Damage To A Tire Can Be Repaired?
There are many damages that cannot be mended on a tire. However, repairing punctures on tires is possible.
If the puncture on the tire is less than half an inch away from the steel belt, it can be patched. If it is smaller than ¼ inches, it can also be patched. As long as the steel belt is protected, only then a punctured tire can be repaired.
In addition to this, the puncture angle should be greater than 45 degrees. As long as there are no existing patches or plugs, you are able to repair your tire. You cannot patch a tire twice in the same location. Although it isn’t illegal to do so, this is still very detrimental to your vehicle and your life.
The tread must also be taken into account when it comes to damaged tires. If the tread is not damaged then your tire can be restored.
Moreover, the shoulder and sidewall must also be in good condition in order for the tire to be restored. If the sidewall is damaged too much, prior to the puncture, the tire can not be patched.
What Kind of Tire Damage Can Not Be Repaired?
A puncture can only be repaired if it is half an inch or more than half away from the location of the steel belt. If it is any closer to the verge of a steel belt, then it cannot be repaired. It is because the shoulder and the sidewall are critical aspects of the tire.
- The size of the puncture cannot be larger than ¼ inch. Punctures larger than that cannot be patched.
- Any uneven cuts that worsen the puncture will also need to be immediately replaced.
- If the steel belt has been badly affected too, it will also require a spare new belt. This is due to the fact that the structure of the whole tire has been negotiated.
New repairs cannot intersect old repairs. This will cause safety issues in the future. Patches cannot magically fix or repair punctures that are large enough. When the tire moves, the patches will fall out due to the pressure and contact of the road.
Punctures need to be taken to an auto repair shop in order to be fixed. There, the hole will be filled with vulcanizing material made of rubber. The puncture is plugged and later, a patch is applied inside the lining of the tire.
How Can A Tire Be Patched Properly?
For patching, the materials needed are rubber patches, repair glue, an air pump and some tightening nuts. All materials mentioned above will be in stock at any departmental chain store or a hardware store.
Step 1: First, remove the tire from the rim area. Make sure the patch and the surface of the tire are unsoiled and dry. This helps to fasten the process of sticking.
Step 2: Next, sand the area of the punctured hole. Sanding will remove the protruding edges of the hole. Once it is smoothen out, apply repair glue to join with the patch on the outer surface of the tire.
Step 3: Once the glue and rubber are firmly joined, fix back the tire to the rim. Tighten the nuts and pump in air to check for leakage.
Step 4: If there is little to no leakage, then you are able to use your tires again.
It is to be noted that if the process is too complicated or the object is too deep, you will have to take it to the repair shop for vulcanizing. This way, the protrusions will come out along with the foreign object.
If you are not confident doing it yourself, explore local stores that apply patch or plug on tires. For example, Walmart does patch tires as well as AAA so you can always take help from them.
How Close To A Sidewall Can A Tire Be Patched
The closer the puncture is to the sidewall, the more difficult it can be to fix it. If the location is in the inner part of the sidewall, this will make it extra difficult. Remember that you cannot patch a hole if it is too close to the gap of the wheel. It needs to be less than 6mm or ¼ inches.
The sidewall of the tire is extremely important since it acts as the skeleton of the tire. It holds together everything. This includes the pressure, the heat, the rim etc. It protects the piles of the cord and reveals important information to the drivers. This information can consist of size and type.
However if it is more than the values mentioned, you cannot patch the hole. This is due to not being able to cover the hole properly which will result in deflation of the tire.
You cannot use a bigger patch either because it will make the tires more massive. This will make it difficult to maneuver therefore it will be very life-threatening.
Along the sidewall, if the tread is also damaged, you cannot repair your tire. You will have to replace it.
How To Fix Sidewall Damage
You have to check how close the damage is to the sidewall. This will determine whether you can repair the tire or not. If it is beyond 6mm from the sidewall then it is possible to patch or plug the wound.
Then there are two ways of fixing a puncture: plugging and patching. Before beginning, you will need materials such as cement, a plug installer, an air pump and a drill. Once you have gathered these materials, you can start the process.
The plug installer needs to be enclosed with cement. Then move the drill into the hole that is punctured. You must push, pull and rotate so that the cement can easily slip inside.
At the center of the plug, place some cement before attachment. When you manage to plug the sidewall of the tire, make sure that the tire plug doesn’t come in contact with the sidewall. This can help you avoid further problems.
You can use a handle tool to push the sticks of the plug. Do this around 1-2 times, Once it is sealed completely, cut the ends of the protrusion. Pump air into it to look out for any leakage.
However, this does not automatically fix your tire altogether. Any patchwork or plugged method is completed, your tires will not work the same way as they used to.
You may experience the same amount of grip but your control of the car will vary. The speed of your car will be reduced at a larger level.
If you increase your speed, chances of the patch or plug coming off will be greater as they can not withstand heat and pressure. Which is why do not consider patching or plugging to permanent methods of fixing.
What More Should You Know?
How To Avoid A Tire Puncture
Tire punctures can be such a nuisance. Not only are they damaging to the health of your tire, they create a life threatening situation for you. A number of 5 steps will ensure you on how to avoid a tire puncture in the first place. Down below is the list that will guide you to reduce yearly punctures:
1. Check Tire Pressure
As drivers, you must measure the pressure in your tires. Checking can be one of the important tasks you would have to do if you want your vehicle to be functioning fine.
Too much and a lack of tire pressure can cause many problems for you. These problems are such as a tire puncture or a sudden burst of your tire.
When it comes to an unnecessary increase in tire pressure, a foreign object is more likely to penetrate your tire thus giving your tire a puncture. Sidewalls are the greatest targets for punctures such as these.
This is because sidewalls don’t have a steel belt therefore the damage can be permanent.
Moreover, a decrease in tire pressure can suffer in the hands of a blowout. This is because tires cannot remove extra heat.
Remember to always visit a repair shop to check the quantity of the air pressure in the tire. In addition, a vehicle’s manual will point out the right numerical for the right amount of pressure needed for your tire.
2. Rotate Tires
When it comes to rotation, tread is the most important part to observe. It is the tread of your tire that makes the most contact with the surface of the road. It is there to create protection for the inside parts of the tire especially from an unknown object. In addition to that, the tread also provides resistance and displaces water in the tire.
If you do not keep on checking the rotations of your tire, the tread will eventually wear out and become uneven. This will result in a weaker defense for your tire which furthers the increase of more punctures.
For smooth rotation, rotate your tires for every 10,000 miles.
3. Avoid Tire Overloading
It is easy to dodge bigger loads of debris however there are moments when we cannot see particles of debris. This could affect your tires greatly by damaging them. One cannot always predict the location of this debris. Hence, it is best to steer clear from certain parts.
Overloading a car could give you an uncomfortable driving experience due to the bumpy effects it will have on your seat.
Avoid shoulders and gutter openings that may cause your tire to get trapped. Do not drive fast on roads that often seem smooth too. You might think it is smooth from your eyes but any rock with a jagged point could get stuck.
Avoid broken materials such as glass or ceramic littered on the floor. It is also best to avoid an empty box if you see one. It could contain sharp objects such as nails.
4. Steer Clear For Road Hazards
Road Hazard Damage refers to the situation of a tire deflated due to a puncture from a foreign object. This is the most common road hazard that a driver will experience. Unfortunately, they are not also fully covered by vehicle warranties. Most of these foreign objects consist of objects such as glass, nails and other open holes.
That being said, they are very hard to look for and can happen anytime even if you are being observational.
Since an increase in tire pressure can puncture your tires easily, so can an overload. Overloads can not only increase the chances of a puncture but can risk a bursting accident. Blowouts are incredibly dangerous since they diminish the control of your car.
5. Go For Recalls
Manufacturers provide the best for what is for your vehicle. However, they are human and at times will make errors in checking and fixing. Sometimes, even the tire that was presented to you may not be the right tire. Hence, could lead to a serious increase in punctures.
It is best if you always observe recalls for your tires including vehicles. There are many websites that you can check when your tire is recalled. You will receive an email notifying you that your tires are recalled. Apart from that, it is a safer option and you receive a set for free in order to replace them.
There are many other ways to also avoid punctures. You can invest in professional help that will be able to provide an accurate analysis and detailed advice.
Apart from that, always manage and observe the conditions of your tire. You can do this by using the right tools. Tools are an important aspect since you think you might be fixing the problem but you are doing the complete opposite. It is better not to increase the damage already done.
Wrap Up
A tire can only be patched if the injury is more than half an inch from the verge of the steel belt. However, if the puncture area is less than half an inch or is located on the sidewall of the tire, the tire cannot possibly be mended. Areas such as shoulders and sidewalls are created to hold the tire in place.
Moreover, if the puncher is larger than a quarter of an inch or has damaged the steel belt, the tire cannot be mended too. The best option that one can do is to avoid having a puncture in the first place. Check rotations and pressures of your tire. Go for recalls and avoid any suspicious material that could be a road hazard.
Did you find some of these tips and tricks valuable? If you have any questions or inquiries, you may remark on the comment section below.
