Tire plug or patch?

[Chocaholic]

Picked up a machine screw, about 1/4" in diameter in the center of a rear car tire (DD). Unscrewed it, reamed and inserted one of those 4" long black gewey plugs. Checked with soapy water and no sign of bubbles. Drove up and down freeway, came back and did it again....still no bubbles.

Any reason to have tire dismounted and patched? Are those plugs considered a permanent fix?

Thanks,

[on2wheels52]

I plugged a bunch of tires at the service station in the '70's with good results, but would have to say the inside patch is better.
Jim

[iplagolf]

I'm no tire guy but I have never plugged a tire. I believe it's best to patch it and re-balance. I always felt it disturbed (stretched) the area around the puncture.

[Tim Hancock]

I have probably installed 50-75 plugs in all sorts of tubeless tires over the years (ATV's, sports cars, trucks, mowers....). I do not recall EVER having one leak again from the same spot.

[krystar]

discount tire and just tires dismount the tire and plug patch it from the inside. for free.

so why not?

[Chocaholic]

discount tire and just tires dismount the tire and plug patch it from the inside. for free.



so why not?

No Discount Tire for 80 miles.
Thanks for feedback. I suspect the plug will do the trick.

[Rot 911]

I'm with Tim. Never, ever had a plug go bad. Hell on the ATV I've shoved 2-3 plugs in a big hole and they have stayed in place. Probably plugged at least 10 street tires and the plugs have stayed right up until the tire is worn out and needed replacing.

[krystar]

dang that sucks!

if i remember correctly, cheap plugs causes fractures around the hole. but it's not like you're going to be hitting the track on plugged tires. so it'll prob be fine.

[mikesride]

plugs are ok on all seasons, would never use them on a speed rated tire. Not an expert just my opinion.

[masraum]

I've used plugs lots of times and only once had a problem with a plug that was leaking air through the rope fibers. I like them because I can do it myself.

But I think the best option is the plug-patch since it does both.




Tire Tech Information - Flat Tire Repairs

[fastfredracing]

That plug will be fine.

[944Larry]

I've had tire people tell me to plug a radial and internally patch a regular tire. I've always done that with no problem.

[weseeeee]

I've plugged a bunch and so far no issues.

[manbridge 74]

From the same school of thought that brought you $15 brake pads, witness the cheap black plug. Leaks through fibers and can come out under duress/higher pressures.

Spend a bit more and get the thicker orange ones if you want to worry less/have more success.

I like to add the cement stuff to the hole and plug. Just for the heck of it.

Plug patches are superior in every way but aren't as convenient.

[pete3799]

Probably never have a problem with the external plug but if it was mine i would dismount and patch it on the inside.
I've been told that the fiber plugs can wick moisture in and rust the steel belts.

[sammyg2]

Given the choice I will go with a patch every time. I will only use a plug in an absolute emergency.

[89911]

I have plugged tires many times with never a failure. Sure you can get into tire bands rusting, integrity of the tire violated, high speed issues. yadda yadda. This isn't a tire that is going on the Salt flats and running 500mph and I don't usally get more then 2-3 years out of a set. Any large operation garage will never do this because there is much more profit in selling you a tire (or pair since they don't like to sell unmatched sets) to charging $10 to plug it. If the tires have to come off for any reason, I would put a patch on the inside since that is optimal, but only if convenient.

[A930Rocket]

Being in construction for years, I've plugged dozens of tires I've the years. Never a problem.

[NY65912]

Plenty of plugs. I plug as a temporary fix and then patch. Patch

[Rot 911]

Has anyone ever had a plug come out? Or even a friend of a friend's uncle? Not me.