Tire puncture - Patch it, or plug it? | Fix them the right way

[@robstewart5995]

I have run on plug tires for 50 years and never had one problem. The whole reason that tire stores don't want to plug is because they make more money off the patch and they use the excuse that it is liability. I plug my own and just did one today

[@GiovanniLorenzo0]

Literally I'm done with this tire shops not wanting to do a plug o patch on punctures i decided from today on foward im fixing my own tires

[@mechanicallycreative9788]

Do it all the time too. It's so easy. There are rare circumstances where the hole is too large.

[@GiovanniLorenzo0]

@mechanicallycreative9788 Yeah it's easy their always crying about not wanting to fix the tire

[@scar8656]

they aren’t really making money it’s just safer overall, townfair tire only charges you $12 which isn’t bad for a 100% no leak patch plug and they do it right in front of you about 10-15 minutes sure it’s more time consuming and i agree if you know what your doing go for a plug but if your a bozo getting a plug kit from walmart and you do a bad job you just wasted time and money when you could have just spent $12 for a professional job

[@eduardovincoy8480]

I just had my tires plugged today, now I’m scared driving 2hrs going and 2hrs coming back going at least 75-80mph. Should I be concerned about my plug?

[@CustomExcelVideo]

Go to the shop, they say it’s too close to the sidewall. Tell them never mind. Go home plug the tire, 20,000 miles later replace the entire set

[@lesmotley6839]

So true, did exactly the same thing. The plug lasts the life of the tyre.

[@tsw808]

Mine was close to the sidewall also. Did the slime kit today and will keep checking tire every fill ups.

[@sylvainwillaume636]

I’ve been using plugs for several years by doing it myself, and I’ve never had any leaks from it. So far, one of them made it easily up to about 30,000 miles ( Maybe more…), and, a coincidence happened to have another nail’s puncture in the same tire. I’ve add another plug myself, once again. The tire is still doing great.

[@NoSuffix]

I've been driving for 2+ decades and experienced around a dozen tire punctures on various cars and minivans. The funny thing is that professional tire patches failed quickly at least twice after the repairs, but DIY plugs never failed to solve the problem and they lasted until the end of those tires' lives. That's why I'm a believer in those DIY tire plugs.

[@ultra78721]

Here in Texas at the rock quarries our fleet of pick up trucks ( that never leave the yard ) its all we use are tire plugs. Never had one go bad, we run our tires, till wire start showing and the plugs never leak. And they aint no pavement here in the yard nothing but rocks and gravel. And we load those pick up trucks with heavy machinery.

[@leebrand2172]

Absolutely. I have been plugging tyres since we stopped using tubes. NOT ONE plug has failed. And so what if one did?

[@thewholls7176]

I have repaired brand-new tyres with the temporary plug rope style kit and it has lasted the life of the tire and not lost any air over the three or four years more than the other ones did…… I’ve never had an issue with the rope style repair even when the puncture is on the shoulder…….. All the best from Melbourne, Australia

[@NoSuffix]

Me too, from Calgary, Canada. I've been driving for 2+ decades and experienced around a dozen tire punctures on various cars and minivans. The funny thing is that professional tire patches failed quickly at least twice after the repairs, but DIY plugs never failed to solve the problem and they lasted until the end of those tires' lives. That's why I'm a believer in those DIY tire plugs.

[@trextrextrex]

Plugs work. Never had one fail

[@LividLeon]

This is why many plug kit comes with cement for that reason you don't have soak the plug with cement but you have to make sure you cover it from end to end so when you pull out the tool the cement will bubble and fill the gaps.

[@silent2114]

Ive had nails,screw,staples right on the corner were it curves and i take it to a discount tire and they tell me i need a new tire! Hahaha i take it to a mexican family own tire shop and $15 dollars later its fixed without having any issues until i need new tires...

[@imafine1]

Yup, just go the Guatemalan family shop!

[@leebrand2172]

I have been plugging tyres since the tube went out of fashion. There are three requirements. 1. The hole is round and less than 6mm diameter. 2. The hole is on the tread contact area. 3. The tyre is in good overall condition. I have NEVER had a plug come out or leak. ALL my plugs have lasted as long as the tyre. The "danger" of a permanent plug repair is BS. Promoted by those selling tyres. The plug is as "dangerous" as the original puncture event. If it comes out you will lose air at the same rate. The plug does introduce a point of "weakness" in the tyre structure - that is already 3x stronger than it needs to be 🙂. If you are using the tyre on your racing motorcycle or you routinely travel at 160 kph plus then you may want to buy a new tyre, but at reasonable speeds and load your plugged tyre will be fine. I challenge anyone to come up with a verifiable case where a properly plugged tyre has caused a problem 🙂

[@billnahorn3939]

I’ve plugged tires since 1973 never had a problem they lasted longer than the tire

[@darrenlesueur4785]

ive pluged so many tires without problems . i get that the tire companies have guidelines that they have to follow and they are always on the safe side . if your tire is new have it done right . if your tire is old then plug-in because they probably won't fix it for you .

[@redrustyhill2]

Nonsense. It has absolutely nothing to do with safety. They want to sell you a new set of tires! I have plugged tires in everything from lawnmowers to motorcycles to semi trucks. Never had a tire blow up because of a plug.

[@canyonblue737-8]

@@redrustyhill2 there have been a few cases where drivers have been killed or injured resulting in winning claims of over $13 million dollars because a plug allowed moisture into the tire and rusted the belts and caused a highway speed blow out. the plug never "leaks" but it allows moisture in and the tire becomes damaged internally. my opinion? its an incredibly, incredibly low likelihood and plugs in general can be a life of the tire fix, but because of the small risk tire manufacturers now *require* a plug/patch combo in the writing of the design of tires and their repair to cover their liability in the event of a horrible accident. that requirement is why national chains won't do anything but a plug and patch repair although of course some small shops will do a plug only and I'm sure thousands or more owners do plug patches themselves at home every year.

[@dao6063]

When the patch, the water still can go in from the outside. It will damage layers between tires. The plud one sealed both sides.

[@kelvinhatcher3285]

I e been in the car business for 25 years this is NOT how the vast majority of shops patch tires. Most of them will plug it just like you can do on the side of the road.

[@MicsMotorworx]

There are some variables. It seems reasonable that each business has different goals or objectives.

[@michaelalemansr.8565]

Naw bro plugs work, you are just trying to fuck your customers 😂😂😂😂

[@redrustyhill2]

I learned how to plug tires 20 years ago. I had a slow leak and stopped at a shop, guy spent less than a minute putting a plug in and charged me $30. I went that day and bought a plug kit. Have NEVER taken a tire to a shop to be patched ever again. I now also know how to break down a tire with hand tools and patch a tire if needed

[@Daughteroftheking1726]

​@@redrustyhill2yeah I got charge $20.

[@wstt4]

Thanks for the video. If I’ve got 2 small nails like 1-2” apart, inline with each other right down the center recessed groove (not tread), can one patch just overlap another patch? Tires are 2 years old and I’d rather not buy all new tires. No Highway driving with the vehicle. I know it’s not ideal but would that be better than just plugging both?

[@newfie-dean5803]

I have worn out many tires that were plugged with no issues. A plug will last the life of the tire.

[@MicsMotorworx]

Glad you had success with them. Some may have had different experiences like a leaking plug after a few months. Thanks for watching.

[@redrustyhill2]

​@@MicsMotorworxif the plug is leaking it wasnt installed properly. Only time i had a plug fail was on large gashes, and when it was 10 below and the tire was too cold for the plug to seal

[@edwardbaker1331]

Can the tire be remounted immediately and driven immediately without a cure time for the glue?

[@MicsMotorworx]

Yup. The bonding agents work pretty quickly.

[@ecentballer1]

I have used pluggs for years never had any issues they have been amazing. Never had a tire patched before but it does look a little more secure. Eh 🤷‍♂️ idk

[@MicsMotorworx]

For some, plugs work. Statistically, the patch with plug are extremely reliable. The key is in the installation process.

[@edwardbaker1331]

@@MicsMotorworx can the tire be remounted immediately and driven immediately without a cure time?

[@chicken29843]

You know I really did feel like just the patch or just the plug werent eally that satisfactory of a solution I'm glad to see that I was right

[@MicsMotorworx]

10-4.

[@jdxjim]

I have 2 plugged tires that I would say 15,000 miles on those plugs---- So either way will most likely work fine

[@MicsMotorworx]

Statically, the plug and patch works better. But there's always the rule of probability.

[@Painfulwhale360]

Depends. I’ve used plugs twice. One on a regular sized f150 tire that worked and one that I just tried on my 37 off road tire on my F250 this still has a slight leak. Taking it to a shop now who said they can patch it for $20.

[@TheInternalwisdom]

Just had a rock through a 9ply BFG KO2 tire, took it to a tire shop, they told me the hole was too big( less then half an inch wide) in the middle( not the sidewall) the guy said that his plug /patch is too narrow to plug it up.. i tild him it the whole will be smaller once the rock is out.. but he said by law he is not allowed to fix it, that it would bungle up fromnthe outside etc etc.. so i had to buy 2 new tires.. and used the good old tire as a spare..did i get ripped off? I spent 1000$ instead of 50$ plug/patch. I was gonna plug it myself at hole but couldnt pull the rock out as it was crumbling/crashing up?

[@MicsMotorworx]

Let's be reasonable. Plug patches are designed for small punctures. Nails, screws,.etc.

[@canyonblue737-8]

The over the counter plugs tend never to really leak air by themselves when applied correctly but the National Tire Manufacturers don't recommend them because they can in rare cases allow humidity and moisture to enter the tire and rust the steel belt from the inside and eventually in theory could lead to a tread separation, a blow out. There have been a few of these that have severely injured or killed drivers after a tire repair with just a plug some months after the plug has been put in place so it is never recommended. The plug and patch shown here prevents the moisture from ever being able to enter the tire and eliminates the small chance your tire could be damaged internally. The reality is like many things in life the odds are likely still in your favor with just a plug, but how much is your life really worth when a reputable tire store like this offers low cost or sometimes even free plug AND patch fixes? I'm stuck with one vehicle that doesn't have a spare and so I carry a fix a flat can and air compressor PLUS I do carry a plug kit, but really when I get a roadside flat my plan is always to hopefully be able to use fix a flat and the air compressor to seal the tire long enough to get me off the roadside and to a tire repair the next day or at most two and the plug is there in the event the fix a flat doesn't work and I can't afford to wait for towing etc. but now have the knowledge that some tire stores will no longer repair the tire since I applied an "improper repair" (the string plug) so I'll have to be getting a new tire in the next month or so to avoid the risk of a long term failure due the moisture issue I mentioned. Again all of this is "low risk" but in life a few hundred here and there when my family rides in the car with me? Cheap.

[@MicsMotorworx]

Thank you. This is a great comment with a good and realistic perspective.

[@leebrand2172]

If the air doesn't get out then water is less likely to get in. 🤣

[@SkinE-Vadee-Veechee]

So is this just a temporary fix or would it be better(more spendy IK) to buy a new tire? Is it just like a new tire? Thanks

[@MicsMotorworx]

That all depends on the overall condition. Most of the time and of done properly, the patch with the plug, as installed in this video, will last the rest of the life of the tire.

[@Stuart68505]

With the plug patch, does the metal rod unscrew from the patch? How was it removed?

[@MicsMotorworx]

Great question. Once it was threaded through the tire and the patch was seated on the glue, it was pulled off with a pair of plyers. Then, the excess rubber was cut off.

[@freedomrider266]

Thanks for the video....As for off roaders, no mudder worth his weight in mud (yeah, pun intended) would EVER take his tire to a shop instead of repairing themselves!

[@MicsMotorworx]

Fair enough 🤪

[@sandiegodan]

From your own description it sounds like the plug can be used in a wider band of the tire since it doesn’t rely on the flatness of the inner surface for sealing.

[@MicsMotorworx]

Not sure if that was inferred. I think we keyed on the idea of using plugs as a temporary solution until you can get a proper plug-patch. If the puncture occurs outside the proper zone of the tire. Tire companies should recommend replacement for safety reasons.

[@vfdavis42]

On the plug & patch, aren't they supposed to remove the seal from the patch to expose the adhesive on patch before being applied to the inner tire

[@MicsMotorworx]

We didn't capture everything on camera. ;)

[@Josuev1902]

Can I still patch a tire if I already put a plug in (temporarily) ?

[@MicsMotorworx]

Yup. The tire guy will reem it as needed.

[@jazzyjaz2024]

How long can you drive for after getting your tire plugged? Is there a speed I shouldn’t go over?

[@MicsMotorworx]

Nirmal driving is fine as long as the puncture occurs on the area covered in the video. It may never leak, but probabilities of leaking support the idea of getting the plug-patch properly installed as soon as reasonably possible.

[@jazzyjaz2024]

@@MicsMotorworx THANK YOU so much for your response!

[@maciekapocaliptic]

@@jazzyjaz2024 The tire repaired in this way will function normally until the next replacement of the entire set of tires.

[@jazzyjaz2024]

@@maciekapocaliptic thank you!

[@kendalgee5808]

I hit 130mph on the regualr, it is not safe for me to plug my tires. But for normal civillians, who only max out at 65mph, i would buy $50 walmart tires, drive them when they are bald, etc. But for midnight warriors it's unsafe to drive with plugs at 130-160mph when their is a hellcat trying to gap me on the 101 freeway.

[@fattysgarage1754]

The biggest problems with tire patch repair are the following: 1. Call shop, make appointment 2 weeks from now. Take car in and wait for 6 hours or the next day to be repaired. No thanks. 2. Show up at Goodyear tire center, ask rude ignorant person at the counter for a tire patch because you are traveling 300 miles and you just got a flat tire, and watch ignorant clown tell you that they are too busy. Then pray another customer overheard this conversation in the waiting room that has a tire plug to get you on the road instead of waiting for 14 days. Yes this happened and I got woman on her way in 5 minutes. You need a tire plug kit in your vehicle at all times or you will be stranded. Tire shop will not respond to you on a major highway and fix your tire and I’m not waiting 2 weeks for a repair. I plugged hundreds of tires and yes sidewalls too and never 1 leak or failure. Ya’ll seem like nice folk and probably more helpful than Goodyear.

[@MicsMotorworx]

So.. avoid Goodyear and locate someone who will do it the rite way?

[@1ReaZon]

Plugging side walls is the most retarded thing you can do.

[@lesmotley6839]

If you haven't driven on a completely flat tyre and damaged the carcase a simple do it yourself plug will do exactly the same job as a patch.

[@MicsMotorworx]

😆

[@sumo_steve45]

Very good information here Mike. You and I will be discussing motorcycle tubes/tires shortly ( tubed/spoked wheels - I.E. dirtbike tires ).

[@MicsMotorworx]

Sounds great! My dad's knowledge is definitely better than mine on that. He did a lot of those repairs at the old shop after the Pontiac GMC dealership closed.

[@namenotfound8747]

I drive 80k to 110k miles a year for years. All I can say from patching tires is some patches last the length of the life of the tire. Some make it less then 3000-5000 before then the next oil change. On average plugs tend to fail quicker then patch but if you have some on the road that make direct contact with the patch it might also make the patch pop. Even something that isn't sharp but just slightly touching the patch. I do drive+12 hours a day when at work. That might be a factor. At times, at or near the weight limit the car has, sometimes over. I've driven millions of miles, never have i had catastrophic failure when one kicked the can ever even when or the weight limit of the car at 70-75 mph on the highway. I don't go any faster then that. Best thing you can do is just have the tools to fix it and also have a spare tire, air pump, a car jack and all other tools to fix a tire and in 10-20 minutes you will be back up and running if you are prepared.

[@albertoguadiana1008]

I've driven 2k+ miles on a tire plug lol

[@MicsMotorworx]

Roll of the dice. 🎲

[@_Mario_PL_]

I got over 10k miles on mine. Had a patch before and started leaking, did the plug myself over a year ago and zero leak. Take that for what it's worth.

[@prizerebelhacker1234]

I’m confused, so this repair with the circular thing was a patch or a plug? It was fished through the hole…

[@MicsMotorworx]

It was a plug-patch. 😁 Thanks for watching.

[@alaingillot4718]

95 % of the plug will work for ever . If you are going to use an internal patch , you still have to use a rope first to seal the hole so water does not corrode the steel belt , then you do the internal patch .

[@canyonblue737-8]

the fix they use is what is now recommended by the tire manufacturers and is an all in one patch / plug solution that is applied from the inside of the tire out. What they did in the video is both a patch and a plug.

[@snort455]

you are a natural KZbinr! Thanks for the info.

[@MicsMotorworx]

Thanks. No prob. We hope you took something good away from the vid.

[@nedkay7392]

Could you tell me the name of the glue used for this and from where should I buy it from Thanks.

[@MicsMotorworx]

Great question. I asked Little Jon for you and I'll summarize his reply. It's a rubber cement. We buy ours in bulk, so the brand varies. However, it needs to be a rubber cement rated for use on tires. You can get tubes of these from your local auto parts store. Thanks for watching. -Mike

[@lonewolf315]

"Professional tire facility" is subject of debate

[@MicsMotorworx]

How so?

[@theytrynabecrate9823]

Are patched tires safe at speeds of 120-150mph???

[@MicsMotorworx]

We wouldn't.

[@redrustyhill2]

I plugged my motorcycle tire. Had it to 150 a time or two. Those plugs will vulcanize to the tire rubber and become part of the tire.

[@namenotfound8747]

@@redrustyhill2 By all means keep doing doing.

[@redrustyhill2]

@@namenotfound8747 been doing doing for 25 years now, never had a tire fail from a plug. Even patched/plugged sidewalls.

[@TiredOldMann]

Could you use a drill instead of the reamer ? Same size as the reamer .

[@MicsMotorworx]

Great question. I didn't ask Jon for an answer on this one, but compare the shape and use of a drill bit with a tire remer. The conical shape and taper of the reamer isn't really designed to cut and bore like a drill bit does to wood or metal. The idea is to ensure symmetry of the hole and make it big enough to slip the plug through, while also preventing further damage to the tire.

[@TiredOldMann]

@@MicsMotorworx Thanks for the answer . I'll just put the reamer in the drill . I checked and it fits.

[@rubioatl]

Probably just use sand paper for roughing up the tire.

[@MicsMotorworx]

LOL! If you have time and energy for that.

[@mikegallo5922]

you keep saying "statistically, plugs don't always work", so that statement could be "true" even if 1 out of 1,000 don't work.

[@MicsMotorworx]

I'm not aware of a published report documenting the precise statistics. It would definitely be interesting to gather and track the data. However, the overall idea is that the Plug-Patch yields more reliable results when compared to the plug only. Especially when the prior is installed properly.

[@peterrudy9207]

I will always have a patch put over the hole on the inside of the tire . Never would have a " plug " put into the hole on the ouside of the tire .

[@robertgolden1080]

If you’re going to post a video about patching a tire. Then show it being correctly. Buff area on tire, wipe with patch cleaning solvent, apply tire patch glue and allow to dry properly. Do not touch with bare hands after the glue dries. Like you man did. Then apply patch and use a stippling roller to remove the air pockets in the repair area. Plug are a perfectly acceptable repair. I was in the industry for 12 years 1980’s and 1990’s. Hundreds of plugs personally no issues.

[@MicsMotorworx]

We did that and did it correctly. Hmm. Someone must have missed something.

[@MiroslavStricevic]

@@MicsMotorworx But did you apply the blue glue to the whole area that the patch was applied to? Seems like you missed a big area beneath the hole.

[@centercitytransportcoltd7424]

Seems like a sloppy local repair not to approved specs but it will hold. Doesn’t take much to do things the correct way rather then do short cuts and speak as though you did a job to tyre spec standards Different strokes for different folks

[@bondiBONDIEnglish]

Great job friend

[@MicsMotorworx]

Thanks 🙏

[@highestdrifter5629]

can u still go fast on plugged and patched tires or should i get a new tire for that ?

[@MicsMotorworx]

If your life depends on it and there's a question on tire integrity, what's the most reasonable answer?

[@brotha1984]

I just plug my tire up a few days ago I slather the plug with some of that slime rubber Cement ointment just for extra protection then plug it been good to go ever sense

[@MicsMotorworx]

Cool. I hope it lasts the remainder of the tire life.

[@matthewmoore54]

I pluged a tire just the other day and I drive it 80 mph all the time and never had a problem..

[@kingznqueenztv]

I have a almost new tire… you mean plugging or patching it is temporary?

[@MicsMotorworx]

Using a plug from the package shown is usually considered a temporary fix. Although some have gone the rest of the life of a tire with a plug. The plug-patch, as demonstrated, is the best solution. 😎

[@kingznqueenztv]

@@MicsMotorworx I thought it was the end of the world. My guy…. You are a lifesaver! N Thank you!!🙏🏾🙌🏾👍🏾💪🏾

[@MicsMotorworx]

😆 No problem.

[@williamko4751]

I live near constructions. Plug my own tires for the last 25 years. Never had a problem. The plug last a lifetime of the tire

[@blackdogadonis]

I filled up my tires with oil, i now need new windshield wiper gaskets

[@MicsMotorworx]

One slip on the choice of words... lol

[@bigblockpop]

Cause an oil leak in a tyre, well that says it all, there is no need to say any more

[@MicsMotorworx]

Lol. Yup. You can tell I was thinking about doing an oil change in the brief moment. Pobody is nerfect.

[@ElAndresRodriguez]

​@@MicsMotorworxlol this guy's crazy. Acting as if he's never misspoken in his life 😂

[@bigchungus7720]

Had a shop patch my tire and 10min highway tire blew

[@MicsMotorworx]

Bummer. Must have been something structural.

[@Later2u]

Plugging a flat tire. Step one: Buy a quality repair kit.

[@MicsMotorworx]

Unfortunately and statistically, they don't always work.

[@TheExpandonthat]

I mean the only people that come back are the ones where it didn’t work.

[@brunobassi2440]

ok but you have to dismantle the tire from the rim 🤣🤣🤣

[@MicsMotorworx]

Plug it in an emergency. Take it to a shop as soon as possible for the plug-patch.

[@heythere6983]

Pep boys told me my tread was too low for a fix for a flat . I don’t believe that, there’s definitely tread left and Iv has old tires with plugged holes go almost bald lol and if dirk worked . Pep boys lying? If there’s tread why wouldnt they be able to plug, even if it’s really low?

[@MicsMotorworx]

That's an interesting question. There might have been other forces at play in that situation. Do they have a policy set in place for plug or plug and patch based on tread depth. If so, they may be concerned with law-suits from a liability standpoint. The placement of the repair is also in consideration. Would the patch be placed somewhere that would violate the integrity of the tire and be a risk to the owner or others on the road. Then there is overall tread depth to consider. In most cases, "the safe tire tread depth is around 4/32”. Any less than that, and things start to get unsafe." Unfortunately, I don't have enough information to determine if they were lying. Each tire place is different and has different guidelines in place. I hope this helps.

[@albertoguadiana1008]

They always do that to sell a new tire

[@carlos-ik1pc]

I've worked at Pepboys and the service advisor is on commission so they will always try to upsell you on new tires

[@JohnJTraston]

There is nothing more permanent than temporary.

[@Cgibbo84]

Hi mic! Question, I am about to plug a geolander on my Subaru. I use the vehicle for overlanding and light offroad. I do air down and up for trails. Will I be ok to continue to use this tire for those trips or is that asking for a bad day out on the trails? Tires still have a lot of tread and the plug location is in the thickest location in the middle of the tread. It is not in a water outlet, it is on the road contact part of a tread knob. Thanks anyone who can give me any advice here.

[@MicsMotorworx]

Based on your description, I'd make sure it had a plug-patch as demonstrated in the video.

[@nilsrigacasual1250]

Oil leak 😂

[@MicsMotorworx]

I think we all know what was meant. At least y'all are paying attention. ;)

[@k9sgarage301]

🤣🤣🤣💀 an oil leak

[@MicsMotorworx]

Yup. Pobody's nerfect.

[@thomaskutches2613]

I also fill my tires with oil for better mpg.

[@MicsMotorworx]

I make 1 mitsake...

[@thomaskutches2613]

@@MicsMotorworx Not rippin' as I probably would have made the same error as when I need to do things with my vehicles it usually is an oil leak. 😆

[@MicsMotorworx]

😄

[@mechanicallycreative9788]

I guess slime it comes 10th.

[@MicsMotorworx]

I use it... in my lawn mower.

[@mechanicallycreative9788]

@MicsMotorworx I fix em for a living I'll use it too if they are partially dry rotted and the customer can't afford new tires. 8mph no big deal.

[@sinistervsixxer]

My man said an oil leak

[@MicsMotorworx]

Yup. A pending oil change was on Mike's mind.

[@SinWoods]

Let me go back & count how many times you said uhhhh...

[@MicsMotorworx]

It's KZbin. We like to think content is important. We admit delivery counts, but there are other places to seek information if one is looking for perfection. Thanks for watching.