Tire shop said they can't patch my tire
#1
Tire shop said they can't patch my tire
I've been successful installing plugs in my own tires for at least 25 years but THIS time the plug didn't stop the leak (slow leak from a nail in the tread). I took it to the chain store where I always buy my tires and was told it's impossible to patch from the inside once a plug as been installed from the outside. No option given except to replace the tire.
Why can't the plug be snipped off & a patch installed?
Why can't the plug be snipped off & a patch installed?
#4
They probably won't do it because of liability, and they make more $$$ selling new tires. I'd also go to another shop if you don't want to try it again with sealant.
#6
Group Moderator
I've had it take more than one plug on occasion. As X said, the sealant (I use rubber cement) is essential.
#7
I use the regular rope plug meant for steel-belted radials, and use rubber cement. Also reamed the hole out because the nail hole was very small. I've done this many times and never had a problem but this time the cement that I used was Slime brand and much thinner than the Vector Brand I normally. It's possible that the cement blew out when I added air to the tire, I really don't know.
#8
Anyways it sounds like we all agree the tire shop is giving me a line of BS.
I really can't complain because they're replacing a $120 Tire with an identical new one for $34. If it was any more than that I would have taken it home and try a new plug.
I really can't complain because they're replacing a $120 Tire with an identical new one for $34. If it was any more than that I would have taken it home and try a new plug.
#9
While I was sitting at Discount Tire waiting for my discounted tire to be installed I did some Googling. Turns out the gooey rope plugs I've been using (and seen used) are controversial and not approved by NHTSA, DOT or RMA (Rubber Manufacturer's Assoc.). All the reputable sources I checked said the only proper way to plug a puncture in a car tire tread is with a patch on the inside AND a plug through the tread. I guess the practice of using sticky rope plugs ONLY is one of those things that just because it's worked for me (and maybe most of you) for 30 years doesn't mean it's right.
It's still debatable whether my tire couldn't be "properly" repaired after my failed DIY attempt, though I still don't see why not. I think they just didn't want to honor their "lifetime repair warranty".
It's still debatable whether my tire couldn't be "properly" repaired after my failed DIY attempt, though I still don't see why not. I think they just didn't want to honor their "lifetime repair warranty".
#10
Group Moderator
It's always been debatable whether the plugs are sufficient but many of us have had good results with them and keep fixing our own flats that way.
Someone once posted (Mark, maybe?) about finding something like 30 plugs in a tire once when they unmounted it to replace it.
Someone once posted (Mark, maybe?) about finding something like 30 plugs in a tire once when they unmounted it to replace it.
#11
Member
I have been successfully plugging my own tires for a long time, although I do remember one that I kept repeating the same mistake on, just one of those days I guess, so once I realized what I was doing wrong I broke it down, removed something like 4 or 5 plugs that I had managed to lose inside, put it back together and was good to go. It's one of those things that is easy enough, but thankfully doesn't come up often enough to hold the knack.
#12
Forum Topic Moderator
I think they've always claimed that those plugs are just a temporary fix but most of us have used them with no issues ..... and yes it was me that had a tire on an old work truck than had 30+/- plugs
#13
It's still debatable whether my tire couldn't be "properly" repaired after my failed DIY attempt, though I still don't see why not. I think they just didn't want to honor their "lifetime repair warranty".