The Ultimate Guide to Tire Repair
Ugh! A flat. Being a vehicle owner means you have a whole lot to think about in terms of maintenance and repair. Tires are one of the most important components of your vehicle to keep up with.
No matter how attentive you are, you may still end up with a flat tire at some point. The big question becomes, “Can it be repaired?” Here’s what you need to know.
1. Sometimes a repair does the trick
It’s best to consult a tire specialist and get their opinion on whether a repair is the best route. Ask them if the tire will perform normally after it’s repaired. Remember, a bad tire can put everyone who rides in your vehicle at risk.
A general rule is that only a puncture that’s less than ¼ inch in diameter should be repaired. An issue larger than that will usually mean it’s best to replace the tire. It’s also normally a better idea to replace a tire if the damage is to the sidewall.
Your trusted mechanic will also look at the tread depth of the tire. If it’s too worn, it’s probably not worth fixing.
2. The tire repair process
As a consumer, it’s not vital for you to know the step-by-step process, but there are a few things you should understand.
- The tire should be taken off of the car and it should also be removed from the wheel. Take your vehicle to a different repair shop if they attempt to fix the hole without removing the tire.
- A good tire repair shop will make sure that the hole will be plugged or patched so that the repair bonds to the inner wall of the tire, completely covering the puncture.
3. Consider the manufacturer’s suggestion
There are some tire manufacturers and car makers who will say that it’s never a good idea to drive a vehicle with a tire that’s been repaired. Before having anything done to your tire, check your vehicle owner’s manual to see what it suggests. You can check the tire manufacturer’s recommendations online.
4. When NOT to repair
There are a lot of variables that come into play when it comes to tires. If your tire is causing your car to wobble from side-to-side or if you notice or feel a lump on the sidewall, it’s very likely something has happened on the interior of the tire and you’ll have to replace it.
No matter what’s going on, we’ll quickly get to the bottom of the issue and have you safely back on the road in no time.
Visit your Conrad’s Tire Express & Total Car Care for all your tire repair needs.
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