You cannot stop accidents on your tire from happening, and luckily there are tire plugs that can save your day. However, do you wonder if you can drive long distances with a plugged tire? We've done in-depth research on this concern, and here's what we found.
You can typically drive with a plugged tire for only 8 miles. Do not push to travel long distances with a plugged tire because it can damage your vehicle.
This post will discuss driving long distances with a plugged tire, if tire plugs are reliable, and where you should not put a tire plug. Keep reading to learn all the information about plugged tires!
Can You Travel Long Distances With A Plugged Tire?
There is a limitation to the distance you travel with a plugged tire. Thus, you cannot travel it over long distances. Plugged tire's permissible distance to travel is typically 8 miles.
Make sure to have a high-quality tire plug and install it correctly by following the manufacturer's recommendations. When done properly, a plugged tire can travel up to those miles without the initial damage.
Remember that there is still a hole in the tire, which is the worst problem with driving on one. The plugged tire cannot withstand the same pressure and stress as one in good shape.
Make sure not to overdo it because the worst issues may arise. Driving lengthy distances may result in more damage to your car and even more part replacements.
Are Tire Plugs Reliable?
A flat and damaged tire can happen due to some form of road debris. You will have a little traction and durability, so you should proceed while driving on it. Luckily, there are tire plugs that can save your day.
A tire plug is the quickest fix to get you back on the road. Tire plugs can stop the air from entirely escaping from the holes.
Thin leather strips coated with a sticky rubber compound are placed into the holes. It operates by sealing the inner liner of the tire airtight.
Tire plugs are safe, reliable, and convenient. Also, you do not have to remove the tire from its rim. They can either expand or compress to meet the size of the hole.
It can immediately sense the pressure once you insert it into the tire.
If installed correctly, driving fast on a plugged tire is not an issue. Although this may remedy your problem, it's essential to acknowledge that your tire still has a structural problem.
Remember that the road's surface still matters when driving your plugged tire. Rocky roads and challenging terrain are prone to your plugged tire having issues.
Also, avoid continuously soaking the tire in water because it might enter its body and corrode the steel belts.
Click here to see this tire plug kit on Amazon.
Where Should You Put A Tire Plug?
Plugging a tire depends on the location and degree of damage and the size of the hole. You must apply the tire plug close to the center of the running surface.
Putting a tire plug in is not advisable if the hole is close to the tire's sidewall. It can cause structural damage and a dangerous blowout on the tire if you apply a tire plug in its sidewall.
Also, do not use a tire plug on a hole over 1/4 inch.
When the crack or hole is too large, the tire cannot support itself during movement due to gravity from the vehicle's body and frictional pressure from the road surface. Thus, it is time for you to have your tire get repaired.
If your tire is too old and experiences damage, you must not also apply a tire plug to it.
Remember that long journeys are challenging with plugged tires, and the puncture site significantly impacts the tire's lifespan.
Do You Have To Use Glue When Plugging A Tire?
It is not necessary to apply glue when plugging a tire. However, you may do it because it helps in the lubrication and adhesion of the tire plug when you insert it.
Click here to see this rubber glue on Amazon.
The drying time depends on the kind of glue you use. It usually dries right away. Check the sealant data to be sure of its proper waiting time.
How To Plug A Tire
To quickly and safely return to the road, you may plug your tire to prevent air from escaping. The tire plug is simple to install and can save a lot of time.
Here are the quick steps on how you plug your tire:
1. Remove the Tire
If you find it hard to plug your tire, you may remove it from the vehicle.
This method depends on whether you prefer attaching a plug to a free space. However, it is okay to plug your tire even if it is attached to the vehicle.
To remove the tire, unfasten the nuts using a lug wrench.
Click here to see this lug wrench on Amazon.
Place a jack under the tire to lift it. This tool can help you remove the tire easily.
Click here to see this jack on Amazon.
2. Remove The Object From The Hole
Remove the objects that cause the cut or hole in your tire using pliers. It can be a nail, screw, stone, or sharp object.
Click here to see these pliers set on Amazon.
3. Insert The Rasp
After removing the object, you may insert the rasp into the hole. This tool will rough up the hole for the adhesive of the plug to bind.
4. Attach The Plug To The Needle
The needle is the tool that is used to install the plug. It has an open end where you can easily remove the plug when you insert it.
Insert the plug into the needle's hole and fold it into two.
5. Insert The Needle Into The Hole
Insert the needle, with the plug, into the hole. Apply force until you have inserted the plug.
When you insert it into a puncture, malleable rubber expands and traps the air to prevent it from escaping, performing a tire plug. Make sure not fully to insert the plug.
Remove the plug slowly and leave an inch hanging on the outside.
6. Cut Excess Plug
Use a cutter to cut the excess plug.
Click here to see this utility knife on Amazon.
7. Test The Plug
Test if the tire plug works. Spray water into the area where you inserted the tire plug.
Observe if there are any bubble present or if the water goes through the tire plug. If none, then you have installed your tire plug correctly.
Are Tire Plugs Permanent?
Plugging a tire is intended as a temporary solution for tire difficulties. It is only an emergency repair method to get the car off the road or to a shop for repair.
Tire plugs are not intended to be a long-term treatment for the tire hole or cut. You must not also travel your vehicle with a plugged tire longer than necessary to avoid further damage to your car.
As a result, you need to take your tire to a repair shop for experts to look after it and examine what's best to do about its damages. This method can produce a long-lasting fix compared to plugging tires.
Can You Plug A Tire Twice?
It is not advisable to plug your tire twice. Always consider your tire's overall construction. It can have an impact on its fundamental operations, which can lead to deflation and further damage.
How Much Do Tire Plugs Cost?
The tire plug kit is not just known for its durability but also for its affordability. It typically costs between 10 to 20 dollars. Other manufacturers also offer warranties to their clients.
You may do the plugging yourself or hire a professional.
To Wrap Up
In general, plugging in the entire tire is one simple and effective method that will help you address tire deterioration issues quickly. The lifespan of a plugged tire is greatly influenced by how you drive and the tire's condition.
You now know the ways how to plug your tire. However, you may always contact a professional if unsure what to do when plugging your tire.
Made it to the end? Check out these helpful related posts!
Can A Motorcycle Tire Be Plugged Or Patched?