Can a puncture on the side of a tubeless tire be repaired?
2 Answers
A puncture on the side of a tubeless tire can be repaired if the hole is smaller than 6 millimeters. Below are some relevant tips for car tire maintenance: 1. Regularly check tire pressure: Inflate underinflated tires promptly to maintain consistent tire pressure. Otherwise, it can lead to rapid wear of low-pressure tires, increased driving resistance, higher fuel consumption, and even cause issues like directional deviation. 2. Avoid hitting obstacles: When driving at high speeds, hitting obstacles such as potholes can cause severe compression deformation between the obstacle and the tire near the wheel rim flange. This may damage the tire's internal fabric cords, leading to air leakage and the formation of bulges. In severe cases, it can cause the tire sidewall to rupture, resulting in sudden tire deflation.
I've been repairing cars for many years, and a puncture on the sidewall of a tubeless tire really can't be fixed. That sidewall area is the most vulnerable part of the tire and bears tremendous stress, especially when the car turns or hits bumps, as most of the pressure is concentrated there. If you force a patch or plug into it, it might seem fine temporarily, but it will soon crack open, leading to worse air leaks or even a blowout. I've seen many car owners try to save money by getting such repairs done at small shops, only to have their tires blow out on the highway, causing accidents—it's extremely dangerous. The tire sidewall is made with special cord fabric, and patching it compromises its structural integrity, drastically reducing safety. My advice is to replace the tire immediately—don't take the risk. Always check the sidewalls for cuts or bulges before driving to prevent such incidents. While new tires may be expensive, safety should always come first.