Can a puncture on the tire edge be repaired?
2 Answers
A puncture on the tire edge cannot be repaired and requires replacement. This is because the edge and sidewall of the tire are the most vulnerable areas, with relatively thin thickness. If a simple repair is performed after a puncture, any damage can easily lead to a blowout from the damaged area. A tire blowout while driving is extremely dangerous, so repair is not recommended, only replacement is advised. To reduce vibration, passenger car tires do not have a steel belt layer in the sidewall, only consisting of two layers of rubber and two layers of cord fabric, making it the weakest part of the tire. Additionally, the sidewall undergoes deformation and recovery cycles during rotation. If a repair is attempted, the adhesive patch on the sidewall may peel off. If a mushroom plug repair is used, it can cause the sidewall cords to break, leading to bulging.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I must say that punctures on the tire edge should never be patched casually. That part of the tire is called the sidewall, which is particularly thin and not as sturdy as the central tread. If you force a patch, it's prone to peeling off, especially during high-speed driving where high pressure can cause bulges or even blowouts—no joking matter, as accidents could cost you dearly in both money and lives. I strongly recommend replacing the tire outright for safety. Though it might cost more upfront, it's worth it in the long run. Daily precautions like parking away from curbs, avoiding debris-laden areas, maintaining balanced tire pressure, and adopting good driving habits can all help extend tire life and prevent such issues.
