Can a Repaired Tire Be Used on Highways?
2 Answers
If an external patch was used, it is not recommended to drive on highways after the repair. Methods like plugging involve inserting a rubber strip into the puncture to seal it. When driving at high speeds, especially in summer, the tire temperature rises, and the internal pressure increases significantly, which can easily cause the rubber strip to be ejected, posing a serious hazard. However, if an internal patch was used, the repaired tire can be used on highways, but it is advisable to place the damaged tire on the rear axle and avoid excessive speeds or prolonged driving. Below are some relevant recommendations: Recommended repair methods: For punctures smaller than 3mm, patch repair or plugging can be used; for punctures larger than 3mm, mushroom plug or hot vulcanization repair is suitable; for punctures larger than 6mm, tire replacement is recommended; if a tire has been repaired more than four times, replacement is advised; if the sidewall is damaged, replacement is necessary. Weakest part of the tire: The sidewall is the most vulnerable area of a tire, lacking the high protective strength of the tread. The carcass ply provides structural reinforcement, so any damage to the sidewall ply significantly increases the risk of a blowout. Even durable repair methods like hot vulcanization only offer a temporary fix. The sidewall flexes and deforms during tire rotation, which can eventually cause the repair material to detach over time.
I've been driving for many years and have had my tires patched several times. Whether you can drive on the highway after a tire repair depends on how it was patched. If it was an internal patch or a mushroom plug repair, it's relatively sturdy, and driving on the highway shouldn't be a big issue, but it's best to keep the speed under 100 km/h. If it was a simple external patch, the heat at high speeds can cause the patch to come off, which is dangerous if the tire blows out. Once, after a repair, I went on a long trip, and when the speed got too high, I felt the tire shaking. Later, when I stopped to check, I found cracks around the patched area. So, after patching a tire, don't rush onto the highway—first, drive a few dozen kilometers in the city or at low speeds to test it out. If there are no issues, then consider the highway. Of course, the safest option is to replace the tire—safety first. Tires are the feet of the car, and you can't afford to be careless. Regularly checking tire pressure and wear is a must.
