Can I Drive on the Highway After a Tire Repair?
2 Answers
Whether you can drive on the highway after a tire repair depends on the situation: 1. External repair: It is not recommended to drive on the highway after this type of repair. For example, plug repairs involve inserting a plug into the puncture to seal it. When driving at high speeds, the tire temperature rises, and the tire pressure increases significantly, which can easily cause the plug to be ejected. 2. Internal repair: You can drive on the highway after this type of repair, but it is best to place the repaired tire on the rear axle. Additionally, avoid driving at excessively high speeds or for prolonged periods. Extended information on tire repairs: For punctures smaller than 3mm, patch repairs or plug repairs can be used; for punctures larger than 3mm, mushroom plug repairs or hot vulcanization repairs are suitable; for punctures larger than 6mm, it is recommended to replace the tire; if a tire has been repaired more than 4 times, replacement is advised; if the tire sidewall is damaged, replacement is recommended.
Last time I had a nail in my tire, got it patched and still drove on the highway without issues, but it depends. If it’s a regular patch or mushroom plug repair on the tread (not sidewall), it’s usually fine. The key is getting it professionally done—no sketchy roadside stalls—and they must do a wheel balance afterward, otherwise the steering will shake at high speeds. I checked the tire pressure before driving to ensure it was normal and took breaks every two hours to feel the tire temperature—if it wasn’t scalding, it was okay. But a warning: if the patch is near the edge or the tire has prior damage, the risk goes up—keep speed under 100 km/h. Patched tires have a shorter lifespan, so I’d recommend replacing it sooner after highway driving for safety.
