How to Repair Tire Cracks?
3 Answers
Sand the inner liner of the tire around the puncture hole, apply cold patch glue to the sanded area, and wait until the glue is slightly dry before installing the mushroom plug. Insert the steel needle of the mushroom plug from the inside of the tire into the puncture hole, passing through the entire composite rubber layer of the tire. Use pliers to grip the steel needle of the mushroom plug from the outside of the tire and pull the stem of the mushroom plug out through the puncture hole. Use a roller to press the crown of the mushroom plug, then simply trim off the excess stem of the mushroom plug with a tool.
A few days ago, my car also experienced tire cracking issues, with some small cracks found on the sidewall of the tire. I first checked the depth of the cracks. If they are only superficial, you can try the cold patch method. The specific steps involve cleaning the cracked area, applying specialized tire glue, and pressing a tire patch firmly in place. This process requires careful handling to ensure a complete seal and prevent air leakage. However, it's important to note that patching is only a temporary solution, especially for cracks deeper than 6 mm or tires with multiple cracks—replacing the tire with a new one is the safer choice. Tire cracking is mostly caused by aging, wear, or UV exposure, and failing to address it promptly may lead to a blowout. Before every trip, I make it a habit to feel the tire surface, as early detection can reduce risks. I recommend that car owners maintain proper tire pressure, avoid overloading, and consult a professional shop when necessary to assess whether a repair is worthwhile. After all, life is more important than money—safety always comes first.
Repairing tire cracks depends on the severity of the damage. For shallow cracks on the tread surface, a simple cold patch can suffice: prepare a tire repair kit, which involves three steps—cleaning the crack with sandpaper, applying adhesive, and attaching the patch—something you can do yourself. However, if the crack is on the sidewall or deeply embedded, the repair may be ineffective and prone to accidents. I’ve encountered this issue before; after repair, the tire’s load-bearing capacity decreased, making it unsuitable for high-speed driving. It’s best to take it to a repair shop for inspection, where professionals use specialized tools to assess safety. Tire cracks often result from aging or underinflation. Repair costs are low, around 20 yuan, while a new tire can cost several hundred. The key is safety—minor cracks can be temporarily fixed, but severe ones warrant immediate replacement. Don’t cut corners to save money. Regularly inspect your tires and check tire pressure monthly to prevent cracking, saving you a lot of hassle and time.
