Is External Tire Patching Safe?
3 Answers
Tire external patching is not highly safe. Here is a detailed introduction to tire repair methods: Inserting Rubber Strips: Drill a hole of about 6mm, then insert a rubber strip coated with glue into the hole. This method is only for emergency use and cannot be used long-term, as it is prone to air leakage. Patch Repair: Patch repair is relatively stable and reliable, but it needs to be done at a professional tire repair shop. Hot Patching: This method adds a heating step on the basis of patch repair and is generally used for large trucks. Mushroom Plug: Under normal circumstances, this method provides the best air tightness and repair effect after patching, and it also has the strongest durability.
Last time I got a nail in my right front tire, I spent 20 bucks at a roadside stall to get a mushroom plug repair. It's been working perfectly for over half a year. This external patch method works best for small holes in the tire tread - quick and cheap. Just remember to get wheel balancing done afterward, otherwise the steering wheel might shake at high speeds. Never use external patches if the tire sidewall is damaged though - that area's too thin and prone to bulging or blowouts. Before any repair, I always check how deep the nail went. If it's over 6mm or the wound looks irregular, I replace the tire immediately - safety first. During regular car washes, keep an eye out for bulges or cracks in the tires, and address any issues promptly.
External tire repair involves sealing the puncture from the outside using rubber plugs, which is cost-effective and quick—a repair shop can complete it in just ten minutes. From a safety perspective, this method is perfectly suitable for small punctures on the tire tread, as long as the internal steel belts remain undamaged. However, if the puncture is too large, has torn edges, or is located on the sidewall, this repair method becomes unreliable, as damage to the internal structure can drastically reduce the tire's strength. Nowadays, reputable repair shops will test tire pressure and perform wheel balancing after repairs to prevent uneven wear caused by imbalance. Of course, if the tire is over five years old or shows significant signs of aging, I recommend replacing it outright for better safety.
