Patching or Replacing a Punctured Tire?
2 Answers
Whether to patch or replace a punctured tire depends on the specific situation: 1. If the puncture is on the part that contacts the ground, patching is sufficient; 2. If the sidewall is punctured, the tire needs to be replaced. The methods for handling a punctured tire are: 1. When the tire is not leaking air, drive at low speed to a repair shop without removing the nail; 2. When the tire is leaking air, pull over to the side of the road and call for roadside assistance. Car tires are one of the important components of a vehicle, and their functions include: 1. Working with the car suspension to mitigate impacts during driving; 2. Ensuring good ride comfort and smooth driving; 3. Improving the car's traction, braking, and off-road capability.
I've been driving for over twenty years and have had several punctures. Patching a tire is indeed much cheaper than replacing it, usually costing just a few dozen yuan, while a new tire can set you back several hundred. But the key is the location of the puncture: if it's a small hole in the central tread, a simple patch will do, and methods like mushroom plugs or hot patching are effective; if it's on the sidewall or near the shoulder, don't even think about patching—those areas endure high pressure, and a patch can lead to bulging or even a blowout. The tire's wear condition also matters: a new tire with a puncture can be patched, but an old, heavily worn tire should be replaced even for a small hole—safety first. After patching, remember to drive a short distance to check for leaks, and keep an eye on tire pressure regularly to avoid future troubles.