Puncture Repair or Replacement?
2 Answers
Whether to repair or replace a punctured tire depends on the specific situation. The relevant guidelines are as follows: 1. In general, if the tire is punctured by a nail or wire: and there is no extensive damage to the internal structure of the tire, with the steel wires and fabric layers in the tire ply remaining intact, and only a small hole is present, then repairing the tire is sufficient. Typically, such small holes can be fixed using an internal patch repair method. For slightly larger holes, a mushroom plug repair can be used. However, if the puncture diameter reaches or exceeds 6mm, it is advisable to replace the tire with a new one. 2. If the tire is scratched during skidding: resulting in a long wound, the depth of the wound should be assessed. Generally, if the depth does not exceed the tread groove depth, the tire can be used temporarily. However, sometimes the depth of the wound may not be visible to the naked eye. In such cases, it is best to have it inspected at a professional shop. If the internal structure of the tire is damaged, it is recommended to replace the tire with a new one.
I've been driving for over 20 years, and punctures are quite common. The key is to look at the location and size of the puncture: small holes caused by nails in the middle of the tread can be simply repaired—either cold patches or mushroom plugs are reliable, costing just a few dozen bucks, but make sure to go to a professional shop to ensure the inner layer isn't damaged. If the hole exceeds 6 millimeters or the sidewall is punctured, a hard patch isn’t safe—replace the tire immediately, especially if the tire is over 5 years old or the tread is worn out. Also, make it a habit to check tire pressure regularly. If you get a puncture, first switch to the spare tire and drive to a repair shop—don’t force it. Safety comes first to avoid blowouts and accidents on the highway. Although replacing a tire is more expensive, it’s worth the peace of mind, especially for long trips—don’t risk big losses for small savings.
