Should a Damaged Tubeless Tire Be Repaired or Replaced?

[VonSimon]

Tubeless tire damage: If the damage is not severe, it can be repaired without replacement; however, if the damage is serious, replacement is necessary. Below are the relevant methods for repairing tubeless tires: 1. Slow air leakage at the tire's sidewall: This usually occurs due to prolonged tire usage or driving with insufficient or no tire pressure, causing the tire to fold and develop tiny pinholes finer than a hair strand. It may require inflation every four to five days, and the leak may not be detectable in water. The only repair method is to add a tire sealant, inflate the tire fully, tilt the wheel to allow the liquid and solid particles to flow to the sidewall, and rotate the wheel to let the sealant plug the leak. 2. Tire puncture: If the tire is punctured by small sharp objects that may even penetrate the tire, the leak may be hard to detect from the tread. Adding tire sealant can completely resolve this issue.

[McAbigail]

There's a hole in my tubeless tire. As an experienced driver for many years, when encountering such an issue, the first thing I do is check the damage location. Small holes on the tread, like nail punctures, can be fixed professionally with rubber plugs for just a few dozen bucks—it's hassle-free and safe. However, if it's a sidewall puncture or a large gash, you must replace the tire; it can't be repaired. The sidewall is thin and bears a lot of stress—patched areas are weaker and prone to blowouts at high speeds, which is dangerous. Safety comes first; tires are the only part touching the road, so you can't cut corners. Cost-wise, patching is cheaper than replacement, but consider the risks: I once saw someone cheap out and patch a sidewall, only to have a blowout and hit a guardrail—the repair costs and fines far exceeded a new tire. So my rule is: small fixes are fine, but major damage means immediate replacement. Get into the habit of checking tire pressure monthly to catch small issues early and extend tire life, saving a lot of trouble. Don’t slack on regular maintenance.

[CodyDella]

From a cost-saving perspective, repairing a punctured tubeless tire is usually more economical than replacing it, as it's significantly cheaper. Small punctures in the center of the tread can be fixed with an internal or external patch for just a few dozen yuan, a quick process that extends the tire's usability for a long time. However, if the damage is large or on the sidewall, repairs are ineffective, and a new tire is necessary, making the repair cost a waste. As a businessman who frequently drives long distances, I understand tire lifespan: new tires can last about 60,000 kilometers, but if the puncture is in a bad spot, even after repair, the tire won't last long, leading to repeated costs and wasted time. Once, I had a tire punctured twice in a row, with patches layered on top of each other, which eventually caused air leakage and affected driving—it would have been better to replace it sooner. Risk consideration: repairing tires on highways can be unstable and may cause accidents, with repair and towing costs potentially exceeding a thousand yuan. Recommendation: quickly repair small punctures for convenience, but replace sidewall punctures or old tires outright. Choose reputable repair shops to ensure quality and avoid substandard patches. Regularly rotate tires to promote even wear, saving money and ensuring peace of mind.

[Christine]

Whether to repair or replace a punctured tubeless tire mainly depends on the location. Small holes on the tread can be patched, which is quite convenient; but if the sidewall is damaged, it must be replaced. As a family car owner who drives frequently, I routinely take my car to professional shops to check the location and size of the damage. The technicians use tools to assess it—if repairable, they apply an internal patch to seal the air leak, saving both time and money. Sidewall damage is not recommended for repair due to structural weakness and a high risk of leakage after patching. My habit is: after minor hole repairs, I check tire pressure monthly and drive cautiously on highways. Once, I detected a tiny tread puncture and had it fixed promptly, avoiding a potential roadside breakdown. Repairs can last several years without issues, but for larger damages or aged tires, replacement is safer. Tires are crucial for smooth driving—don’t neglect inspections to cut corners. During each maintenance, have the shop check wear levels; making this a habit extends tire life and reduces puncture risks.