Should a Flat Tire Be Repaired or Replaced?
2 Answers
If the tire has punctures, nail holes, or cuts on the tread that are less than 6 mm in size, they can be repaired by a professional technician. However, if there are tread punctures larger than 6 mm, any sidewall punctures, or if the remaining tread groove depth is less than 1.6 mm, it is recommended to replace the tire. Tire Driving Tips: When driving on good road conditions, maintain a straight path. Avoid swerving or making sharp turns except when passing other vehicles or avoiding obstacles, as this can cause lateral cutting damage between the tire and the rim. When Driving Uphill: When driving uphill, utilize the vehicle's momentum, shift gears appropriately, and change gears in a timely manner. Ensure the vehicle has sufficient power to avoid stopping and restarting, which helps reduce tire wear.
Last time, my car tire got punctured by a nail and started losing air, so I rushed to the repair shop. The mechanic said whether to patch or replace a leaking tire depends on the location of the puncture. If it's in the middle of the tread—the part that touches the road—a small hole can just be patched, which is cheap and quick. But if the leak is near the edge or sidewall, where the tire is thinner, patching might not hold, and it wouldn't be safe, so a new tire is necessary. You also have to consider the tire's wear—if the tread is worn down or the tire is aged, it's safer to just replace it. After all, driving to work or taking the family out, safety comes first—it's not worth risking to save money. I usually check the tire pressure every month and address any damage early to avoid breaking down on the road.
