Should a Leaking Tire Be Repaired or Replaced?
2 Answers
As long as the leak is not on the sidewall of the tire, it can usually be repaired. However, if the puncture hole is larger than 6mm, you should consider replacing the tire. While larger punctures can technically be repaired, the risk of recurring leaks or blowouts increases significantly, especially during high-speed driving, which can be extremely dangerous. Tire Lifespan: The typical wear lifespan of a tire is between 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers. Even if the tire hasn't reached its wear limit or mileage, it should be replaced if it's been in use for 5 years or if there are numerous cracks on the sidewall. Tire Material: Tires are primarily made of rubber. The maximum storage and anti-aging period for rubber, from natural latex to EPDM and nitrile, does not exceed 10 years. The average service life for various rubber products in use is typically 3-5 years.
The tire is leaking. As an old hand who's been repairing cars for years, I must say this needs careful consideration. It depends on the specific situation: if there's a small puncture on the tread caused by a nail, and the hole isn't too big and is located in the center, patching it is fine—using a mushroom plug patch is the most durable. But if there's a hole on the sidewall, a tear, or a large puncture, you absolutely must replace it. Damage to the sidewall can easily lead to a blowout, which is extremely dangerous. You also need to check the overall condition of the tire; if the tread is worn shallow, with a depth of less than 2mm, or if the tire has been used for four or five years or more, patching it is pointless—just replace it. Cost-wise, patching is cheap, just a few dozen bucks, while a new tire starts at a few hundred, but safety is worth the money. Don't take risks—if it's a minor issue, get it professionally patched right away, or you'll regret it if something happens on the highway. Regularly checking tire pressure is key—make it a habit to catch issues early and deal with them promptly. After decades of driving, I've seen too many blowout accidents—don't blindly trust online DIY tutorials; a professional assessment is the safest bet.
