What are the common methods for car tire repair?
3 Answers
Common car tire repair techniques Generally speaking, car tire repair techniques can be roughly divided into three types based on the extent of tire damage: cold repair technique (internal repair or patch repair), hot repair technique (commonly known as vulcanization), and plug repair technique. Car tire cold repair technique The so-called cold repair technique involves removing the damaged car tire from the rim, identifying the puncture, cleaning out any foreign objects from the puncture, and then applying a specialized tire patch from the inside of the tire to complete the repair. In fact, this technique is similar to bicycle tire repair, but it requires a specialized tire removal machine and tire patch to complete. Its advantage is that it can be used to repair large tire punctures, but the disadvantage is that it is not very durable. After a period of water immersion or high-speed driving, the repaired area of the car tire may leak again. Car tire hot repair technique (commonly known as vulcanization) is the most thorough tire repair measure. The hot repair technique also requires removing the car tire from the rim, then applying a specialized uncured patch to the puncture. The puncture is then heated with a curing machine until the patch fully adheres to the car tire. The advantage of the car tire hot repair technique is that it is very durable, and there is basically no need to worry about repeated leaks at the puncture site. However, there is also a disadvantage, which is that the technical requirements during the repair process are relatively high, because if the temperature is not controlled properly during heating, the car tire may be scorched or even severely deformed, causing more damage to the tire.
Just changed a tire a couple of days ago, so let's talk about tire repair. I often drive long distances, so keeping tire repair strips in the car is a must. When encountering a nail puncture, first use a jack to lift the car body, pull out the foreign object with pliers, and then insert the repair strip into the leak hole for an emergency fix, but this method is only suitable for small punctures. At the repair shop, the mushroom plug repair method is the first choice. The mechanic will remove the tire, grind the inner wall, insert the mushroom-shaped rubber plug into the hole, and then trim off the excess, like patching a wound. This method is especially suitable for nail holes within 6mm. If the tire sidewall is damaged, it can't be repaired and a new tire is needed. After repair, remember to perform a dynamic balance test to prevent steering wheel vibration at high speeds.
Last time I got a flat tire in the suburbs and was really panicked. When I rushed to the auto repair shop, the mechanic taught me a few tricks. Currently, the mainstream methods are cold patching and hot patching: cold patching involves using a strong adhesive patch on the inner wall of the tire, which takes about half an hour and doesn't damage the tire; hot patching requires using a vulcanizing machine to heat the rubber, making the repair very strong but potentially damaging the tire body. The mushroom plug repair method is becoming increasingly popular—it fits into the puncture like a small umbrella, providing double sealing inside and out. Be careful not to use tire sealant as a quick fix, as that spray can clog the tire pressure sensors. Importantly, it can't repair sidewall damage—if the cord layer is damaged, the tire must be replaced. After patching, remember to have the mechanic check the wheel balance.
