What are the tire repair techniques?
2 Answers
Tire repair techniques include plug patch repair, adhesive patch repair, and vulcanization repair. Plug patch repair: The most effective method is to insert a special plug into the punctured area of the tire, commonly known as "plug patch repair". It only takes a few minutes and does not require removing the tire from the rim. However, the drawback of plug patch repair is that it is not very durable. Adhesive patch repair: Tire repair adhesive is a non-toxic, odorless, non-flammable, and non-sticky liquid that can both repair the tire and inflate it. Vulcanization repair: The most thorough tire repair measure is the commonly known vulcanization repair. Vulcanization repair involves using high temperature to fuse raw rubber into the tire wound and then cooling it to solidify, achieving the effect of sealing the wound.
Back when I worked as a helper at an auto repair shop, I came across various tire repair methods. The most common one is the cold patch method, also known as the internal patch. Simply put, it involves removing the tire, sanding the inner side of the puncture, and then applying a specialized patch to bond it. This method works well for regular nail holes, requires minimal tools, and can be done in about half an hour, but it demands professional equipment and skills—otherwise, the patch won't hold. The older hot patch method is less commonly used now; it involves heating and sticking a patch, but improper temperature control can damage the tire. As for external repairs, I've seen the plug method, where a small needle inserts a rubber strip—it's fine for temporary fixes but unstable at high speeds. Then there's the mushroom plug repair, which works similarly to the cold patch but adds a rubber stem inserted into the hole for reinforcement, making it effective for larger punctures. Remember, if the hole is on the tire sidewall or has cracks, don't bother patching—just replace the tire for safety. Regular tire checks are crucial; if you spot a nail, deal with it quickly to avoid turning it into a bigger issue.