What does tire repair mean?
3 Answers
It means restoring the functionality of damaged tires. Here are specific precautions for tire repair: 1. Precaution 1: Choose the appropriate tire. The specifications must match the original tire and be identical to the other tire on the same axle, such as speed rating, load index, tread pattern, brand, size, etc., to ensure safe driving. 2. Precaution 2: Replace the valve stem as well. This is because when you replace the tire, the aging cycle of the new tire and the old valve stem will differ. During the new tire's lifespan, the valve stem might develop issues, which are not easily noticeable. Therefore, it's best to replace the valve stem when changing the tire. 3. Precaution 3: Pay attention to installation direction and inflation. If using the original equipment tire, follow the manufacturer's installation requirements. For non-original tires, generally, the side with the production date should face outward. If it's a directional tire, align the arrow on the wheel with the vehicle's forward direction. Inflate to the maximum allowable pressure first, then reduce to the manufacturer's specified standard pressure. 4. Precaution 4: New tires are best installed on the rear axle. Placing more worn tires on the rear axle reduces the rear wheels' water drainage capability, increasing the risk of driving in rainy conditions. Thus, if only installing two new tires, they should be mounted on the rear wheels.
A few days ago, I drove over a nail and only understood after going to the repair shop that fixing a tire means patching a hole in the tire. For everyday punctures like nails, patching is still usable. The technician will choose different patching methods based on the puncture location: regular patch repairs are cost-effective but can't be used on the sidewall, mushroom plugs provide a more secure fix, and hot patches are suitable for cases of rubber aging. The key is to perform wheel balancing after patching, otherwise, the car may vibrate at high speeds. However, if a tire has been patched three times, it shouldn't be used anymore, especially if the sidewall is damaged—it must be replaced entirely. Patching is fine for city driving, but if you frequently drive on highways, it's safer to replace the tire directly. A blowout is no joke.
If your tire gets punctured, it needs to be repaired. Don't listen to those who say patching is unsafe—it all depends on how it's done. The mushroom plug method is currently the most popular, where a rubber plug is inserted like a nail to seal the hole tightly. Regular patches are cheaper but shouldn't be used on the sidewall. Hot vulcanizing is good for large punctures but takes more time. Remember, wheel balancing is a must after patching, or your steering wheel will shake like a massage chair. If the puncture is on the sidewall or the tread depth is worn below 1.6mm, patching is pointless—just replace the tire. Fixing small nail holes can save you 700-800 bucks, but don't skimp on checking your tire pressure monitor regularly.