What is the difference between a tire patch and a mushroom plug?
2 Answers
Here are the differences between mushroom plug repair and patch repair: 1. The extent of the repair differs between patch repair and mushroom plug repair. Patch repair is highly cost-effective and is mostly suitable for small damages. 2. Mushroom plug repair addresses the drawback of patch repair, which does not repair the exterior of the tire, by adding a rod-shaped rubber to protect the tire's outer layer. Below is more information about mushroom plug repair and patch repair: 1. A mushroom plug is a rubber patch shaped like a mushroom. It is inserted from the inside of the tire to locate the puncture. The stem of the mushroom passes through the puncture from the inside, and the part protruding outside is trimmed off. The inner part is secured with special adhesive, with the stem providing an external repair effect, while the top of the mushroom plug acts as an internal repair. 2. Patch repair is a common and relatively cost-effective method, typically used for shallow and small punctures.
Last time I drove, my tire got punctured, so I went to the repair shop to discuss these two tire repair methods. The tire patch is like sticking a rubber band-aid inside the tire, directly gluing over the hole, suitable for small punctures like those caused by nails or small stones. It's quick and easy to apply, with low cost, usually just a few dozen bucks. The mushroom plug, on the other hand, looks like a mini mushroom with a small stem that goes into the hole and a cap that seals the surface, filling and reinforcing the entire puncture, especially good for holes that are skewed or larger. The difference is: the patch only sticks to the inner surface, with the risk of the hole reopening; the mushroom plug blocks both the root and the seam, offering much better durability, but it costs twice as much and takes more time to install. I also recommend that if your car often runs on highways or carries heavy loads, choosing the mushroom plug is safer, reducing the risk of air leaks. Don’t forget to check the tire pressure and balance after repair to avoid tire deformation and wobbling. Regular checks can help detect issues early, so you don’t regret it when a blowout happens.
