Why Has Hot Vulcanizing Tire Repair Been Phased Out?
3 Answers
Tire hot vulcanizing repair has been phased out because it leads to a decline in tire quality and damages the tire structure. Below is a detailed introduction to common tire repair methods: 1. Plugging with a rubber strip: Drill a hole of about 6mm, then insert a rubber strip coated with glue into the hole. This method is only for emergency use and cannot be used long-term, as it is prone to air leakage. 2. Patch repair: This method is relatively stable and reliable and needs to be done at a professional tire repair shop. 3. Hot patch repair: This adds a heating step to the patch repair method and is generally used for large trucks. 4. Mushroom plug repair: Under normal circumstances, this method provides the best air tightness and repair effect after tire repair, with the strongest durability.
I've thought about this, the reason hot vulcanizing is being phased out is mainly because the process is outdated. It requires removing the tire, grinding the damaged area, applying adhesive, and then using heat to melt and bond the rubber. The entire process requires temperatures above 150°C, and the operation heavily relies on the technician's skill. Modern tires have steel belts and fabric layers, and high temperatures can easily damage their structure, potentially causing bulges or cracks when driving at high speeds later on. The key issue is that it's time-consuming and labor-intensive. Nowadays, cold patch and mushroom plug techniques are much more advanced—they can be done in 15 minutes, using adhesives activated at low temperatures that don't damage the tire body and provide stronger repairs. Plus, with stricter environmental regulations, the burnt smell and smoke from burning tires no longer meet the requirements.
To be honest, safety concerns are the real deal-breaker. In the past, hot patches might look smooth on the surface, but high temperatures could make the internal tire cords brittle. For someone like me who frequently drives long distances, it's downright nerve-wracking. Plus, if the heating isn't precisely controlled, it's easy to mess up—either the adhesive doesn't melt thoroughly and fails to bond properly, or overheating burns and ages the surrounding rubber. Nowadays, with tire pressure monitoring systems being so common, people care more about tire stability. Mushroom plug repairs are simply inserted, sealing the puncture from the inside out with minimal impact on wheel balance. What's more, new repair techniques allow tires to be safely driven at high speeds afterward, and manufacturers are willing to provide warranties. Repair shops naturally prefer methods that are hassle-free and reduce disputes.
