Plugging Tires

[Mark]

Does anybody know what the minimum distance from the side wall you should be to safely use a tire plug? Also, does it matter if the object (in this case a nail) went in at an angle? Noticed the right rear tire on the wifes car need some air last week so filled it back up then yesterday saw it was low again. Knew there had to be something in the tire and while filling it noticed a nail. Told her to drop it off at lunch at the Firestone down the street from her office. She called to say they called her and said that it was close to the edge and went in at an angle so they were not sure if they would be able to plug it. If they can it will be ready at 5:00 or they will call if it can't be plugged. I know it was in the first groove in the tread pattern but wouldn't think that should be an issue. I also don't see how it should matter if it went in at an angle. They may not be but almost sounded like they were going to try to get her to buy another tire figuring she hadn't seen the nail or know any better. Wanted to make sure I was correct in my thoughts on it before getting into it with them if they try to say it isn't repairable.

[stjames151]

If they are doing a patch, it cant be on any part of curved section of the interior of the tire. With a plug, I've used them all the way to the edge of the tread in a pinch but don't recommend it. Most shops won't even touch plugs since it's more profitable and permanent to sell you another tire. Entry angles over 30* can separate layers in the tire and increase the chance of a catastrophic failure. See the inside of the tire and check where the entry came it. If its elongated or torn, then it shouldn't be plugged.

[Mark]

Didn't even think about it separating the layers, that makes sense. She just called and all is good, $20 and it's fixed. Don't think it's the last time though, somebody in her office said she saw her truck there when she was dropping off another co-worker for the same issue. Guessing there is some construction going on around there

[PhilD]

It's fixed, so this is all anecdotal. I've plugged tires many times, did it just the other day in fact, and I have no problem using plugs. As stjames mentioned I wouldn't go passed the edge of the tread. You say "car" too, it's one thing plugging a big heavy duty MT, but smaller car tires are more likely to suffer from ply damage when getting plugged and can lead to issues. I would be more inclined to patch a car tire before plugging it.

[Flash]

Personally - I have plugged many tires. All without incident. Running a plugged tire on the H3 right now.

However, I prefer to run them on the back after getting plugged. I want the best tires possible on the front.

[big2dabank]

I hate plugs, for some reason, they tend to develop small leaks over time due to the 52 to 55 psi I run in my 37s. At 40 psi, no leaks, but anything above 50, it leaks back down to around 40. I prefer to just patch it from the inside when at all possible, I don't mind a plug, but in mosy cases, I end up removing it to put in a patch later.

[fourfourto]

I find using glue(made for tire plugs) insures a lasting repair.

[f5fstop]

I once put six plugs in a sidewall...and it worked. Or at least it worked long enough to get off a trail and call AAA for a tow to a garage. The spare was being used for the other sliced tire. (Besides, after installing six plugs sniffing the plug glue, I didn't give a dang anymore. )

[tomp]

Keeping a tire repair kit (with plugs) in an offroad vehicle is a must IMHO. Especially if you run beadlocks. It's not like you can go to just any tire shop and get a beadlocked tire repaired.

[Mark]

It's not like you can go to just any tire shop and get a beadlocked tire repaired.

That's been my biggest concern with running the beadlocks. Not looking forward to the time I need to replace a tire

[PhilD]

Not looking forward to the time I need to replace a tire

Start practicing now, just take one apart every weekend for fun, then we need to do it for real it will be a piece of cake

My beadlocks are very basic, rim + ring + bolts. The only hard part is breaking the bead from the inner rim, but a Hi-Lift will help out there.

Tomp is right though, good luck finding a regular tire shop that will pull them apart for you.

I've carried a tire plug kit for years and although I've only used it a few times, I've been glad I've had it with me.

Here's another obvious tip, when you see a nail/screw/etc stuck in your tire, don't pull it out until you are either a/ at home and ready to fix it, or b/ parked outside a tire shop.

[Mark]

Guess I should pick up an extra 16" tire and start practicing with one of the spare wheels I have

The hardest part of getting them together was getting the tire to go on the wheel itself. Tried soapy water and couldn't get it to go on more than an inch myself even standing on it which should be plenty of weight

When Hummer of Orlando did them for me they had an H2 on a lift that they lowered onto the wheel to get it on there. Sounds like a good excuse to give the wife that I need a shop with a lift

I have not had to use it yet but carry a TD plug kit and am glad I do just in case

[JGBB04]

you could always try this

[Mark]

[JustinOK]

I'm sure we're talking about the thick tar-like strips here, but worth pointing out that Fix-A-Flat shouldn't be used with tires that have TPMS sensors installed UNLESS the stuff says it is safe to use with them.