Tire Repair Basics

Today’s tires are engineered to last, so a puncture doesn’t have to mean replacement. But how do you know when is repair an option? What steps are involved?   

We recommend consulting with a trained technician and considering repairs only if damage is limited to the tread area only and the puncture injury is no greater than 1/4 inch (6mm) in diameter.

When repairing a tire, keep in mind the following criteria:

• Tires must be removed from the rim/wheel assembly and inspected for all possible damage—including damage to the inner liner.
• Tire repairs cannot overlap with other repairs.
• A rubber stem, or plug, must be applied to fill the puncture injury and a patch must be applied to seal the inner liner. (A plug alone is an unacceptable repair.)