How Long Does A Tire Plug Last? Is It Safe To Plug In A Tire?

Tire plugging is the fastest method to repair a punctured car. Tire plugging uses a cord to prevent the airhead from escaping. If you are an experienced person, you can avoid damage to your car with simple tips.

So, how long does a tire plug last? Most manufacturers say that plug versions can last 7-10 years if installed correctly. 

Yet, this number is meant as a reference because you can’t always fix it perfectly. The article gathers useful knowledge and some of the most frequently asked questions about tire plugs. Let’s scroll down to read more information!

What Is A Tire Plug?

It is the primary tool in the repair by plugging method. From the outside, it looks like a standard wire, and the structure is quite remarkable; it is a sticky object; depending on the case, the item can expand or contract to match the size of the hole.

Its working principle is also quite simple: after being inserted into the tire, the plug wire will sense the pressure, determine the shape of the wound, and then automatically expand to adapt.

In addition, the material that makes the wire must be guaranteed to meet the standards, confirming the certainty so that after the air is pumped in, there will be no problems.

There is no denying the convenience that the plug method brings, and you can even repair it without removing the tire from the rim. You can even plug in the tire in some exceptional cases, even when the wheels are connected.

How Long Does A Tire Plug Last?

When a vehicle is repaired correctly and maintained, a plug’s life span can last up to 7-10 years. It is an unbelievable number for a wheel that has been repairable.

However, manufacturers advise users not to overdo patching like this in practice. When using too many repair measures, the impact will affect the inherent functions, causing deflation and explosion. 

When traveling on the road, the car’s wheels have problems, do not rush to decide when the experience is not proficient; the best way is to take the car to a repair center to have expert advice on the appropriate repair method.

Is Plugging A Tire A Good Idea?

Plugging or patching is only a temporary measure before you have enough time to change into a new tire. The life of a tire after plugging can last from 7-10 years or 25,000 miles; no one can be sure that there will not be any problems. 

Plugging in tires will be a good idea, even effective if the wheel is in an emergency that needs to be moved.

Is It Safe To Plug In A Tire?

You can safely use your plugged-in tires when traveling in a specific section of the road. Unlike a spare tire, which has a short life, it is possible to prevent air from escaping through a previous puncture completely with a plug repair method.

Via many surveys, experts think there is a better measure than a plug – radial patch. It is a suitable method available on almost all popular tires on the market.

The process takes about 30 minutes while using a wire to insert the air hole takes up a few minutes. Both must be vulcanized to reinforce and increase the rubber surface’s certainty.

Is It Ok To Drive On A Plugged Tire?

As long as the wound has adequately been reinforced, you are entirely safe traveling by car with tires. The safest time to use is not too long from when you repair using the above method.

 Besides, some notes have also ensured stability when operating this type. 

However, do not drive when there is a wound near the wall or on the side of the wheel; if the plug diameter exceeds ¼ inch, it is best to replace the tires. 

Finally, the body’s weight, do not use plug tires to carry heavy objects; this inadvertently puts pressure on the wheels when the tires are weak.

How To Plug In A Tire?

Here are some ways to help you better understand the plugging process.

Step 1: Locate the leak

• Fill the tires with air, press to see if the pressure has reached the standard when you feel the hardness, then ok.
• Dilute the soap and water solution and spray it all over the surface of the wheel, where there are air bubbles; that’s where the puncture is.

This step does not require you to remove the wheel altogether, but you can use a jack to support the wheel’s weight, so it is pretty easy to do the following steps.

• Use pliers to pick up the sharp object, locating the hole.

Step 2: Drill holes

• Use a T-tool to close the hole, of course, before doing this step, and you need to sand around the wound.
• Pierce the damage to an appropriate extent, once the spot is round.
• If the pin is too small to be reamed, use a hand drill with a smaller tip to expand and then machine the whole face.

Step 3: Plugs ready

• Prepare a strip of plugs from the kit; insert the repaired string into the eyelet (plug tool). 
• Use pliers to pull the thread through the hook to a certain length.
• Apply a layer of cement powder to cover the thermos strip and the hole in the car’s body.

Step 4: Insert strip

• Press the plug firmly into the hole.
• After the pin has entered the muscle a certain length, leave about an inch outside the wheel surface, slowly remove the plug. 
• End slot in eyelet, allowing free fall as long as the pin goes into the tire.

Step 5: Pump tires

• Fill the tires with air again, and the required pressure index is 10% lower than the standard.
• Spray a layer of solution all over the face to check the level of leakage occurs again or not.

Step 6: Cut off the excess

• Use a piece of paper to wipe off the cement coating; let it cool down to dry completely (about 5 minutes).
• Use a cutter to cut the cord, leaving only about ⅛ inch.

Step 7: Test

• Continue to spray a layer of solution on the surface; check for the last time to see if the gas is still fizzed.
• Remove the auxiliary equipment, to let the car return to its original state.

Conclusion

The above article has provided you with knowledge related to plugging or manipulations to perform this process. Hopefully, it will help you when you encounter a similar situation.