Some of us can remember the days before tire plugs and a patch was the most common repair for a punctured tire.  But times have changed and patches are not the only fix for flat tires. For those lucky few whose tire repairs required a patch or plug rather than a complete tire replacement, you might be wondering "How long does a patch last in a tire?"

First, it's important to understand whether your tire needs a patch, plug, or to be replaced completely.

A tire plug is a sticky, expandable substance that gets stuffed in a hole in the tire from the outside and is wedged in until the air stops leaking out. The plug should easily stay intact well enough to re-inflate the tire and get safely to a repair shop. 

Most tire repair specialists feel there is a better option for plugging tires. It's called a radial patch. Radial patches are specifically designed to repair radial tires which are used on most of the vehicles on the road today. Patching a tire with a radial patch can take about 20 to 30 minutes while installing a plug takes only a few minutes and usually can be done while the tire is still on the car.  Often, it is necessary to vulcanize the tire patch, a process which uses heat and curing agents to reinforce the rubber of your tire.

Secondly, how long does a patch last in a tire? 

On average, tire experts predict that a proper plug and patch can last from seven to ten years. Although tire patches can last a long time, a tire should never be patched more than once.  It can negatively affect the speed rating and potentially cause blowouts.

Whenever your tire becomes punctured and requires a repair, consult your tire service center and let them determine what type of repair is needed and what is best for the life of your tires.

Want to know more about how to save your tires?  Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Phil's Service today for more information about tire repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Killeen, TX, and surrounding area.

Wondering how long does a patch last in a tire? To find out more about tire repairs you might need to save your tires, Contact tire experts at Phil's Service

Some of us can remember the days before tire plugs and a patch was the most common repair for a punctured tire.  But times have changed and patches are not the only fix for flat tires. For those lucky few whose tire repairs required a patch or plug rather than a complete tire replacement, you might be wondering "How long does a patch last in a tire?"

First, it's important to understand whether your tire needs a patch, plug, or to be replaced completely.

A tire plug is a sticky, expandable substance that gets stuffed in a hole in the tire from the outside and is wedged in until the air stops leaking out. The plug should easily stay intact well enough to re-inflate the tire and get safely to a repair shop. 

Most tire repair specialists feel there is a better option for plugging tires. It's called a radial patch. Radial patches are specifically designed to repair radial tires which are used on most of the vehicles on the road today. Patching a tire with a radial patch can take about 20 to 30 minutes while installing a plug takes only a few minutes and usually can be done while the tire is still on the car.  Often, it is necessary to vulcanize the tire patch, a process which uses heat and curing agents to reinforce the rubber of your tire.

Secondly, how long does a patch last in a tire? 

On average, tire experts predict that a proper plug and patch can last from seven to ten years. Although tire patches can last a long time, a tire should never be patched more than once.  It can negatively affect the speed rating and potentially cause blowouts.

Whenever your tire becomes punctured and requires a repair, consult your tire service center and let them determine what type of repair is needed and what is best for the life of your tires.

Want to know more about how to save your tires?  Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Phil's Service today for more information about tire repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Killeen, TX, and surrounding area.

Ron Phillips