If you’re dealing with a small tire puncture, you have a couple of tire repair options you can try before you invest in a new set of tires. Both tire plugs and tire patches can be effective ways to repair small punctures on tires, but they do have some key differences. Before you purchase one of these options, learn more about the differences between tire patches and tire plugs.
What Is a Tire Plug?
Tire plugs are flexible and sticky pieces of rubber designed to plug holes in tires. Once the plug is inserted into a puncture, it will start to expand, and you’ll just need to adjust the plug until it prevents any air from leaking from it.
What Is a Tire Patch?
A tire patch is a flat piece of rubber installed inside a tire, with adhesive holding the patch in place over the puncture. Like tire plugs, tire patches are designed to repair small punctures.
How Is a Tire Plug Vs Patch Different?
Tire patches and tire plugs have a few differences, such as the repair process, their safety, and the right time to use them. As you decide between the two options, review our guide to the differences between tire plugs vs. patches below:
1. Plug Vs Patch Tire Repair Process
A tire plug tends to be a faster repair process, as you don’t have to install the patch inside the tire. Instead, you’ll use a reamer tool that you’ll insert into the puncture, using it to clean out debris and enlargen the puncture to a size appropriate for the plug. Next, you’ll use a plug insertion tool to insert the plug and apply adhesive to it.
Usually, you’ll need to insert the plug insertion tool about two-thirds into the tire before you pull it quickly back. Once it’s been pulled back, the plug should be in place, and you’ll just need to trim the plug so it’s flush with your tire tread. You may need to move the plug around a little bit to get it in the right position, but you can know the plug is inserted correctly when no air is coming out.
While tire plugs can be installed in just a few minutes, tire patches tend to take more time. A tire patch repair takes longer since you have to take the wheel off and remove the tire from the rim so that you can reach the tire’s inner liner. Once you have access to the inner liner, you’ll scuff the puncture wound to make it easier for the patch to adhere to the surface. Next, you’ll apply rubber cement to the patch and the surface area.
When the rubber cement has dried, you’ll press the patch over the puncture and seal it. After the patch has sealed your puncture, you’ll need to remount the tire onto the rim and put your vehicle’s wheels back on. You’ll also need to inflate the tire again, with the entire patching process often taking longer than a plug. If you go to a repair shop for a tire patch, you can expect the service to take about 20 minutes.
2. Tire Plug Vs Patch Cost
Tire patch and tire plug kits cost around $10, without any major differences in price between the two types. However, some kits might cost between $20 to $50 if they include more tools and materials.
If you’re wondering about tire patch vs tire plug repair costs at a shop, tire patch repairs tend to cost a bit more than tire plugs due to the extra labor they require.
3. Tire Plug Vs. Patch Durability
If a tire plug has been properly installed, it may last around 25,000 miles, meaning most drivers can expect the plug to last between 7 to 10 years. Typically, correctly installed tire patches will last for about 7 to 10 years, too. As a result, you’ll usually need to replace the tire before the patch or plug stops working. Keep in mind, however, that both plugs and patches can fail earlier, especially when they’re not properly installed, and you may need a new one earlier than expected.
4. Patching Tire Vs Plugging Tire Safety
On average, tire patches tend to be safer than tire plugs. Since tire patches are attached to your tire via adhesive, they’re more secure than tire plugs, which can begin to loosen. If a tire plug loosens, you could get a flat tire while you’re driving.
5. Tire Patch Vs. Plug When to Use
Typically, tire plugs are better for times when you need an emergency repair on your vehicle. For example, if you’re on a road trip and get a small puncture on one of your tires, you can quickly plug the hole without having to go to a repair shop. Since tire patches tend to be safer, they’re better for punctures that occur when you have the time to perform the slightly more complicated repair.
Can You Patch or Plug a Tire Twice?
It’s not recommended to apply more than one patch or plug to a tire. Though it can be tempting to patch or plug a second puncture in your tire, it can increase your risk of a blowout while also negatively impacting your tire’s speed rating.
When Is It Not Safe to Use a Tire Patch or Tire Plug?
Tire patches and plugs can only safely be applied to the crown areas of a tire. If your tire’s shoulder or sidewall is damaged, tire patches and plugs aren’t safe repair options. You’ll also never want to apply a tire patch or plug to punctures larger than 0.25 inches in diameter, and they shouldn’t be applied to tires that have other problems, such as sidewall blisters, cracks, or bulges.
Choose Chapel Hill Tire for Tire Patching and Tire Plugging Repair Services in the Triangle
If you need tire plugging or tire patching services in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, or the surrounding Triangle area, Chapel Hill Tire has you covered. Our technicians regularly provide tire patching and tire plugging services to drivers, ensuring their tires are safe to drive on before they leave. When a patch or plug won’t cut it, you can use our tire finder tool to compare different tires, and our team can quickly swap out your old tires for new ones.
Learn more about our tire patch and tire services today. If you need one of our tire repair or replacement services, please make an appointment at one of our convenient locations in the Triangle area. You’ll also want to check out our coupons to see how much you can save on our services!
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