Recently, with the combination of high summer temperatures and the rainy season, sharp objects such as nails and stones on the road surface have become the "invisible assassins" of tires. Many car owners find themselves in a dilemma when they discover their tires have been punctured, faced with a variety of tire repair options: Which method is safer? Which offers better value for money? To solve this problem, TOPSUN, with its years of maintenance experience, has conducted a comparative analysis of the three most common tire repair methods—repair plug, repair patch, patch plug—to evaluate their pros and cons and appropriate scenarios, helping car owners make informed decisions.
Repair plug: the first choice in emergencies
l Purpose: Temporarily cope with small punctures (aperture ≤3mm), suitable for outdoor or emergency situations.
l Method: Without removing the tire, use a special tool to insert the rubber strip into the damaged hole, filling and sealing it. The entire process only takes 5 minutes and costs about 3-8US$.
l Advantages: Fast, inexpensive, no need for professional equipment.
l Disadvantages: The adhesive tape is prone to aging and falling off, and long-term use may expand the wound; there is no internal seal, posing a risk of slow leakage.
Repair patch: A Cost-Effective Choice, Suitable for Small Wounds
l Purpose: To repair inner side tire punctures (aperture ≤5mm), the preferred choice for daily commuting.
l Method: Remove the tire and grind the inner side of the wound, apply vulcanizing adhesive and then stick on the special rubber patch, followed by curing under high temperature and pressure. The process takes about 30 minutes and costs between7-14US$.
l Advantages: Strong sealing performance, good durability (can last 2-3 years); reasonable price.
l Disadvantages: Only repairs the inner side, leaving the external wound exposed and prone to secondary injury; not suitable for side wall or large diameter damage.
Patch plug: high safety, suitable for large wounds
l Purpose: To treat larger punctures or elongated lacerations with an aperture of ≥5mm.
l Method: Insert the mushroom-shaped rubber nails ("umbrella" covering the inside, "pin body" filling the hole) into the damaged area, double sealing inside and out. Requires professional equipment operation, takes more than 40 minutes, costs 20-42US$.
l Advantages: Synchronous internal and external repair, optimal water and dust resistance performance; Strong durability (can last a lifetime with the tire).
l Disadvantages: High price; Over-repairing small holes may damage the tire structure.
Comprehensive comparison: Choose as needed, safety first.
|
Way |
Applicable aperture |
Durability |
Cost |
Recommended scenarios |
|
Repair plug |
≤3mm |
1-3 months |
low |
emergency |
|
Repair patch |
≤5mm |
2-3months |
medium |
Daily wound |
|
Patch plug |
＞5mm |
eternal |
high |
Big wound |
Automotive repair industry reminder:
l If the sidewall is damaged, the wound is too large, or the same tire has been repaired more than twice, it is recommended to replace the tire directly.
l After patching, a dynamic balance test is required to prevent steering wheel vibration.
l If the low-cost tape repair is not handled for a long time, it may lead to the risk of tire explosion.
"Saving money cannot be at the expense of safety." Mike, the technical director of a chain auto repair brand, emphasized, "Car owners should choose a plan based on the location, size of the wound, and the wear condition of the tire, and consult professionals if necessary."
Mastering these three tire patching techniques can not only avoid being 'cheated' by unscrupulous businesses but also make quick decisions in emergencies. After all, tire safety is no small matter, and scientific maintenance can ensure a smooth journey every time!
www.autopsun.com
TOPSUN (WUXI) AUTOPARTS CO.,LTD
+ There are no comments
Add yours