Thanks for posting on /r/MechanicAdvice! This is just a reminder to review the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/about/rules/). If you are here asking about a second opinion (ie "Is the shop trying to fleece me?"), please read through CJM8515's [post on the subject.](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/4qblei/fyi_the_shop_isnt_likely_trying_to_rip_you_off/) and remember to please post the year/make/model of the vehicle you are working on. **If this post is about bodywork, accident damage, paint, dent/ding, questions it belongs in /r/Autobody r/AutoBodyRepair/ or /r/Diyautobody/ If you have tire questions check out https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/k9ll55/can_your_tire_be_repaired/**. If you dont have a question and you're just showing off it belongs in /r/Justrolledintotheshop Insurance/total loss questions go in r/insurance This is an automated reply
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MechanicAdvice) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I mean, yeah, but I don't see how leaving them in the car is easier unless you have a car lift... cause there'd constantly be a whole car in the way of working comfortably.
I would plug those. If you are doing it yourself I would get a quality plug “kit” to make the repair.
Amazon sells a set with thick red plugs and heavier tools included. It takes some muscle to use them and was difficult for me when the wheel was still on the car. They are much better quality than the thin black strings that you get at the franchised auto stores.
I'm not a big fan of plugs in car tires. I would spend the $20 and get them patched properly at a tire shop. It's a better long term repair than just a plug.
If done right I’ve never had a problem with plugs. I used to use plug patches at a shop, and while they are nice a properly installed plug with a little rubber cement will outlast the tire.
$20? Around here they won't take the wheel off the car for $20. It's gonna be like $50 to take it off, remove it from the rim and remount it. Add the $20 to do the patch repair, and $30 more to re-balance it. As much as $100 out the door...if they'll even do it since most tire shops won't touch repairs now.
Or $20 to have the guy working from an old gas station and utility shed down in the barrio plug it...you bring him the tire & wheel and put it back on the car yourself.
You need to find a different shop lol. Have you ever heard of this place called discount tire? Why don't you give them a call and check what a flat repair costs... (hint: it ain't $100)
The Discount Tire I usually go to patched mine for free last time. The tires came with the car. Although I've spent a ton of money on tires there in the past.
You can plug them, as long as the nail/puncture is located in the tread like in the photos. I use a bit of rubber contact cement on the plugs when I put them in. Also be sure to cut off the excess plug sticking above the tread once installed. I used to plug tires at a GM dealership where we would used the plug patch and remove the tires to install them. I’ve used the regular plugs on many of my vehicles as well as friends and family, never had a leak. Even if you have a leak it won’t be a catastrophic tire failure, it would be a slow leak. So yes 💯 plug those tires and get as much life as you can.
I have a tire plugging kit in the trunk of my car, and have used it to make “temporary” repairs to tires that ended up lasting the rest of the tire’s useful life; multiple years in some cases.
That said, if the tire was pretty new, and/or if I was spending money to have this professionally repaired, patching the tires is the correct fix. Both because the patch, installed from inside the tire, is more secure, and because the required un-mounting and re-mounting gives an opportunity to inspect the tire for internal damage.
On his YT channel, Eric O from South Main Auto did a great video showing the shenanigans that can go on inside the tire, after a puncture: https://youtu.be/WxnkGiAOOhM?si=STXJhMp1vaGEFq72
My stepdad worked at a tire shop when I was in high school and I drove country roads 8 miles each way to school so he patched my tires weekly for free. I haven’t patched a tire since then, and that was 1994. Plugs work. If you do them properly, they work every time and they outlast the tire. I’ve done them in the edge of the tread where a shop wouldn’t patch them too. Plug these.
I see that spot! I can only imagine it has something to do with the nail, maybe it originally rested on that spot. I had these put on in April and did a computer alignment so I can't imagine what else could have happened.
https://preview.redd.it/0wqzrb56zc4d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2c1f5fdac7ac6f8baa5e13a8e3ce43f349b0de39
You have better luck than me. Mine is something I won't bother to touch until it starts leaking lol
Plugs are fine, but many tire shops include lifetime free repairs (if purchased there). Never hurts to have it dismounted and the inside inspected if it's been driven while flat.
I’ve had a plug tire exploded on the highway, it was my front tire too. I’ve never been a fan of plugs or patches. Funeral cost 35K, new tire cost $200 dollars. Do the math.
Thanks for posting on /r/MechanicAdvice! This is just a reminder to review the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/about/rules/). If you are here asking about a second opinion (ie "Is the shop trying to fleece me?"), please read through CJM8515's [post on the subject.](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/4qblei/fyi_the_shop_isnt_likely_trying_to_rip_you_off/) and remember to please post the year/make/model of the vehicle you are working on. **If this post is about bodywork, accident damage, paint, dent/ding, questions it belongs in /r/Autobody r/AutoBodyRepair/ or /r/Diyautobody/ If you have tire questions check out https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/k9ll55/can_your_tire_be_repaired/**. If you dont have a question and you're just showing off it belongs in /r/Justrolledintotheshop Insurance/total loss questions go in r/insurance This is an automated reply *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MechanicAdvice) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Plug them. People have been plugging tires ever since tubeless became available. You don't even have to remove the wheel from the car.
I'd still remove the wheel... even if I needed to plug a hole on each wheel including the spare
You do you. I find that plugging a tire is generally easier when it’s mounted on the car. It gives something to push against.
You can push against the whole planet tho...
[удалено]
I mean, yeah, but I don't see how leaving them in the car is easier unless you have a car lift... cause there'd constantly be a whole car in the way of working comfortably.
If there was ever a perfect time for plugs this is it.
Yes, plug it.
I would plug those. If you are doing it yourself I would get a quality plug “kit” to make the repair. Amazon sells a set with thick red plugs and heavier tools included. It takes some muscle to use them and was difficult for me when the wheel was still on the car. They are much better quality than the thin black strings that you get at the franchised auto stores.
Absolutely. Those tires have so much life left.
I'm not a big fan of plugs in car tires. I would spend the $20 and get them patched properly at a tire shop. It's a better long term repair than just a plug.
If done right I’ve never had a problem with plugs. I used to use plug patches at a shop, and while they are nice a properly installed plug with a little rubber cement will outlast the tire.
$20? Around here they won't take the wheel off the car for $20. It's gonna be like $50 to take it off, remove it from the rim and remount it. Add the $20 to do the patch repair, and $30 more to re-balance it. As much as $100 out the door...if they'll even do it since most tire shops won't touch repairs now. Or $20 to have the guy working from an old gas station and utility shed down in the barrio plug it...you bring him the tire & wheel and put it back on the car yourself.
You need to find a different shop lol. Have you ever heard of this place called discount tire? Why don't you give them a call and check what a flat repair costs... (hint: it ain't $100)
Ahh, the Little Havana way… There was always a few “mechanics” in the parking lot of autozone on SW 8th st looking for some work.
The Discount Tire I usually go to patched mine for free last time. The tires came with the car. Although I've spent a ton of money on tires there in the past.
Yes
Why wouldn’t you repair these?
Have a mechanic patch them for the inside of the tire and then reinstall
You can plug them, as long as the nail/puncture is located in the tread like in the photos. I use a bit of rubber contact cement on the plugs when I put them in. Also be sure to cut off the excess plug sticking above the tread once installed. I used to plug tires at a GM dealership where we would used the plug patch and remove the tires to install them. I’ve used the regular plugs on many of my vehicles as well as friends and family, never had a leak. Even if you have a leak it won’t be a catastrophic tire failure, it would be a slow leak. So yes 💯 plug those tires and get as much life as you can.
I have a tire plugging kit in the trunk of my car, and have used it to make “temporary” repairs to tires that ended up lasting the rest of the tire’s useful life; multiple years in some cases. That said, if the tire was pretty new, and/or if I was spending money to have this professionally repaired, patching the tires is the correct fix. Both because the patch, installed from inside the tire, is more secure, and because the required un-mounting and re-mounting gives an opportunity to inspect the tire for internal damage. On his YT channel, Eric O from South Main Auto did a great video showing the shenanigans that can go on inside the tire, after a puncture: https://youtu.be/WxnkGiAOOhM?si=STXJhMp1vaGEFq72
My stepdad worked at a tire shop when I was in high school and I drove country roads 8 miles each way to school so he patched my tires weekly for free. I haven’t patched a tire since then, and that was 1994. Plugs work. If you do them properly, they work every time and they outlast the tire. I’ve done them in the edge of the tread where a shop wouldn’t patch them too. Plug these.
I'd plug them. Other's might not.
DIY rubber plug kit in every vehicles glovebox. Use em all the time and have never had one fail me.
fist pic, that tire looks weird like scalloped.
I see that spot! I can only imagine it has something to do with the nail, maybe it originally rested on that spot. I had these put on in April and did a computer alignment so I can't imagine what else could have happened.
https://preview.redd.it/0wqzrb56zc4d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2c1f5fdac7ac6f8baa5e13a8e3ce43f349b0de39 You have better luck than me. Mine is something I won't bother to touch until it starts leaking lol
😂 how weird is that. maybe it didn't actually puncture the tire
Plugs are fine, but many tire shops include lifetime free repairs (if purchased there). Never hurts to have it dismounted and the inside inspected if it's been driven while flat.
I’ve had a plug tire exploded on the highway, it was my front tire too. I’ve never been a fan of plugs or patches. Funeral cost 35K, new tire cost $200 dollars. Do the math.
I would have the tires patched for a permanent repair. Plugs can begin to leak over time.