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Should You Plug Or Replace Your Tyre?

We all know that tyres are crucial for safety on the road. For continued safety and comfort, your tyres need to be properly fixed onto your wheels. When an accident occurs, people often wonder whether “fixing” or “repairing” a tyre is the best way to proceed.

A flat tyre or a blowout is definitely a dreaded sound we don’t want to hear. There is some sort of debris on the road, you are left with a damaged tyre, and a vehicle that you can’t drive anymore. The situation is already bad, and you need to think about what to do next.

tyre blowout road

One of the dilemmas drivers have at this point is whether to plug their damaged tyre or replace it with a new one. If you are not replacing the tyre with a spare one, you will likely need someone more experienced for a plug or replacement. Depending on where the puncture is located and the severity of the damage, your tyre will either need a simple repair or full replacement.

When Is It Right To Plug Your Damaged Tyre

For those of you unfamiliar with the concept, a tyre plug is basically a strip of leather that is covered in a rubber compound, which is then inserted into the hole and seals on the inside of the tyre. 

The action is performed using malleable rubber which, when inserted into a puncture, expands and traps air from getting out. Therefore, tyre plugging is recommended as a temporary fix for a damaged tyre and not a permanent solution for proper tyre repair. It is safe to drive with a tyre plug for a short amount of time – after all, the intent of the repair is to allow the car to be driveable until you get to the tyre store.

tyre plug

Also, tyre plugs can only be used on small holes which are up to ¼ in diameter. Tyre plugs should only be used on the tyre’s tread, not on or near its sidewalls.

What About Tyre Replacement – When Should You Do It?

Replacing a new tyre or a tyre with plenty of treads left does not always seem like the right thing to do. However, the reality is that safety comes first, and in the case of a blowout, you should always think about and consider the safest option out there.

Tyres provide the single point of contact for the vehicle with the road, and as such, are the most important automotive part. Logically, the need for tyre replacement with a new tyre should come in any of the following situations:

  • Damage to the shoulder or sidewall of the tyre
  • Large holes of more than ¼ inch in diameter located anywhere in the tyre’s sidewall
  • Evidence of severe damage (for instance, tread separation or large gashes)
  • Tyre damage in a previously repaired area

tyre replacement uae

In the end, the most important thing we should all remember is that any safety hazard to the tyre poses a risk on its own, which is why you should deal with it immediately. Tyres need to be checked and maintained regularly for damage, wear and tear, as well as lifespan. Ultimately, tyre replacement is always the safest option, but some tyre damage can be safely evaded and you can still run more kilometers with your tyres.

Need new tyres? Choose your tyre brand here and start shopping!

If you bought new tyres and need to fit them on your vehicle, see our Fitting Locations.

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