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Should You Plug or Replace a Tire?

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It has happened to most of us. We're on our way to school or work, and we hear that dreaded sound of a flat tire or a blowout. Some sort of debris in the road has left you with a damaged tire and an immobile vehicle. This situation always brings on frustration. Now you must deal with getting your car to a tire repair shop. The tire has to be properly assessed to perform the necessary repair or replacement service. Depending on where the puncture is located and the severity of the damage, the tire will either only need a simple repair or be replaced. Tire Repair and Plugs
 
Tires are crucial to the safe performance of our vehicles. For the continued safety of your car, mechanics must utilize the best possible way to fix your tire. The availability of options leads to some debate over what is the "best" way to fix a tire and keep your vehicle safe. Is a plug repair sufficient, or do I need to replace the tire? Here are some considerations to determine which tire repair method is the best option for you. 
 

When is Tire Plugging an Option for Tire Repair?

 
A tire plug is performed using malleable rubber that when inserted into a puncture will expand and trap air from getting out. Tire plugging should be a temporary fix for a damaged tire and not a permanent solution for proper tire repair. It is safe to drive with a tire plug for a short time, as the intent of the repair is to allow the car to be drivable so that you can reach the tire store. A plug can only be used on small holes — those up to ¼ inch in diameter. Tire plugs should only be used on the tread of the tire, not on or near the sidewalls. 
 

When to Replace a Damaged Tire? 

 
Nobody wants to replace a new tire or a tire with plenty of tread still left. But the reality is that our safety should always come first. Your tires are your most important automotive part and the only automotive part that touches the road. The deciding factors on whether a tire can be repaired depend on how much damage has occurred and where the damage is located. The following situations will always warrant a new tire:
 
Any damage to the shoulder or sidewall of the tire
Large holes anywhere in the tire of more than ¼" in diameter
Evidence of any severe damage, such as tread separation or large gashes
The tire is damaged in a previously repaired area
 
The most important thing to remember is that any tire damage is a safety hazard and should be dealt with immediately. Your tires need to be checked and maintained regularly for damage, wear and tear, and lifespan. Replacing damaged tires is always safer, but some tire damage can be safely repaired to give you thousands of miles more use from your tire. 
Categories: Tires 101 | View Count: (37) | Return

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Phone: (985) 641-0484
Fax:
Address: 1584 Short Cut Hwy
Slidell, LA 70458
Phone: (504) 468-8094
Fax:
Address: 1934 Williams Blvd.
Kenner, LA 70062
Phone: 601-799-5440
Fax:
Address: 608 Mississippi 43 N
Picayune, MS 39466

Contact Us

Phone: (985) 641-0484
Fax:
Address: 1584 Short Cut Hwy
Slidell, LA 70458
Phone: (504) 468-8094
Fax:
Address: 1934 Williams Blvd.
Kenner, LA 70062
Phone: 601-799-5440
Fax:
Address: 608 Mississippi 43 N
Picayune, MS 39466
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Affordable Auto Repair & Tires in Slidell and Kenner, LA

Williams Tire & Auto Service and Radecker Tire proudly provides top-notch automotive repair and tire service to the Slidell and Kenner, LA communities. We pride ourselves on providing excellent service at a fair price. Our auto repair services are performed by highly trained technicians, so you can be confident you will receive quality service every time. We offer a wide range of services including oil changes, brake repair , wheel alignment and more. Shopping for new tires near Slidell or Kenner? Let us help you choose from our large selection. We carry tires from top quality brands such as Michelin®, BFGoodrich®, Uniroyal® and more to fit your needs and budget. Our online tire catalog makes tire shopping simple. Let us earn your business.