Passing through rocky conditions and running over pebbles or small stones on the ground is unavoidable, and can result in the tires getting punctured. If the puncture is small, you may be able to repair the tires, provided that they are not run-on tires, instead of replacing them with new ones and save bundles. This article will explore the three most common repair methods that have been recommended:
Using a Tire Sealant
Tire sealants generally come in a pressurized can, are made from liquid polymer and are perhaps one of the easiest solutions available. It is highly recommended for when you have a small puncture or a slow leak. Just spray the liquid polymer on, and you can drive away within minutes without having to remove your tires; however, these sealants are not considered as a permanent solution.
You should take the opportunity to drive to a mechanic and get the problem resolved by an expert. Tire sealants will, however, spare you the time and money needed to either call in a tow truck or replace the tire entirely.
Fixing The Problem From the Inside Out with Tire Patches
If you have an oddly shaped leak or puncture, then the solution to your problems will be tire patches. Tire patches are considered as a permanent solution and needs to be applied from the inside out. The repair also needs to be performed with the tire removed.
Once the patches are placed on the inside of the tires, they are heated until they melt. The patches will eventually become a part of the tire. The tires may need to be inflated before the patches are installed.
Plugging Up the Problem with Tire Plugs
Last but not least, if you have a small puncture caused by a nail, then stick with tire plugs because they are easy to use, and do not requite for the tires to be removed. Simply insert a tire plug into the punctured area, and continue to drive. The friction and heat caused by the driving should cause the tire plug to heat up and melt into place.
Voila! It's that easy. Tire plugs have been known to last longer than the tires themselves.
Conclusion
Don't shell out hundreds of dollars on new tires. Bring your car in for an inspection first and determine whether any of these solutions are a possibility. If the puncture is larger than 1/4 inch, then chances are that you will have to replace the tires as the structure and performance is compromised significantly. To learn more, or if you have other questions, contact a company like Larry Harker's Auto Repair.
Share16 January 2015
Understanding more about the type of car that you have can help you understand the best ways to maintain it, and how to tell if there’s trouble brewing under the hood before you end up stranded. That’s why, when I found a car make that I liked, I kept going back to it every time I bought a new car. It’s also why I use a mechanic that specializes in repairing and maintaining cars made by my specific manufacturer type. Over the years, I’ve learned so much about what makes this particular car work, and what kind of quirks come with this type of vehicle. I started this blog to share some of that information and help other car owners learn to effectively maintain their automobiles and recognize the potential signs of trouble.
