Any problems with plugged tires

Plugging is a viable EMERGENCY fix for a flat. I sure wouldn't recommend making it a permanent fix on a tandem axle trailer. FAR too much stress placed on side walls whenever you go around a corner for a plug to be dependable repair. Add to that the STRONG possibility of doing damage to your trailer if tires go flat on the highway. You are not likely to know about it until someone waves at you when passing or you see pieces of your trailer flying off, when looking in your mirrors.

Good luck / Skip

the only good repair is done with a Patch Plug Combination units…

click

the patch to repair the air leak and the plug to seal water out of the hole and prevent the steel belt from rusting and farther weakening… if it’s been leaking for some time any repair should be considered temporary… if the leak is in the sidewall or even close to the sidewall in the tread area the tire should be replaced…

mbopp wrote:
Having worked in a tire shop, I've seen many slow leaks from plugged tires. If it needs repair, I much prefer an "umbrella" patch that is a combination of inside patch and plug all in one. And if the leak is even close to the shoulder or sidewall, replace the tire.

I've had several umbrella patch/plugs installed INSIDE only, and they never leaked.

Of course IMHO if tire is made in China I'd personally replace it.

If a plug fails it will create a slow leak not a blowout or tread separation. Back in the college daze I would plug at least 10 tires a week and it was extremely rare to have one come back. Of course if the slow leak is unattended the tire will fail from low pressure.

However I agree, patch on the inside is superior.

Reminds me I'm dang near outta plugs :E

Can't say I've had any problems with a plug thru the tread.
The wife's minivan has a plug in it now.
I think it was last summer we plugged it.

For tread, plug and go but better have a spare if it fails.

Are you sure it's the tire leaking? Have you checked the valve stem?

mbopp wrote:
Having worked in a tire shop, I've seen many slow leaks from plugged tires. If it needs repair, I much prefer an "umbrella" patch that is a combination of inside patch and plug all in one. And if the leak is even close to the shoulder or sidewall, replace the tire.

X2,the umbrella patch is the way to go. That's what America's Tire/Discount Tire uses and I've never had a problem with their repairs. They won't repair a tire that has a leak near the outer shoulder either, and nobody will repair a sidewall.

I would only trust an inside patch!
Have them bust the tire from the rim and patch form the inside, getting a plug in can actually cause more damage.

mbopp wrote:
Having worked in a tire shop, I've seen many slow leaks from plugged tires. If it needs repair, I much prefer an "umbrella" patch that is a combination of inside patch and plug all in one. And if the leak is even close to the shoulder or sidewall, replace the tire.

X2