Tire plugs

NRALIFR wrote:
^ I can’t find any verification that tire plugging is “illegal” anywhere. There are rules, guidelines, best practices, and there may be certain industries and businesses that have outright banned it. But, illegal? As I said, I can’t find any evidence that is the case anywhere.

:):)

Like you, I cant be bothered to look it up. But 4 tire stores in my state have all told me the same thing that I posted.

salem wrote:
I appreciate all the responses. The reason I asked the question is because a couple of days ago, while camping, I noticed a screw in my right rear 5er tire. I took it off and went to the only tire repair shop within a 45 minute drive. (which would have been down the mountain and back up) They only did plugs, as they did not have the equipment to remove a tire from its rim. The guy that plugged it said the hole went straight through and was clean and easy to plug. I wasn't sure what that meant till reading these posts. Anyway, when we got home, I had that tire taken off, the spare replaced with a new one,(spare was 5 years old or so) and now the plugged tire is being used as the spare. Before ok'ing the plug, I called my tire dealer, who has been in local business 50+ years, and is well respected locally, who said the plug would be fine. It was my choice to trade the tire for a spare. Anyway, thanks for all your very helpful responses. If it ever happens again, I'll have more information to base my decision on. You've all been very helpful.

Just take the plugged tire to Discount Tire and they will install a proper plug patch for you for free.

I appreciate all the responses. The reason I asked the question is because a couple of days ago, while camping, I noticed a screw in my right rear 5er tire. I took it off and went to the only tire repair shop within a 45 minute drive. (which would have been down the mountain and back up) They only did plugs, as they did not have the equipment to remove a tire from its rim. The guy that plugged it said the hole went straight through and was clean and easy to plug. I wasn't sure what that meant till reading these posts. Anyway, when we got home, I had that tire taken off, the spare replaced with a new one,(spare was 5 years old or so) and now the plugged tire is being used as the spare. Before ok'ing the plug, I called my tire dealer, who has been in local business 50+ years, and is well respected locally, who said the plug would be fine. It was my choice to trade the tire for a spare. Anyway, thanks for all your very helpful responses. If it ever happens again, I'll have more information to base my decision on. You've all been very helpful.

Short Story: Repoted to Wal-Mart Auto for a new tire. Ask the kid several times "how much for a new tire"

HE's going on about why they patch instead of plug (Truly I would only use a plug for emergency and then only on a car tire. on my 110 PSI RV tires.. NO WAY)

Finally I showed him WHY I ask about a new tire and he replied "YOU NEED A NEW TIRE!" (Well why do you think I've been asking how much for a new tire?)

Plugging can damage the cord and at 100+_ PSI a plug can ... unplug.

But a patch does not additional damage and can not blow out the hole

But then I've never had a nail hole type failure of an RV tire.. Truck tires (F-350 Custom) yes but they were patched. not plugged as well.. Once the tire guy finally got it off the truck that is (I'd put it on and well his big and I mean BIG impact wrench was not up to removal... I used the wrench FORD provided. that's all folks).

(Ever wonder why a lot of folks don't mess with me?)

Semis will only have their tires patched on the inside and no patches at all allowed on steer axle tires.
Too high a load and too much pressure for those plugs. I've used them and have kit with two tools and plugs that mushroom inside sealing there and in the hole but hven't used it in years. Won't do anything but inside patch on hp tires on our AMG.
If the hole is near the edge of the thread or in the sidewall no patching of any kind works. Too much flexing.
One reason to carry road hazard insurance on tires.

A plug is only meant as a temporary repair. I carry all materials and tools needed to plug a tire on the road but always dismount and patch when I get home.

When turning wrenches to pay rent our shop plugged probably 500 tires a year with life of the tire guaranty.
I only recall one came back and we just shoved another plug in.
I carry a kit in the truck just in case.

Price was about $7 for a plug. Patch was close to $20 + balance if requested. Most went with the plug. Most plugs were done without even taking the wheel off the vehicle. Patch is time consuming.

^ I can’t find any verification that tire plugging is “illegal” anywhere. There are rules, guidelines, best practices, and there may be certain industries and businesses that have outright banned it. But, illegal? As I said, I can’t find any evidence that is the case anywhere.

:):)

Everyone's finances are different, but I always just replace the tire (or pair of them) when I have a problem.

fwiw, I have been told that in TN plugging passenger tires (by a retail business) has been against state law for several years. Owners can still do what they want, of course......for now.

On retired tire engineer, Roger Marble's RVtiresafety.net blog, he quotes NHTSA, Goodyear, Michelin & Bridgestone Firestone as all saying it can be done *IF* the correct procedure is followed and the puncture is less than a certain size. He discusses the issue here.

What is the average un-informed driver out there supposed to do when they pull into a Les Schwab and they tell you they can plug it for free and it will be fine or you can pay maybe $300 for a new one. And you could have to wait a day or longer for a matching tire to arrive.

Maybe they need to bring back inner tubes and be done with tubeless. :)