Let’s face it – getting a flat tire is a total pain. Not only do you have to deal with removing it and installing your spare, you have to decide whether to replace the tire or have it repaired. While many options exist for cheap tires, it’s usually possible to repair the tire and protect your pocketbook. Use these guidelines to help you decide whether to repair a car tire or replace it:
Determine the Location and Extent of Damage
The most obvious indication of tire damage is loss of air pressure, but that loss of pressure could have several results. Your tire could slowly leak air, or in extreme cases, you’ll have a blowout. Carefully check the treads, the sidewall and the tire bead under the edge of the rim. You’ll need to find out why the tire deflated in the first place. Sometimes it’s easier to examine the tire once you’ve removed it from your vehicle.
Repairable Damage
Most flats are caused by a puncture. If your tire is flat due to a puncture, cut or split less than 1/4 inch in length (located in the tread), it may be repaired using various methods including patches and plugs. It’s important to check the usable tread depth remaining before attempting a repair – tires with less than 1/16 inch of viable tread depth should be replaced.
Tire Tread Repair
For small punctures of up to 1/4 inch in diameter, a plug often works better than a patch. Patches are more suitable for cuts, splits or abrasions (usually called “curb rash”) on the tire.
Non-Repairable Damage? Time for a Replacement
If you have a split or cracked sidewall, your tire cannot be repaired safely, so you’ll need to replace the tire. If your bead (the area of the tire that sits on the wheel) is split or cracked, you’ll have to replace the tire. Check your wheels closely – if you have a problem with the wheel, that may be the cause of your tire damage – repair it, or replace it if it is badly bent, rusted or corroded.
Tire Replacement
Check your tread monthly for stones, glass, nails and other items that can damage the tread or render it less effective at gripping the road. If you need to replace a tire, check the size of the tire embossed onto the sidewall and purchase either a new or used tire that matches the size. Used tires are not the ideal, but they’re cost-effective and are much better than driving on a bulging, split or severely worn tire. Replace your tires in pairs, for safer driving.