Tire Repair
A nail in your tire doesn't automatically mean a new tire. Most punctures in the tread can be repaired safely — and repaired permanently. The trick is knowing which tires can be fixed and which can't. That's where we come in.
Can My Tire Be Repaired? The Industry Standard
The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) and Rubber Manufacturers Association have clear rules for tire repair. A tire is safely repairable ONLY if:
- The puncture is in the tread area (not the sidewall or shoulder)
- The puncture is 1/4 inch (6mm) or smaller in diameter
- The tire has not been driven flat
- There are no more than 2 repairs in the same tire
- The inner liner is intact (no internal damage)
- There's no sign of bead damage or rubber separation
When a Tire MUST Be Replaced
- Sidewall punctures — The sidewall flexes constantly; a repair there WILL fail.
- Shoulder punctures — Between tread and sidewall, same problem.
- Puncture larger than 1/4 inch — The patch can't seal properly.
- Run-flat tires driven flat — The internal structure is destroyed.
- More than 2 prior repairs — Too weak to trust.
- Bead damage — The tire won't seal on the rim.
- Bulges or blisters — Internal belt failure. Immediate replacement.
Why We Use a Plug-Patch (Not Just a Plug)
Two kinds of repairs exist:
- String plug (external, temporary): What you see at gas stations. Fast, but it's a temporary fix and can eventually leak. Not recommended as a permanent solution.
- Combination plug-patch (internal, permanent): What we do. We dismount the tire, clean the puncture, and install a patch with a plug stem through the hole from the inside. It seals both the inner liner and the hole itself. This is the USTMA-approved method and it lasts the life of the tire.
Our Repair Process — Step by Step
- Inspection. We check the puncture location, size, and condition of the tire.
- Dismount. We remove the tire from the rim to inspect the inside.
- Assessment. If the tire is unsafe to repair, we tell you straight — we don't push repairs that put you at risk.
- Preparation. We clean, buff, and cement the repair area per industry spec.
- Installation. The plug-patch goes in from the inside.
- Remount & balance. Back on the rim, balanced to highway speeds.
- Pressure & leak test. We set pressure and verify with soap solution.
- Reinstall & torque. Back on your vehicle, torqued to spec.
How Long Does a Proper Repair Last?
As long as the tire itself. A correctly installed plug-patch is considered permanent. The tire can be rotated, driven at highway speeds, and lasted as long as it would have before the puncture.
Cost of Repair vs New Tire
- Repair: Typically $25–$50 per tire, installed.
- New tire: $80–$400+ depending on size and brand.
If the tire is safely repairable, repair is the better financial choice. If it's not, we'll show you why and give you a quote on a replacement.
Get Your Tire Looked At — Free Assessment
Not sure if your tire can be fixed? Call us at 301-556-3973. If we're nearby, we'll take a look. No charge to assess it — we only charge if we do the work.