Even though most people know the importance of general car maintenance, a majority will still miss checking the tires until one becomes flat. It is very important to have the tires inspected to see if they need to be repaired or replaced. It is important to check tires before each trip to make sure they are at least inflated. A complete inspection includes checking tire pressure, tread, and wear pattern. If the inflation is low, it may be due to a puncture in the tire. You can also bring the vehicle in and we can inspect it for you. By looking at the parts and components we can also help reduce the chance of further damage being done.
Bring the vehicle in if there is an issue with the Tires
Repairing a tire is great because it can be completed for a fraction of the cost to replace one. To determine if a repair is possible, you need to take a look at where the puncture area is. Only punctures in the tread area should be repaired. If a repair is beyond the tread area or on the sidewall then the tire should be replaced. The size of the repair is also important. Damage from a puncture should not be more than ¼ inch in diameter. Otherwise it is unsafe to complete the repair. Do not get a tire repaired if the treads are less than 1/16 inch. You can also bring the vehicle in and we can inspect the tires. This can help give you the options you have to fix the tires.
How to repair the Tires
Proper repairs require both a plug and a patch to the damaged area. A patch cannot be applied if the tire is not removed from the rim. During a proper repair, a plug is inserted to fill the puncture and then a patch is applied to the inner liner to prevent air loss. Additionally, the inner liner should be thoroughly inspected for damage that may not be visible from the outside. Do not overlap any repairs. If a new puncture is in the same place as an existing repair then the tire should be replaced. Depending on the type of tire you have, there may be some other limitations or restrictions on repairs.
Tire Repair Kits can be helpful
There are two types of kits: tire plugs and tire patches. Each type offers an assortment that range from professional grade to consumer grade. Some professional grade kits are able to repair holes in the shoulder and the crown of the tire. The problem with repair kits is that they are very temporary. There are some consumer grade kits that advertise that they can provide a permanent seal. It is always best that you bring the vehicle in so we can inspect the tires. This can help provide better safety and reliability to the vehicle.
