Walking up to your vehicle and seeing one of the tires flat is a very unsettling feeling. Having your spare tire installed or getting your vehicle towed (if no spare) is also a hassle. Many times if the tire is flat due to a puncture it can be repaired!
If you are asking the question “Can I Repair My tire?” here is some criteria that can help you determine if your tire can be repaired.
If you are asking the question “Can I Repair My tire?” here is some criteria that can help you determine if your tire can be repaired.
1. Where is the damage?
The location of a puncture has is a big determining factor. If the puncture is in the tread area of the tire (the part that makes contact with the road) there is a good chance it can be fixed! If the puncture is on the sidewall (side of tire) or too close to the shoulder (edge of the tread where it turns to the sidewall) it is time for a replacement. Because your sidewall and shoulder of your tire flex and move with road conditions it can not be safely repaired.
2. How Large Is The Puncture?
Any hole that is 1/4 an inch in diameter or smaller is usually repairable. If the injury is larger than 1/4 inch or is a tear it is not repairable.
3. How many punctures or repairs has the tire had?
Tires can be repaired a maximum of 3 times. Also, a tire should not be repaired if punctures are within 6 inches of any other puncture or repair.
4. How Old Is The Tire?
4. How Old Is The Tire? Tim’s does not recommend repairing tires that are 5 years old or older. Not only are old tires prone to failure, but dis mounting and repairing an old tire can cause problems. It is safer to replace an old tire with a puncture.
5. What Angle Is The Puncture?
Most punctures occur at or very close to 90 degrees to the tread, meaning the nail, screw, or debris goes straight in the tire. Some times the angle of entry of the injury that causes the puncture is too severe to repair.
6. Has The Tire Been Driven On While Flat?
The most common reason we are not able to repair tires at Tim’s is because they were driven on. A tire with very low pressure flexes the side walls at severe angles. If a tire is driven on at all when low there is a very good chance that the sidewall of the tire is “striped”. A striped sidewall is a groove worn on the inside and outside of the tires sidewall because of the extra friction from driving on a low tire. Many times it is also accompanied by a black powder inside the tire, where the tire has been grinding itself through its own sidewall. A tire that has been ridden on low can not be repaired.
If you are in New Orleans and have a question about repairing a tire we would be happy to help. We only repair tires to the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) guidelines to ensure a safe and long lasting tire repair.
Let the mechanics at Tim’s help with all of your tire needs!
Make a reservation today!
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