In the past, automakers equipped vehicles with a full or small spare tire. Nowadays, automakers are opting for a small tire repair kits instead. Though, having a tire repair kit in your vehicle isn’t such a bad idea.

There are many tire repair kits out on the market today and each does different things. In this article, we will outline the various tire repair kits and what each of them does.

Aerosol Inflators

Aerosol inflators are used to pump a sealant into a flat tire, plugging small punctures from the inside. Aerosol inflators have grown in popularity due to the easy-to-use nature and readily available nature of the product.

Pressurized-can sealers, such as the ubiquitous Fix-A-Flat, are one-time-use products that have a dispensing tube that screws to a tire’s air-inflation valve. These sealers can both patch a hole and inflate the tire. [X]

Tire-sealant kits combine a portable 12-volt air compressor and a replaceable container of sealant. More and more new cars supply this kind of kit in lieu of a spare tire. [X]

It is important to note that aerosol inflators should only be utilized for very small holes in the tread of the tire. These products should not and cannot be used to fix holes more that 6mm big or for tears on the sidewall of the tire.

Another thing to note is that once you use these products, you must take your vehicle to a professional soon. Typically at 100 miles or so after use, go by what the instructions on the product state. The professional must clean out the residue from the product left behind on the wheel and inside the tire.

Tire Plugs and Patches

The biggest pro of using a tire plug is the cost. Tire plug kits are some of the cheapest on the market today. Tire plugs are made of short strips of leather covered with a gooey, unvulcanized rubber compound. When forced into a nail hole, the plug fills the hole and the rubber goo vulcanizes under the heat of driving to fully seal the repair. [X]

Tire patches, on the other hand, are usually done by professionals as the patch goes on the inside of the tire. This fix is generally the most reliable when it comes to tire repair and the strongest and most effective repair. Though, unless you have the tools to remove the tire from the rim, you cannot patch a tire yourself.

Conclusion

There are a few options out there if you want or need to plug a small hole in your tire. There is always the professional option and Road Side Assistance if you’re in a real pickle.

If you want to get your tires examined, please schedule an appointment online with our Service Center!