Tire plug kits?

BoxsterCharlie · 12-25-04, 07:54

I finally tracked down a slow leak to a nail. As it is nearly in the middle of the tread, this time I'd like to get a plug kit and fix it myself.

I see a few kits online, but I'm looking for something that might be sold locally at an Autozone, etc. Ideally I'd like the "mushroom" type, but I'm willing to go with the cord type since this is just a rear snow tire on a MINI Cooper.

Anyone have experience with this?

94BlkStang · 12-25-04, 09:34

Quote:

Originally posted by BoxsterCharlie
I finally tracked down a slow leak to a nail. As it is nearly in the middle of the tread, this time I'd like to get a plug kit and fix it myself.

I see a few kits online, but I'm looking for something that might be sold locally at an Autozone, etc. Ideally I'd like the "mushroom" type, but I'm willing to go with the cord type since this is just a rear snow tire on a MINI Cooper.

Anyone have experience with this?

I wouldn't bother buying a kit and doing it yourself. I had to have one installed on a tire for my mustang and it took them about 2 minutes and $5.00 to do the job. Chances are the most a place would charge would be $10.00. By having a tire shop do it, then you also get a guarantee.

hadboosttroy · 12-25-04, 10:45

my recommendation is to take it to a tire shop, get it patched (the right way) not plugged. 10 bucks probably.

Black240SX · 12-25-04, 11:35

Plugs are good to have in an emergency, but a patch applied to the inside is best.

Pondscum · 12-26-04, 05:18

I had a tire plugged at my tire shop the other day. They did it for free. I've had other tire shops plug tires for free also.

kompressornsc · 12-26-04, 05:45

I highly recommend having the plug/patch done from the inside. An outside plug looks like --I--, an inside plug, like --T--. With the outside plug, you're relying on friction to hold it in, with an inside plug, you've got the top part of the 'T', working with the air pressure, to hold it in. I've had outside plugs fail, never had an inside one fail. I had one tire store even go back and pull an outside plug done by another shop, and replace it with an inside one (at no cost) when they were plugging another one because they said that they wouldn't let their customers drive off their property w/ an outside plug for safety reasons.

Pondscum · 12-26-04, 12:25

Quote:

Originally posted by kompressornsc
I highly recommend having the plug/patch done from the inside. An outside plug looks like --I--, an inside plug, like --T--. With the outside plug, you're relying on friction to hold it in, with an inside plug, you've got the top part of the 'T', working with the air pressure, to hold it in. I've had outside plugs fail, never had an inside one fail. I had one tire store even go back and pull an outside plug done by another shop, and replace it with an inside one (at no cost) when they were plugging another one because they said that they wouldn't let their customers drive off their property w/ an outside plug for safety reasons.

That's a good tip. The next time I have my tires balanced, I'll have my tire shop replace my outie with an innie.

DavidB · 12-26-04, 12:31

I've never had an issue with a vulcanized plug. In fact, I'm going to put one in my tire tomorrow... picked up a nail in the Cayenne.

Flexin · 12-26-04, 12:44

I carry a plug kit in the car. I think I used it once. I worked at a garage when I was younger and I put in many outside plugs. I haven't had any fail. Get the inside one done when and if you can but I wouldn't worry about an outside one.

James

Setec Astronomy · 12-26-04, 12:59

What about the issue of patches/plugs reducing the speed rating of the tire?

kompressornsc · 12-26-04, 03:44

I have had an outside one fail. It was ripped out from going over a steel deck bridge. Big pop & then just a slow leak.

After Hurricane Hugo in Charleston, there were so many nails/screws in the streets that you would pick them up on almost a weekly basis-I had a few plugs in each tire (I know-you're not supposed to plug fronts).

Vincent Vega · 12-27-04, 08:44

I have repaired countless tires with an outside plug. I have yet to see one fail. These cars are mostly daily drivers without any type of performance expectations.