We’ve all been there. You were driving along on your morning or afternoon commute in Northern Virginia when POP, your tire is losing air. You pulled over to inspect the damage and saw a deflated tire. You figure it caught a piece of metal road debris, probably a nail. So, you bring your vehicle into your Chantilly, VA, tire shop for a repair. The shop gives you some options: a new tire, a plug, or a patch.
If you were in a hurry when the above situation presented itself, you probably chose to have a plug installed. But was that indeed the best option? There are differences between a tire patch and a tire plug, and it’s good to know the benefits for your safety on the road safety and your wallet. As a result, Casey’s team in Chantilly, VA, is here to drop some knowledge bombs; let’s start with the fundamentals. Check it out below.
Tire Plug
A cheap and quick option, the tire plug is what it sounds like it is. A piece of leather-covered in a rubber compound, a tire plug is quickly installed into the tire’s exterior. It is an expandable and sticky piece that gets pushed into the damaged area. It is adjusted and fit until air no longer leaks from the tire.
Tire Patch
A tire patch is a piece of rubber with an adhesive on the backside. The adhesive and rubber are vulcanized when the tire heats up. Installing a tire patch requires the removal of the tire from the rim. It’s then installed on the interior of the tire onto the damaged area.
Patch Plug
A patch plug is the best of both worlds. The hole is plugged from the inside and attached to the inner wall with a patch. 
Tire Plug or Tire Patch?
There are varying opinions on which is the preferred method for filling a minor tire puncture. Some professionals believe patching a tire is too much work requiring too much time invested for a small hole, but one thing remains true about patching. Other professionals won’t use plugs because of safety concerns. Say the hole is too large or misshaped. With that comes the risk of the plug falling out.
With a patch or plug patch repair, the technician must remove the tire from the rim. When the tire is removed, it can be inspected. Often, when looking at a damaged tire from the outside only, you cannot gauge 100% of the damage. For example, some tires will have worn down, causing small pieces that flake into the tire’s interior. Those flakes are a warning sign of tire wear. That wear is a sure sign telling you to replace it soon.
Tire Repair and Replacement at Casey’s Automotive in Chantilly, Virginia
Tires that have small punctures can be driven on for some time. However, it is recommended only to have one repair per tire done. It should never be repaired twice. If you find yourself with a punctured tire and bring your vehicle into Casey’s, we will inspect it and repair it with a patch plug. We will also send you pictures of the inner walls of your tire, along with a detailed description of its health by way of our inspection report. Contact us for tire repairs or replacement, and we’ll hook you up!
