Even though most people know the importance of general vehicle maintenance, they still miss checking their tires until one goes flat. During winter, tires take a beating from potholes, bumpy, and icy roads. It is very important to have your tires inspected to see if they need repair or replacement in the spring. If they are in good condition you can be assured to have safe spring travels. 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. Make sure to bring the vehicle in so we can inspect them for you.
Know if the Tires should be Repaired or Replaced
Repairing a tire is great because it can be completed for a fraction of the cost to replace one. Even though there is financial savings in repair, it is not always the best choice. 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. For safety sake, do not make or allow a repair to those areas. 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 one sixteenth of an inch. There is no sense in repairing a tire that should not be on the road in the first place. If the treads are less than 1/16 inch, then the tire is not safe for road use.
Proper Tire Repair should be Done
Make sure that the professional repairing your damaged automobile tire removes the tire from the rim in order to properly complete the repair. 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 repairs. If a new puncture is in the same place as an existing repair then the tire should be replaced.
Have a Tire Repair Kit
Tire repair kits are available in most auto parts stores. 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, allowing you just enough time to make it to a mechanic for a professional tire repair. When it comes to your safety, your passengers and others on the road, you do not want to cut corners or take shortcuts.