When you discover a hole in your tire, it’s tempting to plug it and forget about it. At some point, however, you must go to a tire repair shop for a replacement. Depending on how big the hole is and its location on the tire, you could put yourself in a dangerous situation by ignoring it. Here are three ways to fix a hole in a tire and when it’s appropriate to use each one.

Options for When You Have a Tire Leak

1. Plug the Hole

A tire plug should only ever be used if the hole is less than 3/8 of an inch wide, located in the middle of the tire, and has at least 1 inch to 1.5 inches on either side. Even then, a plug should only be a stop-gap to give you a chance to reinflate the tire and safely get to a tire repair shop.

A tire plug is an expandable, sticky object used to seal a hole temporarily and stop air from leaking out. Friction causes tires to expand, and when they do, the hole becomes bigger, which is why a plug is a temporary solution.

2. Plug & Patch

A patch is a piece of rubber that melts into the tire, covering the hole and sealing it. A plug-patch combination prevents air from escaping while stopping moisture from getting inside the tire walls. Most tire repair professionals recommend this route if you don’t want to replace your tire because it’s much safer and is a higher-quality repair than a plug alone.

3. Replace the Tire

There are several instances when you should only ever replace your tire, not repair it. If the tire has a hole or bulge in the sidewall or shoulder, if it’s been in an accident and sustained severe damage such as tread separation or cuts, or if it has two small punctures less than 16 inches apart, you need to purchase new tires.

When your tire is irreparable, have it replaced by the team at Lee Tire in Lexington, KY, the leading tire repair specialist in Fayette County. For over 30 years, the team has focused on delivering exceptional, affordable service, winning awards for their customer care and high-quality new and used products. They use the latest technologies to have drivers back on the roads in no time. If you have a tire emergency, call (859) 254-6157. Visit their website to find out more.