How Close To Sidewall Can A Tire Be Patched?

A punctured tire can be the worst nightmare for car owners as it is an issue that is very expected to happen at unexpected times. Especially when you don’t have the tools and experience to deal with the issue. Tires might seem like the easiest vehicle part to take care of, but because of their critical role in the stability, motion, and on-road safety of the passengers, you must know each and every detail regarding them. So, you are always heedful and well-prepared to deal with such situations. Not every type of puncture can be repaired, so you must be well aware of it.

A punctured tire is not always a bothersome issue that cannot be handled easily. You can repair your punctured tire smoothly if you have any experience, thanks to your previous encounters. Patching is one of the easiest methods that vehicle owners love to use. Unfortunately, not all punctured tires can be patched. If you have recently got to know about the patch method, and are curious to know more? Here I have brought all the details about how to do it, what are its limitations, and how close to the sidewall can a tire be patched. Keep reading to know more details.

How Close To Sidewall Can A Tire Be Patched? Tire plug sidewall

The Correct Measurements

You can use a patch to cover up the punctured tire’s hole if it is at a certain position. The tires are designed such that some parts are responsible for traction while others are for structural support. The areas like the crown can be patched easily because they have a flat and even surface and punctures do not alter their shape. Whereas the sidewall has some additional layers including a steel belt that cannot be patched.

Even if the puncture is not at the sidewall, there is a small area near it that is not suitable for patching. Patches are not very small and need some extra space to fit in, so you can patch only those holes that are 0.26 inches away from the shoulder of the tire. You can also compare the length between the holes and the threaded area or the steel belt’s edge. The length needs to be more than 0.26 inches, 0.66 centimeters, or 0.6 millimeters to be patched.

Why You Cannot Patch On The Side Wall?

What is so special about sidewall? You might be wondering why all mechanics and experienced car owners always recommend not to patch the sidewall punctures. This is because any kind of puncture damages not only the upper layer but all the layers of the tire beneath it. This will not only make a hole, and release the air that is filled inside leading to the deformation of the tire but will also completely shatter the structural support that these layers provide.

As the sidewall is the most notable part of the tires in terms of structural support and has a steel belt, so you cannot patch it. If the steel belt is broken because of any sharp object, then the tire will not be able to provide you with a smooth and stable ride. Whereas, the restriction of patching on areas closer to the sidewall is because even if you try to patch these areas the patch will not fit properly and will not cover the hole because of the curved structure here. Also check out, can I drive a donut tire for 200 miles?

What To Do If You Have A Patch On The Sidewall?

Unfortunately, if you have got a punctured tire and its position is at the sidewall or closer to the shoulder area of the tire, then you have no choice but to get a new one. Yes, there is no way that you can repair a puncture at the sidewall area because once the steel belt is broken the strength of the tire declines making it a time bomb that can explode any minute. You cannot endanger your life by doing such a careless thing. It is best to replace the tire right away with a new one because at the end of the day your life is more important than a few bucks.

How to Plug a Tire?

Plugging is the best method if the hole is very small. We all are aware that there are many objects on roads that can damage the tire by penetrating its surface. The most common things are small pebbles or gravel. If you have a flat tire and there are no visible holes, this might be because these holes are very small. Plugging such tires is an ideal repair method. Here are the steps.

1. First, detach the tire which seems to have a hole.
2. Remove the rim from the tire. (Here is how much a RIM cost)
3. Examine the tire for the hole.
4. If you have the object still stuck in the tire wall, take it out.
5. Clean the area from dirt and debris.
6. Take a needle and put the plug in its eye.
7. Push the needle inside the hole, leaving the ends.
8. Cut the end.
9. Spray water in the area to cross-check for any leakage.
10. You are good to go.

How To Patch A Tire?

Patching a tire is a little easier, but you have to get the job done properly as the patch is under the tire’s wall. Once you have patched the wall, you will not be able to check on it by simply looking. The patch also tends to become loose over time, but patching the hole can increase the life of your tire, so it is worth a try. Here I have a step-by-step guide on how to patch a punctured tire.

1. Detach the tire from the car and remove the rim.
2. Clean the area which has the hole and remove any item stuck in it.
3. After the hole is dry apply any chemical vulcanizing cement.
4. Put the area on fire using a lighter and after 4 seconds turn out the flames, this will make the cement bind more efficiently.
5. Put the patch on the area and remove the sticker.
6. Again apply the vulcanizing cement over the patch and turn it on fire.
7. After 4 seconds again turn off the flame, this will seal the hole and patch completely.
8. Once the cement has dried completely, apply a coating of PVC coating agent.
9. Once the coat is dry you can use the tire as new.

Frequently Asked Questions

What area of a tire can not be repaired?

The shoulder and sidewall are the parts that are crucial to stability and structure. Once these areas are damaged the tire can deform and lose its function. In such cases, you cannot repair a tire by simply plugging or patching it. It will be of no use. You will have to invest in buying a brand-new tire for your car if you want to have a good, comfy, and smooth ride.

Can you patch a tire near the sidewall?

No, you cannot patch a tire near the sidewall as it will be of no use. The multilayer structure of the side wall is completely damaged when a sharp object penetrates through it, making a hole. The tire becomes useless and is too risky to be repaired. Even if you apply a patch to the hole in the tire, the tire will still become deformed and nonfunctional for you to drive.

My Final Thoughts

Patching might be the easiest, most economical, and quick procedure to repair a tire, so you don’t have to get a new one, but you can endanger your life and vehicle, and if you don’t know when it is not ideal to use this method to repair your tire. To help you with this, here I have brought to you a step-by-step guide to patch a tire and make you understand how close to sidewall a tire can be patched. I hope that now you know all the details and can deal with such situations like a pro. Safe Driving.