The Flat Fix that Fits (Tire Repairs)
September 27, 2020
September 27, 2020
Can you think of anyone who likes getting a flat tire? Of course not. But when one of your tires winds up with a flat or leak, whether it be from things like hitting a curb, running over a nail or picking up a sharp stone, it's time to have someone who knows what they're doing take care of it.
If you're thinking you'd like to avoid having to buy a new tire, you wonder if a patch or plug will suffice. It depends where the puncture is and how big the hole is. Most tire experts will say if the hole in the tire is less than ¼ of an inch or 6 mm, a patch can work. But a patch likely won't work if the compromised part of the tire is on its shoulder or sidewall.
Here's why. The shoulder of a tire is the part between the sidewall and tread and it's usually rounded. It's under a lot of pressure, more than even the sidewalls. And because of that curved shape, it's hard to get a patch or plug to hold.
The sidewall is the side of the tire. Sidewalls flex a lot when you drive, and the strain can cause a patch or plug to loosen up. A weak spot in a sidewall is much more likely to fail and cause a blowout. So if you have damage in the sidewall or shoulder, that tire is a good candidate for replacement, not repair.
If you have a cut or gash in your tire, it's possible the cords that strengthen your tire have also been cut. That weak spot can spell trouble, and this type of damage usually means you should get a new one.
Your service advisor can tell you what the appropriate action is to take when you have tire damage. You may be able to get good results with a patch, or you may have to replace one or more tires. Your safety is riding on them.
Sovel's Auto Service
41425 W. 10 Mile Rd.
Novi, Michigan 48375
248-348-7337
June 29, 2025
If your vehicles power goes to the rear wheels, then you have something called U-joints in the drivetrain. U-joints are connectors that allow the rotating power from your vehicles engine to deliver its power through a driveshaft to make the rear wheels rotate. You need U-joints because the surfa... More
June 22, 2025
When's the last time you thought about spark plugs? You probably don't remember. That's because spark plugs usually last a long time and don't need much attention. But they don't last forever, and when they start going bad, they'll send you a few clues. Vehicle is hard to start. Fuel economy ... More
June 15, 2025
In a perfect world, all wheels and tires would be perfectly round and weigh exactly the same at every point of the wheel. Unfortunately, they're not, and if they're out of balance, they can reduce the lifespan of your tires, make your vehicle shake like a carnival ride, and maybe even damage a f... More