What is a tire repair and what can be repaired?
A tire repair is a professional service that restores the safety and integrity of a damaged tire—most often caused by a nail, screw, or sharp object puncture. The goal is to stop air loss and prevent further damage so the tire can safely stay on the road.
A tire plug is a quick, temporary fix used to seal a puncture from the outside of the tire. The technician inserts a rubberized strip into the hole to stop air leaks. While effective for minor tread punctures, plugs are best for short-term use.
A tire plug-patch combo, on the other hand, is the recommended long-term repair method. It combines an internal patch that seals the puncture from the inside with an exterior plug that fills the damaged area. This two-part repair fully seals the injury, prevents air and moisture from entering the steel belts, and restores the tire’s structural strength—meeting industry safety standards (such as those from the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association).
