Tire Repairs: Patches or Plugs?

[Parts007]

I have my thoughts, but I would like to hear yours, since I would consider myself inexperienced in this subject.

Safety, practical, liability, tools needed, do you farm out to tire shops or have the equipment in your shop?

[sermgreby]

We do not send any work out that we can do. We have all the equipment needed to do all tire repairs and replacement. We only patch, I have seen plugs come out and do not want the liability of a blown out tire and what may happen.

[Parts007]

That was my thought with the tire liability. No one else here seems to be concerned about that. I think using tire patches exclusively would be the way to go.

(I am from the parts side) What do you charge the customer? Do you rebalance the tire or just mark it. Do you pay a tech time for this or just give it to the LOF hourly guy?

Thanks

[GMFXDOPSMGR]

We use the new"patch/plug" design. It is a double repair and is DOT approved. Most of the companies have them. Requires break down and remount/balance. We charge $19.95 and do not do any if close to edge of tread.

[Richard]

According the the NHTSA you must use a plug/patch. This is a patch from the inside that plugs THROUGH the perforation. You cannot use the old rope style plugs anymore.

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/Tir ... chure.html

[APM]

from the old school . use the plug /patch combo.The plug portion keeps moister from entering tire belts. and always clean and inspect from inside. Look for discoloration and broken cords from impact object. Be sure careful with tire beeads on low pro tires. Don't repair within two inches of shoulder and remind customers speed rating are reduced by number of repairs..two should be max. VR reduced to HR rating. Also remember to ask if the customer has used sealent to temp repair..it's explosive and built up fumes can ignite from spark..