Tire plug questions

Got home from work, was inside for an hour or so, went to head back out. Had a low tire pressure light.

Upon inspection found this bastard buried up to the hex head dead center in the middle of one of the rear tire treads.



I fixed it with a plug kit. Didn't even have to dismount the tire. Inflated back to 32 PSI no problem, no hissing. I probably should have done a soapy water test.

As an aside, how the HELL did this get in my tire? Nails I understand, but a screw this long? Anyway...

What experiences do you guys have with plugs, how long do they last, etc? Should I expect the tire to be low again in the morning? Will it be safe to drive on at 60 mph to and from work? My gut instinct is to replace the tire at my first opportunity, probably in a couple days. They've only got a few thousand miles. However I'm wondering if it's even safe to drive on at highway speeds.

Other options (other than a new tire) I suppose are to do nothing, or to have it patched. I assume running a plug long term is a really stupid, dangerous idea. What about a professionally installed patch, is that a permanent solution?

I have the air compressor and extension cord in the truck, ready to do battle tomorrow...

Appreciate your suggestions and advice.

 

You are fine. I used to work construction. I would get screws like that in my tires often. I plug and move on. The plugs last until I have worn out the tires.

In fact, when I was getting a new set of tires the tech asked me if I knew there were 7 plugs in one of my tires? I told him "that sounds about right".

 

A plug is fine. Pep Boys does plugs if you get a nail or something similar. I have 2 in each of the rear tires that have been there for more than 15k miles. You'll be fine.

 

Ok well that's great to hear, thanks!

 

3rd for plugs. I've done it on several tires and they last for the remaining life of the tire. A couple of those include multi-state trips. I actually just plugged one of mine this weekend. I would double check the pressure in a week just to be sure the plug held properly.

 

if you followed direction when you did the plug the location you said it was is actually the best location to use the string type plug, just make sure you trimmed it off even with the tread of the tire and you will be fine.

 

Yeah I trimmed it as best I could, I'm sure driving on it will even anything out. Pushed it in till 1/2 inch was showing, 1/4 twist and out. Couldn't believe how easy it was. Those damn things are super sticky.

 

Thanks for all the feedback, I will check the pressure in the morning and carry on.

 

Give it a couple days just in case you have a slow leak. Also make sure to compare tire pressure in similar temperature. Hot tires will read higher pressure than cold because science.

 

Good point, temps here have been anywhere from 65 to 25 lately...

 

I meant if you've recently driven vs the car has been sitting overnight as well.

 

From your Description you did it perfect, I have a plug I did on my Benz 2 years ago and it is still holding well, Only time the plug is iffy is when you get very close to the side wall then it Hot patch time. Anywhere in the road surface area is fine to the string plug.

 

Oh I gotcha, thanks for clarifying. Even better point.

 

Funny thing is I had to take the screw out with a socket wrench. I guess that's not that funny but to me to be sitting there ratcheting a screw out of my tire....anyway. I thought that when it came out there would be a huge rush of air and then a completely flat tire...but that didn't happen. There was plenty of clearance to use the plug tools which was nice. Great system. I got the ones with the t-handles.

 

The "T" handles are the only way to go the ones with the screw driver handles are just cheap junk.

 

It was damn hard even with the t-handles to get the plug in. I can't even imagine with the screwdriver handles.

 

Sorry to hear about the puncture - I know how frustrating they can be!

Objects in the center of the tread are typically easily repairable as long as the object isn't greater than 1/4 of an inch.

The plug, though, is not what actually holds the air in for a proper repair. That is there to keep water from getting in and rusting the internal steel belts. A patch on the inside is what keeps the air from leaking.

For a proper repair, the tire should be dismounted so that the inner liner can be inspected and then if deemed repairable, a patch plug combo should be used.

 

Hope I'm not thread hijacking here, but what can you guys recommend for a good-quality plugging kit?

 

This is the one I used, it's what they had at the auto parts store. Worked great so far but I can only vouch for one day's worth of it holding up.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/...ab881/xtra-seal-tire-repair-kit/15005/4870356

There are some on Amazon that come in a hard case which would be nice for a kit to keep in your truck.

As discussed earlier in the thread, the t-handles are key.

 

Hey thanks for this, I wasn't sure whether I still needed to get it patched. I will probably go ahead and get that done this weekend.