There are a couple of ways to repair a leaking or flat tire with a quick fix. Those quick fixes are great if you are stranded. Unfortunately, they are not so great if you plan to keep driving on those tires without later repairing them properly.
Quick Fixes are Temporary Only
The Tire Industry Association (TIA) says that if a tire puncture is sealed without first taking the tire off the wheel, it should be considered a temporary repair. If you have your tire repaired correctly, you can expect that the repair will last for the full life of the tire.
Tire Sealants
Compressed tire sealants are for a temporary fix only. Using a tire sealant makes sense only in an emergency or when you have no other choice. This method is for small holes only and will not work for a sidewall puncture or a cut anywhere on the tire.
Advantages
- It can be used on the side of the road, so you can get to a tire shop.
- Inexpensive.
- Quick and easy to apply.
Disadvantages
- In some cases, sealants can compromise your tire pressure monitoring system.
- Sealant sometimes makes a final repair or tire replacement more difficult because it can cling to the wheel.
Plugging the Tire When it is on the Wheel
It is common for a tire service attendant to force a plug into the puncture without first demounting the tire. This can be a better choice than using a sealant, but it should still be considered a temporary fix.
Advantages
- Plugging from outside the tire is a quick and inexpensive fix.
- It is sometimes effective, but only if the tire does not have internal damage.
Disadvantages
- The tire attendant cannot check the internal condition of the tire before he plugs the tire.
- Plugging from outside the tire can be dangerous because internal tire damage is often connected to flat tires, especially from underinflation when the tire loses air from a small puncture.
The bottom line: You can use the above-mentioned methods in an emergency, but remember to take your tires for a professional repair when the emergency is over.
