What if tow trucks carried tire plugs and could 'fix' (some) flats?

frodoz737 said: ↑

This argument is utter nonsense and anyone who does a "plug only" repair is either broke, ignorant or both. Out.​

This type of statement lends nothing to a good discussion.​

2012 PriusPIA80%EVR3VOLTN

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Actually it is spot on. Broke..when you have little or no money, so even though know better your only option is cheapest. I can not help you there. Ignorant (not stupid) meaning you don't know no any better, as in "well they said it was alright on PriusChat, so it must be OK". Repair it right or not, but you have been educated on the proper methods per RMA and the Tire Mfgs...but what do they know.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.

 

Just as a thought, I'm not a terribly small guy (6' and 170 lbs) and I work out some / do yard work.

I went to patch a tire a few years ago and the leak was over the steel belt. It took all I had in strength with 3 tools at my side to punch through the steel belt enough to be able to use the plug.

That was with the tire off the vehicle as we couldn't find the leak until running water over it after pumping it up to pressure twice. I'm not sure if we had found the leak that I would have been able to find an angle to be able to apply the pressure while the tire was mounted because my effort with the tire off used a considerable amount of my body weight and if gravity wasn't assisting I don't think my arm strength alone would have pierced the steel belt.

Did I mention the original leak site looked solid after pulling the metal out and I had to enlarge the hole before I could plug it? It doesn't take a large or even medium sized hole to let the air out but it takes at least a medium size hole to get the plug in.

I felt like the plug was sufficient after I was done with the kit but it took me well over an hour, an air pump, a supply of water, the plug kit, taking the tire off the vehicle, gravity assist and all to get it done.

I imagine the average roadside assistant / tow truck driver would rather drive the tire and/or car back to the shop to fix any tire that requires that much physical force to properly plug.

 

"(Frodoz, your disgust at this repair is already duly noted. We'll agree to disagree as noted before on how highly or not to regard the letter of the law in this instance. I think most people support the idea of speed limits, but not the idea that going 3-5 mph over will immanently be the sole cause of their or anyone else's death (like a plugged tired would )"

My apologies as my intent was not to express "disgust"with improper repair. My intent is towards safety. I have seen the results of to much shade-tree maintenance over the decades, property and personal. Though my practices my seem anal by the standards of a non-mechanic, you need people like me to help assure safety and honesty within a trade that is sometimes marred with disingenuous financial motivation, both ways.

Again my apologies, especially during the holiday season, but I practice what I preach and what I preach here is correct.

Merry Christmas Out.