So many things can go wrong while on the road, including the various hazards your tires face. From potholes to stray nails, all these issues can wreak havoc on the wheels, leaving you stranded as your wheels sit, damaged and waiting for repairs, or even finding yourself in an accident because of a blown tire. That being said, if your car has been through some sort of puncture or it has gone flat, you might be wondering if such damage can be repaired. The answer is this: not all the time. Some tire damage can be repaired, while others require a brand-new tire as a replacement.
Today, we’re going to talk about tire damage, talking about the various situations that you can or cannot repair the tire:
1. Run-Flats
Run-flat technology is generally made to allow the tires to run a little longer when it goes flat. However, whether the tire will be repairable right after will depend on the situation. If you had been driving on the run-flats that had a pressure of less than 15 PSI, the damage might not be repairable. To ensure you do not run into this problem, always avoid driving on flat wheels or wheels with too little air.
2. Punctures
Whether a puncture is repairable will highly depend on where the puncture occurred. Generally, if the puncture occurred in the tread area of the wheel and didn’t go over a quarter of an inch in diameter, the repair is possible. However, there are certain constraints to consider. For example, the tire should have no more than two total repairs done on it, and the second puncture should be at least 16 inches away from the original puncture. If any of those rules are broken, then you are better off replacing the wheel.
3. Side Bubbles
Side-bubbles, although seemingly harmless, is a significant issue. Side bubbles are a sign that the wheel has already been compromised, and this problem is generally caused by hitting a pothole, riding over speedbumps quickly, and the like. If you notice any side bubbles on the wheel, you should get the wheel replaced as soon as you can.
4. Post-Accidents
If the wheels have not sustained any damage after an accident, you might be able to get away with little to no repairs. However, if it has sustained severe damage, get it replaced. However, to play it safe, get the wheels repaired. It is better to be safe than sorry, especially knowing an accident can cause all sorts of damage.
5. Existing Repairs
Should the tires already have existing repairs, certain criteria must be met to know whether the wheel can be repaired. For example, we mentioned the two-repair rule where if the total repairs haven’t exceeded two, you can carry out the repair. Again, if the wheel is seriously compromised, you may need to replace the tire entirely.
Conclusion
In many cases, if you have run into tire damage on the road, there are simple and quick fixes you can make to get to a repair shop quickly. However, if you are unsure as to the extent of the damage, it is better to call in professionals to tow your car towards the nearest mechanic. That said, if you are still unsure as to whether your tire damage can be repaired, have professionals inspect the wheels. They can give you an accurate insight as to the tire’s situation and give you recommendations on what to do to get the tire either fixed or replaced!
Limitless Tires is a high-volume tire shop in central Calgary, offering auto repair, alignment, inspection, ECU tuning, and more. If you are looking for wheel and tire services to get your tires fixed or replaced, contact us today!