Who plugs tires?

[DarkBlack]

I’ve always used cheap simple gummy worms on all tires. They usually last me the lifetime of the tire. I usually end up forgetting they’re there, until I put on a new tire, and see it in the old carcass.

 

[D&D]

You should see the insides of my SxS tires. They look like a forest of black trees was harvested

 

[Runner]

I use them a lot. Can only remember one failing because it was in a sidewall. I usually just lube them with spit (ewwwww) which does not seem to affect the sealing ability.

I keep a plug kit and air compressor in every vehicle (especially the one that does not have a spare).

 

[scootr]

So many cars come without a spare these days. Manufacturers claim cost, weight, and space savings while giving the middle finger to the buyer.

 

[Runner]

So many cars come without a spare these days. Manufacturers claim cost, weight, and space savings while giving the middle finger to the buyer.

Mine came with a 12V compressor and a can of Fix-A-Flat. You are then expected to actually fix the tire at a later time. I would rather just fix it once and be done with it.

The bad thing is the compressor it comes with can't be used by itself. It appears the can of goo must be inserted between the compressor and the tire. So I wound up just buying a dedicated 12V compressor from HF and I carry that, plus a jack (which the car also didn't come with) and the plug kit.

 

[LHF2019]

I've plugged tires before. Not often though. Just get them patched.

A plug also got me a new tire for my baler from JD. Bought a new baler and within couple months started losing air. Finally went flat. Upon inspection the new tire had a plug in it. Called JD and said I needed to warranty a tire. Was told we don't do that. I buy a new baler I expect it to come with new tires, not repaired tires. Had me a new tire immediately. Fixed the original tire and had a spare.

 

[pmsmechanic]

I also never saw any clear consensus on whether or when to use the liquid rubber cement that comes with most kits, so I usually just skip it, knowing it increases the chance of accidentally pulling the plug tail(s) back out when withdrawing the tool.

I turn the installation toll about a quarter to a third of a turn before removing. That helps keep the tails where they belong.

 

[Complete Turf Care]

Hurricane Lily hit my area in late 2002, and I started my lawn care business in early 2003. There were many homes that had roofs replaced after the hurricane. I had to carry plugs in my trucks for several years, because the mowers would pick up roofing nails. It's been a few years since we've had a bad storm, and I'm no longer in the mowing business, but I still keep plugs in my shop. I have 5 trailers and 5 tractors, and I use a plug on them every now and then.

 

[Hughman]

I've plugged tires for many years, usually with good results. Occasionally a plug will dry out and start to leak in which case I simply replace it with a new one. One time on a RV tire I had the tread separate where it developed a leak around a plug between the belts and the tread.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

I've plugged tires on just about everything for decades, including a filled tire on the M6040 and on a near new 911 Turbo S.

I carry good compressors and seal kits in most of my vehicles whether they have a spare or not since it's so much quicker to plug a tire.

Of course, not all plug kits are the same. I only use the Safety Seal ones. Also, I add the Slim plugs to the kit since most punctures are too small to warrant using the standard plugs.

Lastly, for tires that won't build up heat and finish the vulcanization process that way, like a car or pickup would, I set the two stubs that stick out on fire for a little bit. That trick I learned from a BFGoodrich race team tech.