Understanding Wheel Choices

The Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Do-It-Yourself Tire Repair

19 July 2017

Abigail Hayes

If you have run over a nail, you may have a small puncture hole in your tire. If you have a small leak, patching or plugging the tire may be an option. This is cheaper than replacing the entire tire, and when properly done, can last as long as your tire does. When you need a repair, you have a decision to make. You have to decide between repairing the problem yourself or taking it to a tire store for a repair. Learning the pros and cons of a do-it-yourself repair can help you decide which is better for you.

The Advantages of Repairing a Tire Yourself

It Is Cheaper

One of the benefits to repairing the tire yourself is that it is cheaper. A tire store costs, on average, $10 to $20 to patch or plug the tire. You can often buy do-it-yourself repair kits for under $5 and you can repair several tires with the kit. If money is tight, you may want to do it yourself just to save some money.

It May Be Faster

The other advantage to repairing the tire yourself is that it may save you some time. When you take your car to a tire store, you may have to wait your turn. If it is a busy day, there may be customers there having their tires rotated, installed or having repairs made. Sitting around a tire shop for a few hours may be hard if you live a busy life, and unfortunately, you don't plan on your tire going flat, so scheduling an appointment isn't an option if the flat happened and you need your car. If you are on a time crunch and can't wait at a busy tire shop, repairing it yourself may make sense.

The Disadvantages of Repairing a Tire Yourself

You May Lose the Warranty on the Tire

One of the downsides to a do-it-yourself tire repair is that you may lose the warranty on your tire. If your tire has a warranty, the warranty may state that you have to have repairs made by a professional tire company. If you fail to do so, you may lose your warranty.

A Professional Knows What Repairs Can Be Safely Made

The other disadvantage to repairing a tire yourself is that you do not know what repairs can be made and should not be made to a tire. For example, holes on the sidewall of a tire should never be patched or plugged. Pressure builds up in this part of the tire and can lead to a blow out. Patching or plugging holes like this can have dangerous consequences. As such, it may be best to leave tire repairs in the hands of a professional at a tire store to ensure the tire is looked at by a professional to determine if it really should be repaired or replaced.

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