Tire plugs
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2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2006
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Tire plugs
In the last 3 months I've picked up 3 nails in the rear tire of my '06 Sporty. My '02 FatBoy is 6 years old and I've never picked up a nail. Bad luck I guess. My question is; is it safe to ride with 3 of those sticky plugs in the tire? They are allevenly spaced, that is to say that they are not close to each other. Is there any chance ot getting a blow-out on a tubeless tire with plugs in it?
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Joined: May 2006
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RE: Tire plugs
there are better plugs out there, than the sticky string plugs. Stop and Go has a mushroom shaped plug that provides a better seal and the kit is perfect for taking on trips. If you are just running around town at lower speeds, the plugged tire might be ok. with three plugs in the tire, I would be getting a new tire. Most tire problems develop with 10% of tread left. Having a tire go flat or blow in a turn is no fun. I would not risk carrying any passengers if I were you.
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Canton, Michigan
RE: Tire plugs
ORIGINAL: Gunkholes...I agree -- I'd be changing the tire after just one. The plug is to get me home.
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RE: Tire plugs
I've seen plugs last for the life of the tire, and I've seen plugs pop out before I got home. I think that the type of damage to the tire, and where the damage is makes a big difference on whether the plug will hold or not. The type of plug and how well it was installed also makes a big difference.
Even so, I would call a plug a temporary repair. When you get home, either replace the tire or remove it and put a patch on the inside over the plug. Personally, I have patched several tires this way and have never had a failure.
All of this applies to a tire that is punctured on the tread area and not punctured on the side. Also, you have to use the correct type of patch, and install it correctly.
I would add one caution; There are only a limited number of punctures that I would consider safe to try to repair. If you have any doubt about the integrity of the tire, plug, or patch, forget it and get a new tire. It's not worth getting killed over.
Even so, I would call a plug a temporary repair. When you get home, either replace the tire or remove it and put a patch on the inside over the plug. Personally, I have patched several tires this way and have never had a failure.
All of this applies to a tire that is punctured on the tread area and not punctured on the side. Also, you have to use the correct type of patch, and install it correctly.
I would add one caution; There are only a limited number of punctures that I would consider safe to try to repair. If you have any doubt about the integrity of the tire, plug, or patch, forget it and get a new tire. It's not worth getting killed over.