If
you have a flat tire, you might be thinking about attempting to
repair it yourself. You may have seen tire repair kits in auto part
stores, but you should think twice before you attempt to repair your
own tire. Instead, take your vehicle to a tire shop for these
reasons.
1.
It May Need to Be Replaced Instead
First
of all, not all tires can be safely repaired. If there are multiple
punctures in your tire, if your tire doesn't have much tread left, or
if the damage is in the sidewall or shoulder of your tire, for
example, you'll need to replace it. A professional can take a look at
your tire and let you know whether or not it can be repaired.
2.
You May Need Help Choosing Between a Plug or a Patch
There
are two options that can be used for repairing a tire: plugging and
patching. A plug may work if your tire has a smaller puncture, but a
patch may have to be used for more severe damage. A professional can
help you determine if a plug or patch would be appropriate for
repairing your tire.
3.
You May Not Have the Right Equipment
Repairing
a tire is not as easy as just purchasing a tire patch kit. You'll
also need to have the right tools to jack your car up and remove the
tire. Additionally, you may need an air compressor to replace the air
that has leaked out.
If
you have to go out and buy a jack or a lug wrench that has the
appropriate socket for your car, then you may find that taking your
car to a tire shop to have your tire repaired is the better idea. The
technicians at the shop that you go to should have easy access to all
of the necessary equipment to get the job done quickly and properly.
4.
Driving With an Improperly Repaired Tire Is Dangerous
If
you don't patch or plug your tire properly, you could find yourself
in a dangerous situation. You may reach higher speeds on your
repaired tire — after you think that it has been fixed properly —
only to have the plug or patch fail, causing you to get into an
accident. A professional can help you make sure that your tire is
safe to drive on, though.
5.
Your Tire Could Be Damaged If It's Not Repaired Properly
In
addition to possibly being in an accident because of a tire that has
not been repaired properly, then there might be other problems for
you to worry about, too. When a tire is repairable, choosing to
repair it instead of replacing it can save you a lot of money.
If
the tire is not repaired properly, though, it could become more
damaged when you drive on it. If this happens, then you may have to
replace the tire completely.
6.
Professional Repairs Are Often Affordable
You
might be thinking about trying to repair your own tire because of the
cost of having it done by a professional. However, many tire shops
will plug or patch a tire without charging a lot for the service.
In
comparison to the cost of the tire repair kit and the time that
you'll have to put into trying to repair your tire yourself, you may
find that the reasonable cost of having your tire professionally
repaired is well worth it.
If
you have a tire that needs to be repaired, don't just buy a tire
repair kit to try to do it yourself. Contact
us at
Radial Tire Service to find out more about having your tire repaired.
