People often ask how close to sidewall can a tire is patched. The puncture must be at least 1/2 inch from the edge of the tire tread where the inner steel belt begins to ensure a safe repair. Any hole in the shoulder or sidewall of the tire that is less than 1/2 inch from the start of the inner steel belt cannot be repaired. The puncture in the tire must be at least 14″ or 6mm from the sidewall or shoulder of the tire.
We don’t recommend that the puncture be more than a few inches from the edge of the tread. Start your measurement at the sidewall toward the beginning of the inner steel belt. Once the puncture exceeds the dimension criteria, you should discard the tire.
Finally, there are some guidelines to follow before patching your car tire. So, do not repair the tire if it is closer to the sidewall than 14 inches. Also, you should avoid fixing a tire at a right angle. We don’t recommend if the puncture is more than one-quarter inch in diameter.
Also, a damaged sidewall renders your tire repair ineffective, if you also discover a bulge or bubble in the sidewall rubber. In addition, it is not recommended in a region around the punctured and patched tire.
After all, repairs cannot overlap in the sense that they must not endanger a part that has already been fixed or restored. You should not repair a tire that has not been removed from the wheel. If you notice any of these irregularities, it is advisable to discard the tire.
What is a Tire Sidewall?
The sidewall of a tire comprises the entire area between the tread and the bead. The sidewall, often referred to as the sidewall or shoulder of the tire, contains essential information about the tire. The tire manufacturer imprints the tire’s speed rating, load index, and tire size on the sidewall.
How Close to Sidewall Can a Tire is Patched?
When it comes to puncture your tire, you should aim for a 14″ or 6mm hole from the sidewall or shoulder of the tire. A smaller hole can result in more damage to the sidewall and cause leakage.
Anything more than a few inches from the edge of the tread is not recommended. Start your measurement at the sidewall toward the beginning of the inner steel belt. Once the puncture exceeds the dimension criteria, the tire should be discarded.
How to Repair Sidewall Damage to Tires
Repairing sidewall damage to an automobile tire is not simple. Compared to repairing damage to the tread portion of the tire, repairing sidewall damage can be a bit more complicated. This is not to say that it cannot be restored.
It may require time, money, effort, and the use of specific tools. However, you can repair and restore the tire’s integrity in due time. To save time and money, you should avoid attempting to patch a sliced tire.
Tools needed:
- Shop vacuum cleaner
- Tire plugging tool
- Tire jack
- Immersion tanks
- Impact wrench/wrench
- Upright jack
- Rubber preparation
- Tire spreader
- Extruder
- Tread depth gauge.
How do Tire Patches work?
In the unfortunate event that your tire gets a flat, you have two options: plugs or patches. While plugs are relatively simple repairs – making them ideal for emergencies – patches are more substantial and, therefore, laborious. You won’t be able to do them on the shoulder, but they will last much longer.
You must apply patches from inside the tire, requiring dismounting the tire. This is one of the advantages of patching a flat tire; it makes it easier to determine the extent of the damage.
After precisely locating the puncture site, you must file down the sides of the hole. The patch then adheres with the help of vulcanizing cement. To complete the job, you should use a repair sealant. Finally, re-inflate your tire and deactivate it.
Avoid overstressing the tire on long, high-speed trips once you put the patch on the tire. However, you cannot repair all tires. Although it is technically possible to patch holes more prominent than 14 inches, it is not economically feasible over time. In addition, if the puncture is in the tire’s sidewall, it is impossible to repair.
Understanding Sidewall Patches
The surface of a tire has three parts: the crown, the shoulders, and the sidewalls. The peaks are the thickest parts that are in contact with the asphalt. The shoulders are also robust and located on the crown’s outer sides. The sidewalls are the lateral sections of the tire.
They are more refined than the other components and protect the bead ply.
This section displays information about the tire, such as type and size. The sidewall of a tire regulates its height and protects it from debris or other elements.
The sidewall comprises several plies, the number, and content of which vary from tire to tire. Typically, this section is of polyester plies, although some tires include an additional layer of nylon. These characteristics make any puncture in this section irreversible.
Possible Solutions
In extreme circumstances, when there is no choice but to drive with a flat tire or with a patch or plugin the sidewall, never hesitate; always opt for the latter.
If you continue to drive with a flat tire for an extended time, the tire and wheel may be irreparable. In this case, travel as little as possible to the nearest place to replace it. If the puncture is in the sidewall, it is not a great idea to repair it safely because nothing will stick there.
Even if the hole is safely away from the sidewall, you should look for any additional patches or plugs that may be nearby. Generally, repairs should be no closer than 16 inches. Consider buying a more durable tire if you routinely drive off-road or long distances.
Bottom line
Patching your tire should not be a long-term solution, as patches can fail at any time. However, any remedy is preferable to driving with a flat tire. The tire isn’t only dangerous to the car. It’s also dangerous to you and anyone else in the car. A single puncture can cause significant damage to a vehicle, and if not fixed quickly, this could lead to vehicle failure or even a loss of life.
I am an Automotive specialist. I graduated from Michigan with Bachelor in Automotive Engineering and Management. Also, I hold degrees in Electrical and Automation Engineering (BEng), Automatic and Industrial Electronic Engineering, and Automotive Technology. I have worked at General Motors Company for over five years as the Marketing Operations Production Coordinator. Now, I own my garage in Miami, Florida. I love cars and love to share everything about them with my readers. I am the founder of the Automotiveex blog, where I share everything about automotive, like car news, car mechanical issues, and anything else that comes up in my blog posts.
