Tire Patch Kits: When You Should Use One

Do-it-yourself repairs can work in a pinch but not in all circumstances.

David Gluckman | 

Aug 28, 2023 | 3 min read

Austin Lott | Capital One

Flat tires rarely happen at an opportune time or in a convenient location. If you don't have a spare — an absence that's becoming more common on modern cars — your options are limited. You might call roadside assistance or a mobile tire service, or you could pick up a patch kit and try to fix the issue yourself.

Tool-Free Tire Fixes

Assuming your tire has a minor puncture wound — quarter inch or smaller — there are a couple temporary repair options. One is sealant that comes in an aerosol can. The sprayer hooks up to the valve stem via a tube. It shoots enough sealant into the tire to fill the hole and inflate the tire enough to lift the rim off the ground. You can then limp to a gas-station air pump and restore the proper pressure.

This type of product is great in an emergency, but it won't last. You will need a replacement or permanent repair, typically within a couple of days or 100 miles after the puncture. A word of caution: Tire shops don't like to be surprised by sealant goop. If you choose to use it, let the shop know before they begin the work.

Another option is a tire plug, which is a bit of tacky, stringy rubber that you put into the hole to seal it. Kits often contain various tools to help you prepare and fill the puncture wound, but you'll need an air pump to restore pressure. As with the aerosol method, these repairs are temporary.

Tire Repairs That Require Tools

A tire patch, which gets applied to the inner liner to make the tire airtight again, necessitates removing the rubber from the wheel. This often involves using a large machine to unseat the tire bead, so this is a job for a professional. The patch will fix the issue with the tire liner, allowing the tire to hold air for a time, but it won't address the exterior puncture. That's why a patch alone isn't recommended.

A tire patch-and-plug combo is just what it sounds like, a plug for the hole in the tread and a patch to repair the inner liner. Like a plain patch, it requires access to the inside of the tire. If your tire is a candidate for repair, this is the way to go. It addresses the damage to the inner liner and fills the hole in the tread, keeping water and debris from getting into the rubber's belts and cords.

When to Visit the Tire Shop

If you attempt a DIY repair, you'll need to replace the tire sooner than later. Most temporary-fix products provide a maximum distance or time limit, so it's best to heed the directions on the package. If the tire is seriously damaged — if the sidewall is punctured, for instance — you'll likely have to call a tow truck. While that can be pricey, it's the safe route.

David Gluckman

David Gluckman has over a decade of experience as a writer and editor for print and digital automotive publications. He can parallel park a school bus, has a spreadsheet listing every vehicle he’s ever tested, and once drove a Lincoln Town Car 63 mph in reverse. When David’s not searching for the perfect used car, you can find him sampling the latest gimmicky foodstuffs that America has to offer.