Tire Repair or Replacement? How to Decide
When you get your car running on those busy roads, there remains a chance that the tires of the vehicle may get punctured or damaged by accident. If a person continues to drive without getting the tire repaired or replaced, then the risk of a mishap increases considerably. There are two options available after your vehicle tire gets damaged, either you get them repaired, or you replace them entirely. A lot of people prefer tire repair over the replacement option because the former is comparatively less expensive. People often forget that their life can be put at risk if the right decision is not made.
There are some cases when no matter how much you spend on repairs, it will not suffice. Some types of damage are so severe that even if you get them fixed from a top-notch repair shop, it will not be fit for getting back on those busy roads. To make people aware and educate them about the situations when the tire should not be repaired and instead replaced, a list of probable conditions has been made. Take a look at the following cases and make sure you pay attention to each of them.
Puncture Caused Inside Or Outside the Tread Area
The tread area is the area that is inside the circumferential groove of a tire. While driving, any portion of the tire may be punctured. If the puncture is within the tread area then you can go ahead with repairs, but if it is on the outer side, then it is better that you replace the tire. No professional repair shop is going to go ahead with a repair work that can leave you open to an accident. Even after finding the exact location of the puncture, if you still fail to decide between tire repair and tire replacement, then it is better than you ask a professional. It will ensure you don’t end up taking a wrong decision.
Replace the Tire In Case Of a Sidewall Puncture
The sidewall of the tire is known to flex a lot while you drive. Excessive flexing may lead to the loosening of a tire patch, which isn’t suitable for safe driving. Repairs made on the sidewalls mostly tend to fail, no matter how many times you get them repaired. Moreover, a puncture in a sidewall can also be looked upon as a sensitive point that might lead the tire to burst when extreme pressure is experienced. It is better to go ahead with tire replacement in such a situation because it concerns your safety.
Damage Caused To the Shoulder Tire Area
The shoulder area is the one portion of a tire that stays under extreme pressure when compared to the other tire areas. When the wheels run on the road, it is the shoulder area that gets the maximum flexes, making it difficult for the tire patch to stay there. Minor repair work can never cover up the damage entirely, and there will also remain chances that while driving the repair work ends up getting loose, resulting in an instant blowout. It can make you vulnerable to a lot of unfortunate events and accidents. It is advised that people choose to replace the entire tire in case of shoulder area damage, as it will make sure you have a safer driving experience.
Cuts Can Never Be Repaired To Restore the Tire Strength
While driving on the road, your car tire may get cuts after being driven over debris or any other material. Before you decide between a tire repair and a tire replacement, in this case, it is advisable that you check the size of the puncture first. If the cut is equal to or less than ¼” long, then you can go ahead with tire repair. In case, the cut exceeds the specified measurement then tire replacement is the best option. To stay on the safe side, even if the cut is exactly ¼” long or a bit less, you can still consider going ahead with a tire replacement. A lot of people fail to get the exact measurement, so they prefer getting it measured by a professional repairman. On asking, he will give you the accurate measurement detail and can also guide you on whether you should opt for a replacement or just repair work.
Damage Caused Due To a Flat Tire
If your car is running on low-pressure tires, then it is time for you to start maintaining a proper air level in them. Flat tires often cause the sidewalls to come into contact with the road, This can wear down the inner linings of the sidewall. This might cause damage that is irreparable. Many a time, it happens that a minor cut or a puncture takes place and the driver doesn’t even realize it. With time, the air inside the tire leaks out, resulting in a low-pressure tire. When a considerable amount of air has leaked out, then the chances of meeting an accident increases.
Astringent Damage
There are cases where a tire can get severely damaged. Suppose a tire has many tears and rips, tread separation, damage to the bead, and you don’t have any option but to get the tire replaced. A genuine repairman will never repair a tire in such cases and ask the owner to get a tire replacement. It is because the repairman knows these damages cannot be fully repaired. Moreover, it also exposes the driver to the possibility of accidents.
Conclusion
The cases mentioned above should always be taken into consideration when you make the final call regarding a replacement or repair work in regards to your vehicle. Being cautious and aware of a few crucial things can save you from meeting with an accident. If you want to play safe, then you should always take your car for scheduled maintenance sessions. A reliable service provider will check your entire vehicle, and fix any problems that are detected.
