How to Repair Sidewall Damage to Tires
There’s nothing more devastating than purchasing a set of new tires only to have the sidewall damaged within a few days. You may endure a nail sticking in your sidewall or something as small as a stick. These things can luckily be repaired, but if your tires are intentionally sliced with a knife, you will have to replace the tire completely.
Items Needed to Repair Sidewall of Tire:
- Tire Plug Kit
How to Repair Sidewall Damage to Tires
- Check in your local auto parts store for a tire plug kit. Make sure you ask one of the sales associates to help you find a kit that will work with your type of tires. Most of these kits are reasonable in price and will get the job done.
- Make sure your kit has a couple of plugs and a tube of cement included in the kit. This is usually all you will need to repair the small puncture on the sidewall.
- Remove the item that has punctured your sidewall. You want to plug the tire when while it is still inflated. It is easiest to do it this way, but it can also be repaired while deflated. You will need to apply the plug quickly once the item that punctured your tire is removed.
- Put cement on the plug installer. You will notice that it looks like a T-handle. You will push the plug into the area that has been punctured. You will need to use a lot of force when doing so.
- Move the plug in and out and turn it. You will be applying the cement while shaving and cleaning the hole.
- Put a generous amount of cement on the center of the plug. You will insert it into the puncture with your T-handle. Stretch the plug across the puncture and insert the middle. Avoid pushing the plug in to hard to avoid it going all the way through. Cut your plug down and tire will be sealed.