When Do Tires Need to Be Repaired vs Replaced?

Whether you have suffered a flat tire, a slow leak, or some other tire malady, one of your first questions for our mechanics will likely be whether to repair or replace the tire. Most drivers prefer to opt for Toyota tire repair, as this is the cheaper option, but there are some situations where replacement is necessary.

Here is a brief guide to the tire repair versus replacement dilemma.  

Repairable Damage 

Most flat tires are caused by a puncture. Punctures or splits that are less than 1/4 of an inch in length can be repaired by the mechanics in our Toyota service center using plugs and patches. Plugs and patches typically do not work well on their own, but when you use a patch to seal the inside and a plug to seal the inside, the two combined will often prevent future flats. 

Non-Repairable Damage 

While tires with a cracked or split sidewall can be safely repaired, if the part of the tire that sits on the wheel is cracked or split, it cannot be safely repaired. Also, if there is a defect in your wheel that is causing the tire damage, then the entire wheel might need to be replaced.  

Determining the Source of a Leak 

The first step to take is to determine where your tire leak is originating. Tires can leak slowly or blow out completely. In the case of a blowout, the source is easily observed. If you have a slow leak, we'll check the treads, sidewall, and tire bead to locate the source. 

The next step our mechanics will take is to remove the tire from the wheel, which helps determine the severity of the leak. From there, we'll be able to determine if we are able to fix the leak or will need to replace the tire.

For a diagnosis of your specific situation, visit our mechanics at Keyes Toyota.