Pros and Cons of Patching vs. Replacing a Damaged Tire

A visit to your mechanic is always inevitable whenever you have a puncture in your tire. However, because the state of your car tires largely determines your safety on the road, other issues like tire sidewall cracks, thin tread depth, excessive wear, etc., may necessitate a tire service as well. When it comes to a puncture in one of your tires, it can sometimes be difficult to decide whether to patch or replace your tire. Check out the pros and cons of patching vs. replacing and when you should repair or replace a damaged tire.

Pros of Patching

• Patches are often the cheaper option
• All four of your tires will continue to wear evenly as they have the same tread depth.

Cons of Patching

• Higher safety risk compared to replacing
• Patching can only be done once

Pros of Replacing

• Increased traction
• Better performance
• Increased safety

Cons of Replacing

• Replacing tires is often the more expensive option
• Replacing only one tire can lead to uneven wear due to different tread depths

When is Patching or Replacing a Damaged Tire Ideal

Deciding whether to patch or replace a tire depends on several factors.

• The severity of the damage
• Puncture position on the tire
• Tire repair history
• Tread depth

Patching a Damaged Tire

Tire replacement can be expensive. It need not always be the go-to solution whenever you have a flat tire. Patching a tire, if expertly done, can last for seven to ten years. Several tire damages can be fixed with patching. Examples include:

• Puncture that lies within the puncture repair area. This is the center part of the tire that's about 1 to 1.5 inches from the shoulders.
• Puncture that is less than ¼ inch

Replacing a Damaged Tire

There are incidences where patching won't be enough and settling for a patch could compromise your safety. Instances where a replacement is necessary include:

• Puncture occurs on the sidewall or the shoulders. These areas are considered outside the puncture repair area.
• Puncture is more than ¼ inch
• Puncture is adjacent or overlaps a previously repaired damage
• Thin tread depth
• Excessive wear or cracks on the sidewall

When it comes to your tires, it's always advisable to consult a seasoned mechanic to examine the extent of the damage and recommend the best solution. At Custom Complete Automotive, we offer high-quality patching and replacement services on damaged tires. To learn more about our tire repair services, or for more information regarding any of our other auto services, contact us today!