It's hard to defend whether to plug a tire, let alone repair an existing plug in a tire. Tire manufacturers, auto mechanics and tire plug companies can't even agree amongst their industries, let alone with each other. However, if a plugged tire has failed, it's safe to assume replugging the tire is not a suitable option. A superior repair to begin with is a tire patch-plug. This option removes the tire from the rim and repairs the tire from the inside of the bladder. It also offers an interior inspection of the tire to ensure rubber shavings are not present, an indication the sidewall has been compromised. Since the cost of a patch-plug is more significant then a standard exterior plug, the worth of the tire should be determined before patch-plugging occurs.

Things You'll Need:

• Tire machine
• Tire balance machine
• Tire reamer
• Pliers
• Spray bottle with soapy water
• Vulcanizing fluid
• Tire bead sealer
• Re-buffer tool
• Patch roller tool
• Tire stand

• Step 1

  Break the tire down from the rim using the tire machine after any remaining air inside the tire has been relieved. On blackwall tires, mark the inside sidewall of the tire to replace it in the same position on the rim when the time comes.

• Step 2

  Place the tire onto a tire stand with the failed plug in a comfortable angle to repair. Tire plugs and patch-plugs should only be repaired if the injury to the tire is within the tire tread and not near the sidewall. Remove the failed plug by pulling it out from inside the tire bladder with a pair of pliers.

• Step 3

  Inspect the inside of the tire to assure no rubber shavings or powder are present. If so, the sidewall has been compromised and the tire should be replaced. If not, re-buff the injured area from inside the bladder in a 2-inch circumference around the discarded plug. This is equivalent to sanding a wooden surface so paint will apply to it better.

• Step 4

  Apply a light coat of vulcanizing liquid to the re-buffed area of the tire and allow it to become tacky. This will take a few minutes depending on the amount applied. Remove the wrappers from both sides of the tire patch-plug, if applicable. Place the metal guide of the plug into the injury of the tire and push in as far as you can. If the patch-plug goes in too easily, the hole in the tire is too large to repair. If the metal guide cannot easily go into the injury, ream the hole a little with the tire reamer. From the outside tread, pull the metal guide through the tire with a pair of pliers. Discard the guide. It will slide off after it completely seals the patch-plug to the bladder of the tire.

• Step 5

  Gently pull on the plug from the outside tread of the tire while applying the tire patch roller over the surface of the patch from inside the tire. Make sure the patch does not roll or move during this step or the patch will not seal. Either too much vulcanizing liquid was used or you didn't allow enough time for it to become tacky. If this is the case, remove the patch-plug and start over.

• Step 6

  Apply another light coat of vulcanizing fluid to the top of the patch-plug from inside the bladder. Cover the entire patch and about 1/2 inch beyond each edge of it. Allow the fluid to cure again. Applying a light coat of tire bead seal on top of the vulcanizing fluid is also a common practice.

• Step 7

  Replace the tire onto the rim using the tire machine. Inflate the tire to the correct specifications indicated on the tire placard of the vehicle. Spray the protruding plug of the tire with a spray bottle full of soapy water and allow to spread across the surface. If air bubbles are present, the patch-plug failed. If air bubbles are not present, trim the plug close to the tread and then balance the tire.