Guideline on Buying Tires How Tire Service Technicians Assess Issues | Page 12

Avoiding Temporary or 'Do It Yourself'
Solutions
Why is a temporary or do-it-yourself tire repair solution not appropriate? Using a string plug or patch
without properly sealing a tire puncture is not strong enough to completely seal the tire's inner liner, as
well as filling the hole left behind by the offending object. If left alone, the plug or patch could wear
off, causing air to leak out again. Moisture may also enter the inner cavity of the tire and travel to the
steel belts inside, causing possible corrosion and instability when in operation.
Tire sealants or emergency inflators with sealants are also not a permanent solution. They're not a long
term solution for tire repair for similar reasons as string plugs and patches.