How Close to the Sidewall You Can Safely Patch or Plug Your Tires

PDF download Download Article
When it’s OK to fix flat tires by yourself versus when to replace them
PDF download Download Article

Do you have a flat tire but the hole is closer to the sidewall than the treads? While it’s normally safe to patch your tire on the treads, where it got punctured determines if it’s possible to repair or if you need a replacement. Keep reading, and we’ll walk you through how to check your tire to ensure patching the damage is a safe and effective solution.

Things You Should Know

  • Patch your tires if the puncture is more than 1 ⁄ 2  in (1.3 cm) in from the sidewall or shoulder treads.
  • Insert a tire plug for a temporary solution without removing the tire. Use a combination patch and plug to permanently repair tires from the inside.
  • Replace tires if the sidewalls are damaged, if the puncture is larger than 1 ⁄ 4  in (0.64 cm), or if the treads are shorter than 1 ⁄ 16  in (1.6 mm).
Section 1 of 4:

Safe Patching Distance from Sidewall

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Tires have a steel belt underneath the treads for extra reinforcement, but the sidewall and curved shoulder treads are thinner and weaker. If you find the leak and damage on the center treads, then it’s safe to patch up. If the puncture is less than 1 ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) from the curve at the edge of the tire, then replace your tire instead. [1]
    • Tires with damage on the shoulders or sidewalls are more likely to blowout and cause you to lose control of your vehicle, even if you try patching the hole. [2]
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

When is it safe to patch a tire?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d3\/How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d3\/How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Measure the width of the puncture with a measuring tape or ruler. If there’s a small puncture, like if you’re fixing a nail in your tire , then it’s a good candidate for patching. If the puncture has a larger diameter, then replace the tire completely.
    • Patches aren’t thick enough to safely seal holes larger than 1 ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm), so they’re more likely to fail.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Place the top of a penny into the treads on your tire to measure them . If the top of Lincoln’s head is visible above the treads, then your treads have worn down and it’s time to replace your tires. If the treads cover up Lincoln’s head, then your tires are still thick enough to patch. [3]
    • When your treads are worn down, your tires are more likely to get damaged and you’ll have a harder time controlling your vehicle.
    • If your tire treads are fine on one side of the tire but worn down unevenly on the other, then it’s best to have your tire replaced.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Inspect the area around the puncture for signs of old patches or plugs in your tire. If there isn’t any previous damage within 16 inches (41 cm) of the hole you’re trying to plug, then you’re safe to patch your tire and continue driving on it. If you see any old patches or plugs nearby, then replace the tire instead.
    • Placing patches or plugs within 16 inches (41 cm) of one another negatively affects the structural integrity of your tire so it’s more likely to be damaged again.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5d\/How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5d\/How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Look over the tire’s surface for any signs of cracking, bubbling, or separation from the rim. If you notice any tire damage besides the puncture, then replace the tire to ensure that it lasts. If the puncture is the only damage, then it’s okay to just patch the hole instead. [4]
    5. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

Patching a Tire

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Try a tire sealant spray for a temporary fix. Read the directions on the sealant you bought since the directions may vary slightly. Pull out the object that punctured your tire, and connect the tube on the can of sealant to the air valve on your tire. Press the button on the can to apply sealant inside your tire . Slowly drive your vehicle back and forth to spread the sealant throughout your tire and fill the hole. [5]
    • Most sealants recommend patching your tire within 3 days or after you drive 100 miles (160 km).
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/95\/How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/95\/How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Insert a tire plug to quickly patch your tire without removing it. Pull the object that punctured your tire out with a pair of pliers. Stick the smooth pointed awl from the tire plug kit into the hole and spin it around to smooth out the hole. Slide a plug piece through the hole on the insertion tool. Remove the awl and poke the insertion tool with the plug into the hole. Pull the insertion tool straight out and use a pair of scissors to trim the excess plug from your tire. [6]
    • Tire plugs may eventually leak or come loose after driving on them for a long time.
    • Keep in mind that whatever punctured your tire must be within the tire’s tread width for a tire plug to work. If it punctures outside of the tread width, like along the sidewall, it’s irreparable.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8d\/How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8d\/How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Install a patch and plug inside your tire for a permanent solution. To start patching your tire , take out the object that punctured the treads and unmount the old tire from the rim. Buff and clean the inside and outside of the tire so the surface is smooth. Spread the adhesive that came with the patch on the inside and outside of the tire. Push the plug through the treads from the inside of the tire and press the patch down firmly. Once the patch dries, install it back on the rim to put back on your vehicle. [7]
    • If you don’t feel comfortable taking the tires completely off the wheel, then take your vehicle to a mechanic for repairs. Patching a tire usually costs less than $50 USD.
    4. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Avoiding Tire Damage

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/64\/How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/64\/How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Check the sidewalls on your tires and your vehicle’s manual to determine the proper air pressure for your tires. Insert a pressure gauge into the air valve on your tire to check the pressure . If your tires are lower than the recommended reading, then fill them up with an air compressor. If the reading is too high, press in on the valve to let out some of the pressure.
    • Check your local gas station to see if they have an air compressor to use.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Take your wheels off your vehicle and rotate their positions . The rotation pattern depends on the type of vehicle and tires you have, but it’s still best to swap their positions so the treads can wear evenly.
    • If the treads wear unevenly, they may thin out and make your tires more vulnerable to puncture damage.
    • Try rotating your tires any time you change your vehicle’s oil so it’s easy to incorporate with routine maintenance.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-How-Close-to-Sidewall-Can-a-Tire-Be-Patched-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    As you’re driving, be extra aware of any potholes, rocks, or items left in the middle of the street so you don’t run over them. When you’re driving on rougher roads, slow down to prevent damage to your tires. [8]
    • Do your best to avoid running over or scraping against the curb since it wears away your tires and makes them more vulnerable to damage.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Warnings

      • Installing patches or using sealant injected into the tire may void the warranty, so do it at your own risk. [9]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Let Air Out of a Tire
      How to
      Loosen Lug Nuts
      How to
      Put a Spare Tire on Your Vehicle: 11 Simple Steps
      How to
      Remove a Stuck Wheel & Prevent It From Happening Again
      How to
      Change Wheel Bearings
      How Old Are Your Tires? Reading the DOT Code & Replacing Old Tires
      How to
      Cut a Tire
      How to
      Check Tire Tread with a Penny
      How to
      Put Tires on Rims
      How to
      Measure Wheel Offset
      How to
      Replace Tie Rod Ends
      How to
      Measure Rims
      How to
      Identify Run Flat Tires
      How to
      Check the Tire Pressure at a Gas Station
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about fixing car issues, check out our in-depth interview with Howard Fleischmann .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFDkVqsiPzI
      2. ↑ https://www.themechanicdoctor.com/how-can-you-tell-if-you-have-a-bad-tire/
      3. ↑ https://www.firestonetire.com/content/dam/bst/PDF/GM_OE_Warranty_EN.pdf
      4. ↑ https://safetyseal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/2020-SS-Liquid-Patch-Instructions.pdf
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/82dB4XfUc-o?t=40
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/Xq3dDoYRlQg?t=287
      7. ↑ https://www.lawsonproducts.ca/media/cache/pdfs/PIRAT_Tire_Repair_PI.pdf?version=fdce51f1
      8. ↑ https://owners.honda.com/static/pdfs/common/Michelin%20(E).pdf
      9. ↑ https://www.firestonetire.com/content/dam/bst/PDF/GM_OE_Warranty_EN.pdf

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 40,942 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement