The life of a trucker is hard. It’s not just the long hours they have to drive but also the safety risks that come with it. One risk is getting stuck on the side of the road because your tire has gone flat.
How long can you drive on a plugged tire? While some people might think you can make it to your destination safely with a plug or a patch, this blog post will show you why it’s better to be safe than sorry and replace your tire as soon as possible!
Methods of Temporary Tire Repairs
There are a few methods of temporary tire repairs that can be done: plugs, patches, and sealants.
- Plugs are inserted into the hole in the tire and then inflated. This will help you to make it to your destination, but it is not a permanent fix. The plug could come out or the hole could get bigger, which would cause more problems.
- Patches are glued over the hole in the tire. This is also not a permanent fix and can come loose over time. It is also difficult to do a good job of patching a tire because you have to get the glue all around the hole.
- Sealants are put into the tire before it goes flat. They work by sealing up any hole that might appear in the tire. They are a temporary fix, but unlike plugs or patches they do not have to be replaced later on.
There are also combination methods that use patches, plugs, and sealants at the same time. However, none of these are meant to get you further than the nearest tire repair place.
Safer Solutions for Truck Drivers
Instead of driving with a plugged or patched tire, your best option is to replace tire as soon as you possibly can! Many trucking companies provide roadside assistance and will send someone out if you get into trouble. It’s always better to call ahead than wait until it’s too late! Make sure the tires on your vehicle meet all federal regulations before hitting the road so you don’t put yourself at risk when there is an accident waiting to happen. Driving up hills puts extra stress on your tires and can cause them go flat much faster than normal conditions would allow for—so be especially careful when traveling in hilly areas!
In a worst-case scenario, if you have to drive on a plugged or patched tire for an extended period of time, make sure you are driving below the speed limit and that your load is evenly distributed. This will help to minimize the stress on your tire. And finally, always keep an eye on your tire pressure and adjust it as needed! Having the right amount of air in your tires is key to maintaining good control of your vehicle.
It’s important to remember that driving with a plugged or patched tire is risky business—so don’t take any chances and replace it as soon as possible! Rather than ask yourself how long can you drive with a plugged tire, look for a permanent solution. There are plenty of safe solutions available for truck drivers, so there’s no need to put yourself and others at risk.
Need help now? Contact our Gainesville mobile tire service. Also, take to learn how to do proper tire maintenance.
