FAQ Tire Repair
Can you fix a sidewall or shoulder?
Most tire shops will not repair the shoulder or sidewall of a tire. This decision is influenced by the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA). They make a blanket statement that only the very center can be repaired. The USTMA represents major tire manufactures and they would rather that you buy a new tire. BlackJack has millions of successful repairs anywhere on any tubeless tire with its BlackJack Kits and Inserts.
What is the difference between a plug and a patch?
A patch is a cured rubber disc (cookie) with uncured gum rubber on one side. A plug often get a negative review because of the many inferior repairs on the market. A perennate repair like out BlackJack inserts are made of a totally vulcanized compound reinforced with high tensile strength cord and made with aramid fiber (Kevlar). Some plugs are made of hard rubber or plastic that can cause stress on the belts that can cause permanent damage.
Are tire plugs legal?
There are presently no Federal and no State laws regarding repairs done to tires in the United States. FMCSA (49 CFR 393.75)
How much does it cost to repair a tire?
In the United States it normally cost between $20 to $50.
How long does it take to repair a tire with patch or plug-patch?
To dismount a tire and place a patch on the inside will normally take 20-45 minutes. To install a plug patch, it can add an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
What if I drive with a nail in my tire?
It is not safe to drive with any puncturing object in your tire. If the nail is long, it may do additional damage to the inside of the tire that cannot be repaired.
If I need to replace one tire, should I replace them all?
All-Wheel Drive (AWD/4WD): Generally, all four tires must be replaced together. Replacing just one can cause significant drivetrain damage due to diameter differences. On most 2WD and 4WD vehicles if the tire is 50% worn, you should replace at least the two tires on the same axle.
Can a “Run-Flat” tire be repaired?
Often a run-flat tire has been driven long distances without air. In this case the tire should not be repaired. If it just went flat overnight it can be repaired with a BlackJack kit.
Do I need to have my tire rebalanced after a tire repair?
Yes, you should have your tire rebalanced after a tire repair with an inside patch or patch-plug because it changes the tire’s weight distribution. With the BlackJack Kit & Inserts no rebalancing is necessary.
Can nitrogen stop my tires from losing pressure? Nitrogen molecules are larger than oxygen, meaning they leak through the tire liner more slowly; however, it will not repair a puncture.
How large of a hole can be repaired?
The hole in a normal passenger car tire should be 1/4 inch (6mm) or less in diameter. Heavy duty tires with a lot of tread and plies can be repaired with BlackJack Kit & Inserts. In some cases, you can use multiple repairs in one hole. The tire and location of the injury dictate how large of hole can be repaired. The stiffer the tire, the larger the hole that can be repaired. We have heard of heavy-duty earthmoving tires with a hole the size of your fist has successfully been repaired.
What are the dangers of dismounting a tire and repairing the inside?
Excessive spreading of the tire can cause damage to the belts. Buffing the tire inner liner too deep can permanently damage the tire. Dismounting a tire can cause damage to the bead which may not be repairable. When dismounting a chrome or polished aluminum wheel it can be marring or scratched. Sometimes there can be damage to the TPMS sensor which can cost over $100.
Does it cause damage to a tire to drive while flat?
Driving on a flat tire causes severe damage It can cause non-repairable damage to the tire and rim.
What can cause a tread-belt separation?
Tread separation can be caused by hitting curbs or potholes. It can also be caused by inserting a hard plug into a hole as a repair. Additionally, if a patch only is placed on the inside of the tire, water can enter from the outside and rust and weaken the belts.
What if I cannot tell if there is internal tire damage?
You should know if it is your tire if you have driven on it while it was flat. If not, examine the tire with air in the tire. Check for belt or tread separation and any soft spots on the tire. If any doubts, you need to dismount the tire for further inspection.
What would cause a bubble on my tire?
If air and moisture are allowed to enter the cords from the inside or the outside, this can cause tread separation. Driving on an improper tire repair e.g. a patch only or any repair that does not seal the tire on the inside and all of the way through the tread area. If you drive in the rain, water can be forced into the tread at over 50 psi.
What would cause my tire to be wavy or with bulges?
This can be caused by belts that have shifted. This can be caused by some impact, or improper tire repair and air and moisture that are allowed to enter the cords from the inside or the outside.
What could cause permanent tire damage?
Improper repair that allows air and moisture to enter the cord area. Hitting a curb or pothole can cause the belts to shift. If you insert a hard repair in a hole can also cause the belts to shift. If this happens it cannot be repaired.
Are tires that are manufactured with puncture sealant on the inside of the tire repairable? Yes, however using a patch inside requires removing the sealant which is very difficult. It may be better to use a BlackJack insert.
Does a patch volcanize to the tire?
The inner liner is buffed to open up more surface area, a vulcanizing fluid (cement) is applied and allowed to dry. The patch with a layer of uncured gum rubber is then stitched down. The chemicals in the fluid cause the gum rubber to volcanize.
Are some types of tire repair illegal
There are presently no Federal or State laws regarding repairs done to tires in the United States. FMCSA (49 CFR 393.75)
Can a speed rated Tire be repaired
Yes they can be repaired however any repair voids its original high-speed rating.
Can a motorcycle tire be repaired?
Yes, it is repairable, but considering the critical nature of motorcycle tires, we recommend replacement.
Can a tire on a steer axle of a truck be repaired?
Yes, it is repairable, but considering the critical nature of a steer axle, we recommend replacement. There are currently no federal or state laws in the United States that explicitly outlaw any type or brand of tire repair. FMCSA (49 CFR 393.75)
Does a tire repair void tire manufacturer’s warranty?
Tire repair generally does not void the manufacturer’s warranty. This warranty specifically protects you against defects in materials and workmanship of the tire itself, it does not normally cover road hazard unless you purchase this separately.
Does the tire need to be removed from the rim?
If there is any known or suspected damage to the tire it should be removed for inspection. When removing the tire from the rim there can be additional problems. One problem is damage to the bead which may not be repairable. Another can be marring or scratching the wheel, or even damage to the TPMS sensor which can cost over $100.
Is a hole in the sidewall covered by warranty?
A hole in the tire sidewall is almost never covered by a standard manufacturer’s warranty. You can sometimes purchase road hazard insurance or emergency assistance which include flat tire changing assistance.
Can a “Quiet” Tire be repaired?
A portion of the foam must be cut away to expose the tire’s inner liner. Some shops may refuse to work on these types of tires due to the extra labor. These normally can be repaired with BlackJack Kits & inserts.
Should a rasp or drill be used in a tire? No, a rasp or any drill or carbide should not normally be used in a tire. These can do additional structural damage to the tire. If you see rusted belts in the tire, you have no choice but to cut out the damaged cords. If you remove some of the structure of the tire it will need to be replaced with a patch plug combination with cord reinforcement. Cord reinforced combi unites are the ones that have bead arrows that indicate the position the unit should be installed.
Who is the tyre repair master on shop?
Hasnaaat is tyre repair master on black jack tyre