How Much Does It Cost To Get A Tire Patched

By David Barlow
Last updated: Nov 27, 2022
How much does it cost to patch a tire

Have some minor trouble with your car tire and want to take it to a repair station? But before doing that, you have no idea about “patch tire cost” despite searching for so long?

Do not worry. Our article will give you the most comprehensive information about the problem you are looking for. Scroll down to discover the answer in no time!

How Much Does It Cost To Patch A Tire?

In general, the demand for vehicle tire patching is always in extremely high condition. Although the implementation cost is very cheap (compared to other parts), it is still a huge moneymaker for repair centers and auto shops.

The answer completely depends on how you choose to repair it. If you make it yourself at home, the estimated patch tire cost will be around $6. When you bring it to the auto shop, the price you have to pay will range from $10 to $40 (depending on the location and damage situation).

Much of this cost will stem from the effort and time that a mechanic will spend. What will surprise you is that a patch has a wholesale price of less than $2, while a glob of bead sealer also costs less than $0.1.

It takes a mechanic about 15 minutes to patch a product. We consider the above rates reasonable, due to an average price of around $120 an hour for their work.

Many newbies will choose to repair themselves because of their ideal price. But completing the task most efficiently is harder than you think! To avoid wasting time and money on failed patches, we recommend sending the spare parts to a repair center.

Then, how much does it cost to plug a tire?

Many people choose the plugging method to fix their problems. The cost for each repair ranges from 10 to 20 $ – a relatively ideal price.

See more: How long does it take to patch a tire

What To Consider Before Fixing A Tire?

Before taking these parts to a repair center, please remember that not all products can receive the repair. Some punctures are small but located in the critical position, or too large holes will not offer any hope for patching.

Therefore, you need to evaluate to know if your product can be repaired or completely replaced before sending it to the auto shop.

To prepare well for the assessment, you must not drive with a flat tire. If you ignore our advice, it will only make the problem worse. The enormous weight of the car will cause the parts inside the wheel to be crushed, adding to the severity of the problem.

Next, you need to determine the exact location of the sharp object that damaged the part. Usually, you can easily spot it from a distance. If the search makes it difficult for you, running your hands around the spikes will help you.

Edge Test

Sidewalls play an important role in maintaining the wheel’s shape during travel. Once this part is damaged, you will have to replace a new product for your vehicle.

So, is there a standard for punctures on the side of the product?

Damages located 2 inches away are impossible to repair. If your product is not so lucky, even going to a repair center will not be able to solve the problem.

If you still insist on patching the tires, they will not last long and are very prone to explosion. Therefore, it is illegal to repair those punctures at stores in some localities.

If you wonder if you are in this unlucky situation, do an experiment to verify. Using your thumb to determine the distance is best if you don’t have a ruler by your side.

Suppose the gap is the size of a thumb or more, you can safely send your product to a repair center. Otherwise, get ready to look for a replacement for your broken part.

Length Test

The location and the length of the puncture is also a factor worthy of your consideration. The most recorded failure cases included nail punctures caused by nails. Therefore, the repair is also much more convenient and easier.

In this case, the repair center will serve you by applying a patch or plugging the tire. But for punctures with a length of 2.5 inches or more, all remedial measures are futile.

A basic patch cannot guarantee complete sealing of the hole’s surface for fatal wounds like this. Air permeation will damage your product from the inside. It will soon explode or become flat again and greatly affect other parts of the wheel.

What Should You Do To Fix Your Flat Tire?

You have two options to consider when having trouble with a flat tire. To know more about the repair process of each method, scroll down immediately!

Fix your flat tire

Patching

You need to completely disassemble the tire from the wheel to begin this process. Then disassemble the rim and start cleaning the inner lining with sandpaper.

After cleaning the hole, place the patch to cover the hole and smooth it along with the product. After adding bead sealant, you can reattach the product to the wheel and continue enjoying your ride.

Plugging

Plugging is a simpler fix reserved for punctures created by nails.

You need to start this method using the T-handle to push the plug strip in as far as possible, then pull it out quickly. In the end, you need to complete the task by cutting the excess plug strip away.

FAQs

Should You Repair Your Tire on Your Own?

You can completely do this work yourself, but there is no guarantee for your future distance. 

Improper patching will put you at high risk of sudden flat and explosion. Therefore, we recommend you use the repair services at car repair centers to get the best results for your safety.

If you have long experience in this work, doing it yourself will save you a lot of money!

How Long Does a Tire Patch Last?

If properly glued, a patched product can last up to five years! Therefore, do not hesitate to apply this method immediately if you face a similar situation with your parts.

Is It Better to Patch or Plug a Flat Tire?

It is completely dependent on the damaged condition of the product. You should use plugs for holes caused by nails and similar sharp objects because of their low cost and effectiveness. 

However, patching will prolong the life of the wheel while preventing the risk of a part blowout more than the plugging method.

Our Final Thought

Tire failure is a problem that no driver wants to encounter during their journey. But if you run into this problem, being fully equipped with the necessary knowledge on how to fix it will make you overcome the problem without any difficulty.

David Barlow

Automotive Experts at World Tire Review

Hi everyone, I’m David (Tireguy). I believe that finding tires can lead to a lot of confusion and frustration for almost every driver. That’s why I would like to bring my experiences and knowledges to develop World Tire Review blog, it will give people a deeper understanding of what choosing the right tire is really like!