I was going home after taking my son to school this morning and ran over something that punched a large hole in the tread of my nearly brand new tires. I was being cheap when I bought them so I didn't have the money to buy the road protection. I might be able to push three of the "cork" plugs to get it to hold but I don't like going more than 2 for fear of them coming out. I really wanted to do an inner plug patch, but them someone else mentioned vulcanizing it. It has been a long time since I've heard of anyone doing this so I wanted to hear if anyone knows how to do this or if they know anyone that might be able to do it.

thanks

 

If it's just a nail/screw type hole, plug it with the cloth type plugs and call it a day. The only other modern repair I've seen is to dismount the tire, rough up the back side, apply the patch adhesive, and a patch. But if it's a hole large enough you don't think a plug would fix it, I'd probably replace the tire.

 

Don't think old school repairs work on radials these days. If it's bigger than what a plug will repair I'd guess the tire is shot. Never fails, new tires and get a flat.

 

That is what I was thinking of doing originally until I heard the guy mention vulcanizing, I would just have to find a large plug type patch since the hole is larger than the reamer for the cork plug kit. If I have to I will replace it, but if a repair is an option I see no reason to waste a good tire, that's all.

I think that it does still work because after searching some for it on the internet I was reading some posts in a 4x4 forum about some guys doing vulcanizing on 4 inch cuts in their sidewalls. They also mentioned something about boots but I have no idea what those are. Besides, if I understand the basic process correctly, it is just melting the rubber back together to make a stronger repair than any other offered, but still not as strong as a new tire.