Are "Plug" Repairs Safe To Drive On?

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)'s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has published guidelines stating that:

• Proper puncture repair requires both a plug for the hole and a patch for the area inside the tire that surrounds the puncture hole
• Only small punctures to the tread should be repaired
• Punctures to the tire’s sidewall should never be repaired
• Tires must be removed from the rim for proper inspection prior to plugging and patching

If your plug repair isn't legit – or you aren't sure – your tire should be inspected by a professional to ensure that it's safe to drive on. Stop by your local Big O Tires location if you'd like us to take a look.