What is Tire Repair?
Tire repair refers to the process of replacing a faulty tire with a new one or simply repairing a tiny puncture. While it sounds like a job anyone with two hands can handle, it’s recommended to go to a shop that specializes in repairing tires to ensure that you get your problem solved completely.
Why You May Need Your Tire Repaired?
Years ago, car owners frequently dealt with the superfluous hassle of repairing their tires due to the quality. Thanks to the manufacturers and present day technology, tires are meant to withstand even the worst conditions on the road. While this holds much truth, it is not uncommon for people to find themselves needing to have their tire(s) repaired due to weather or other hazards on the road.
How Much Will A Tire Repair Run You?
While a tire repair won’t cost you an arm and a leg, it will cost you a bit of your time. If you’re looking into having a puncture repaired on a tire, you’re looking at spending on average between $10 to $20 dollars. The size of the puncture makes a huge difference and will determine the amount you will spend on getting your tire repaired.
Important Facts You Should Know About Tires
What Process is Used When Repairing a Tire?
A tire plug is exactly what it sounds like; a sticky expandable plug that is inserted into the puncture in hopes of keeping the injury secure long enough for the tire to re-inflate with air.
A patch is also pretty self-explanatory when it comes to description. Better known as a radial patch, this piece of material is used to seal up the damaged tire. Due to the heat caused by driving, the patch eventually melts into the tire completely erasing all notices of repair.
Most vehicles are equipped with a spare tire if you happen to be running on a flat. In some cases, you might have to go to your local car shop to purchase a tire depending on the circumstances.
The Difference Between a Plug and a Patch
While the plug takes less time and can be down without removing the entire tire in comparison to the plug, it’s more likely for a car owner to come back in a shorter amount of time for yet another repair after getting a plug opposed to a patch.
Sources:
http://www.tirereview.com/back-to-basics-1-basic-tire-repair/
https://www.carsdirect.com/car-repair/average-tire-puncture-repair-cost
http://txtire.com/blog/view/fixing-flat-tires-tire-plug-vs-radial-patch
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Tire patches are a huge money maker for auto shops.
They don’t require much labor, and the cost of a patch is really low compared to most other auto parts.
But what is a good price to pay to get a tire patched? Well, that depends. If you patch the tire yourself, expect to spend $6.00. If you take it to the shop, you’re looking at spending anywhere between $10-$40, depending on the situation.
Patching tires yourself is always everyone’s first instinct, since the cost is so low. But many people are deterred when they find out they can’t, due to any number of reasons. Deciding when to do it yourself, versus taking it to the shop is what we’ll explore in this article along with why tire patches can be so pricey. We’ll outline the different reasons you should, or shouldn’t do it yourself. We’ll also examine the different types of patches and the pros and cons of each.
I used to work at a shop on a main highway. Every day, during rush hour traffic, at least 3 customers came in requesting a tire patch. Over the years, I’ve learned the simplicity of the tire patch can be deceiving.
Not all tires are created equal and the same goes for patches.
When a shop patches your tire, most of the cost stems from the mechanic’s time.The wholesale price of a tire patch is less than $2.00. The glob of bead sealer that’s used to seal the patch costs less than $0.10.
But it takes the average mechanic about 15 minutes to patch a tire. Most shops charge around $120 per mechanic hour, so you’re looking at $30-$40 for time and parts. If you want the tire re-balanced, as is recommended, tack on another $13.00.
While a tire patch is among the most simple jobs, it takes time away from mechanics who could be working on higher paying, more demanding jobs. Hence, the hourly rate being applied to the job.
Not all tires can be repaired. There are some tests that mechanics, or you yourself, can perform. Doing these tests will give you a good idea as to whether or not your tire can be repaired.
When your tire becomes flat, the first thing to do is not drive on it.
Driving on a flat tire, even for a short amount of time, can damage it beyond repair. When a tire is operated without air, the vehicle’s weight crushes the tire’s innards turning it to dust.
The next thing to do is see what caused the flat. Nails directly in the middle of the tread are a common occurrence. They can be easily spotted from a distance. If you can’t see it, running your hand around the tread will reveal the location of the nail.
Tire punctures that occur within 2 inches of the sidewall are considered non-repairable. This means neither you, nor the shop, can repair this.
It’s actually against the law for auto-shops to repair tires that have punctures close to the side wall. The issue is, tire patches placed close to the side-wall often result in tire blowouts, due to the shifting nature of a tire’s sidewall to tread relationship.
A good test to measure the distance between the puncture and the sidewall is to place your thumb in that space.
If the puncture is a thumbs width (or more) away from the side wall, you’re in the clear.
If not, sadly, it’s time for a new tire.
The length of the puncture is the next thing to look at. Most nail punctures are just as wide as the nail itself. In this case, with the puncture being so small, it’s ok to plug the tire yourself. But if the length of the puncture is 2 ½ inches or more, you cannot patch it.
You cannot patch it, or a shop cannot either. Punctures this large are not repairable, because patches aren’t meant to hold in air over that big of an area.
The inner tire liner doesn’t become fully sealed, even with the largest patches available. If your puncture is more of a gash in the tread, it’s time for a new tire.
Fully patching a tire requires you to complete the following steps.
So as you can see, the full, official way to patch a tire is quite involved. This is why you can see prices up to $45.00 for a simple patch.
If the tire has to be rebalanced, that’s around $13.00 and if it needs new valve stems, or a TPMS sensor, this can also tack on extra costs.
This patch is so effective that it saves you from having to purchase a new tire. You can enjoy the full length of the tire as if no puncture ever happened. Patching a tire can be quite the life saver when you’re in a jam.
The obvious issue here is that tire machines aren’t commonplace in the average driver’s house. So doing it yourself this way isn’t really feasible, but the method we discuss next can be done almost anywhere.
Tire plugging is a simple fix applied to various types of tire punctures. The majority of tire punctures can be repaired by doing a plug yourself.
To plug a tire, just push the plugging strip with the T-Handle in as far as it will go. Then, with all your might, quickly pull the t-handle out. This will plug the tire, and all that’s left is for you to cut the excess plugging strip away.
Tire plugging is looked down by Tire Shops because they consider it not fully seal the surface. But I’ve plugged well over 500 tires, and have never had an issue. Most independent shops are fond of tire plugging as well, since it keeps prices down for them, and the customer.
Tire plugging can be done by yourself, in your driveway. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it, call up an independent shop and ask if they plug or patch tires. Most likely, they probably offer both, but they’ll charge half for a plug, compared to what they would for a full patch.
Plugging tires, while usually a simple task, can turn into a complex issue.
For example, if you plug a tire, and you can still hear a slow hissing noise, it can be a pain to hunt down the source of the leak.
Or if you spray the whole tire down with soap in order to locate the leak, and can’t find it. You might start to question your sanity. Don’t! These issues can take up hours, even for master techs.
There’s actually a machine in some tire shops that puts the tire under water using a crane-like object from above. Even this machine still fails sometimes, and mechanics are left scratching their head. So if you start to encounter any issues of locating the leak, or plugging a leak, it’s time to take it to the shop.
If the tire is totally flat when you walk out to your car, you should be able to use your spare tire, and repair the issue at home with a plugging kit. But if you plug the tire, and it’s still leaking, take it to the shop and let them repair it.
If you are questioning the length test or edge test results, it’s also recommended that you take it to the shop.
Some mechanics will say, “use double the amount of plugs”, to fix large gashes. This is wrong. If one plug can’t fix it, take it to the shop and see what you can recoup.
But for the majority of situations, where a nail has punctured your tread somewhere in the middle of the tread face, it’s totally acceptable to purchase a plug kit, and do the repair yourself. It will save you a couple bucks, and you will have had the opportunity to go under your car to do a quick visual inspection. Or take off the tire and glance at the brake pads.
Price list for tire services for passenger cars
| Cost of standard service packages (for 4 wheels) | |||||||||||
| No. | description | 13 | 14" | 15” | 16” | 17” | 18” | 19” | 20” | 21” | 22” |
| 1. | Price per set (profile 55 and above) |
950 |
1100 |
1300 |
1500 |
1700 |
1900 |
2100 |
2000 |
2700 |
2900 |
| 2. | Coefficient for low profile tires profile 50 and below/SUV/commercial vehicles | + 20 | |||||||||
| Prices for tire fitting services (for 1 wheel) | |||||||||||
| No. | Name of work | 13 | 14” | 15” | 16” | 17” | 18” | 19” | 20” | 21” | 22” |
| 1. | Removing and installing wheel | 60 | 80 | 90 | 120 | 150 | 160 | 160 | 170 | 190 | 200 |
| 2. | Removing the tire from disc | 60 | 80 | 90 | 100 | 100 | 140 | 140 | 170 | 180 | 180 |
| 3. | Mounting tire on rim | 60 | 80 | 90 | 100 | 100 | 140 | 140 | 170 | 180 | 180 |
| 4. | Balancing | 100 | 100 | 100 | 120 | 150 | 160 | 160 | 190 | 200 | 240 |
| Total: | 280 | 340 | 370 | 440 | 500 | 600 | 600 | 700 | 750 | 800 | |
| Additional services: |
|
|
| ||||||||
| 1. | Installation of weights kit (self-adhesive + stuffed) | 50 | 50 | 60 | 60 | 70 | 70 | 80 | 80 | 100 | 100 |
| 2. | Valve installation | 40/80 | 40/80 | 40/80 | 40/80 | 40/80 | 40/80 | 40/80 | 40/80 | 40/80 | 40/80 |
| 3. | Installing a customer valve | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| 4. | Checking, pumping pressure | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| 5. | Packing the wheel in a bag | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| 6. | Replacement of one spool | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| 7. | Plastic cap (1 pc.) | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| 8. | Camera installation | 50 | 50 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 9. | Camera repair | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | - | - | - |
| 10 | Sealing one side of the wheel with bead seal | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 110 | 110 | 150 | 150 | 170 | 180 |
| 11 | Temporary |
100/ |
100/ |
100/ |
100/ |
100/ |
100/ |
100/ |
100/ |
100/50 |
100/50 |
| 12 | Tire repair | 150 | 150 | 150 | 150 | 150 | 150 | 150 | 200 | 200 | 200 |
Vulcanization:
|
| Consumables | Price |
| 1. | 112 patch | 500 |
| 2. | 114 patch | 600 |
| 3. | 115 patch | 700 |
WARNING! WHEN REPAIRING TIRES, THE COST OF TIRE WORKS IS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY
Car tire service Truck tire service
Book a tire service
| Type of service / Type of car tire | 12" | 13" | 14" | 15"* | 16" * | 17"* | 18" | 19"-22" | UAZ, Gazelle, minibus | SUV, crossover, SUV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Removal and installation of the wheel, pcs. | 35 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 55 | 75 | 90 | 100 | 75 |
Technological wheel washing, pcs. | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 |
| Tire service, pcs. | 75 | 95 | 105 | 105 | 120 | 145 | 175 | 220 | 140 | 130 |
| Treatment of the disk side with sealant, pcs. | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 |
| Wheel balancing taking into account the cost of goods, pcs | 170 | 185 | 195 | 210 | 230 | 275 | 290 | 345 | 280 | 315 |
| Total 1 wheel | 370 | 410 | 430 | 445 | 480 | 565 | 630 | 745 | 610 | 610 |
Total 1 wheel with reinforced sidewall (Runflat type, etc. or profile ≤45%) | 470 | 510 | 530 | 545 | 580 | 665 | 730 | 845 | 690 | 710 |
| Total 4 wheels | 1480 | 1640 | 1720 | 1780 | 1920 | 2260 | 2520 | 2980 | - | 2440 |
| Total 4 wheels with reinforced sidewall (Runflat type, etc. or profile ≤45%) | 1880 | 2040 | 2120 | 2180 | 2320 | 2660 | 2920 | 3380 | - | 2840 |
| Inflating with nitrogen, pcs. | 70 | 80 | 90 | 110 | 145 | 175 | 220 | 245 | 155 | 245 |
| Seasonal storage, pcs.*** | 450 | 450 | 450 | 600 | 600 | 750 | 800 | 1000 | 1000 | 1000 |
Repair of a car tire using "harness", "mushroom", "patch", pcs. ** | 100 rub. |
| Car tire repair using "reinforced patch", pcs.** | 250r. |
| Repair of a car tire tube, pcs. (1 damage)** | 50r. |
| Car tire vulcanization (1 damage), pcs ** | 200 rub. |
| Installing the valve of the disk of an automobile wheel, pcs ** | 60 rub. |
| Installation of a chrome-plated valve of a car wheel disc, pcs** | 60 rub. |
| Editing the geometry of a steel car disk, pcs** | from 100 rub. |
| Editing the geometry of a light-alloy car disk, pcs** | from 500r. |
| Editing the geometry of a steel car disk by rolling, pcs** | from 200 rub. |
| Processing of the landing surface of the vehicle hub, pcs** | 50r. |
| Replacement of an automobile wheel assembly, piece | 150r. |
| Packing car tires/wheels in a bag, pcs | 15 rubles |
| Utilization of a car tire, pcs | 50r. |
| Winter tire studding, per stud | 30 rub. |
*Car tire fitting: R15 with profile size ≥ 70; R16 with profile value ≥ 65; R17 with a profile value ≥ 60, the cost of tire fitting a car tire is paid under the category "SUV, crossover, SUV".
** The cost of the operation is indicated without taking into account the service: c / a, tire fitting, car wheel balancing.
***The cost is indicated for a storage period of not more than 7 (seven) months. When storing a set of tires with disks - the price doubles.
| Services / car tire size | 16", hyundai etc., light trucks with ring | 17.5" | 19.5" | 20" GAZ, PAZ, KAMAZ, 9.00 R20 | 20" MAZ, KAMAZ 10.00 R20 12.00 R20 | 20" GAZ-66, ATV, etc. | 20" ZIL-131, Ural etc.  , Bolotniki | Loader | 22.5" | 24" | 25" | 26" |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Removing a car tire | 200 | 150 | 200 | 250 | 300 | 400 | 400 | 200 | 200 | 500 | 600 | 700 |
| Tire fitting | 200 | 150 | 200 | 250 | 300 | 400 | 400 | 200 | 200 | 500 | 600 | 700 |
| Car tire fitting | 440 | 340 | 440 | 540 | 640 | 840 | 840 | 440 | 440 | 1000 | 1200 | 1400 |
| Car wheel balancing* | 200 | 300 | 400 | 400 | 400 | - | - | - | 450 | |||
| Truck tubeless tire repair | 170 | 250 | 550 | 550 | 550 | 550 | 550 | 400 | 550 | 600 | 600 | 600 |
| Remove/install truck wheel | 100 pair 150 | 100 pair 150 | 100 pair 150 | 100 pair 150 | 100 | 150 pair 200 | 200 pair 250 | 200 pair 250 | 150 | 100 pair 150 | 200 pair 300 | 300 pair 600 |
| Wheel mount torque adjustment | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Truck inner tube vulcanization (1 puncture) | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 |
| Wheel air pressure adjustment | thirty | thirty | thirty | thirty | thirty | thirty | thirty | thirty | thirty | thirty | thirty | thirty |
| Truck tire vulcanization | 800 | 800 | 1000 | 1000 | 1200 | 1200 | 1300 | 1000 | 1200 | 1500 | 1500 | 1500 |
| Truck Tire Recycling | 250 | 250 | 250 | 250 | 250 | 250 | 250 | 250 | 250 | 250 | 250 | 250 |
When dismantling automobile wheels from loaded vehicles, the coefficient = 2 is applied to the cost.
