Flat Repair

No. Driving on a flat tire can permanently damage the tire, as well as your vehicle’s wheel, suspension, and braking performance. Driving even a short distance on a flat tire can turn a simple repair into a full replacement.

Run-flat tires are an exception and can typically be driven up to 50 miles at speeds under 50 mph. However, they will require replacement after being driven while flat.

If you do get a flat tire, slow down gradually, turn on your hazard lights, and pull over somewhere safe. Once you’re safely off the road, you can install a spare tire or call roadside assistance.

Tire repair costs vary depending on the damage and whether the tire is repairable. Repairs are significantly less expensive than replacement. Replacement tires for passenger vehicles typically range from $100–$350+ installed, depending on the vehicle and tire type.

If the tire is repairable and you have VIP’s Tire Maintenance, it is free to repair your tire. Tires that were not purchased from VIP or do not have Tire Maintenance will cost $49.00 to repair. If the tire needs to be replaced, a new tire typically costs between $100–$350+ for passenger cars and trucks when including installation.

Wherever you get your flat tire repaired or replaced, clear pricing should always be provided upfront.

How fast and far you can drive on a spare tire depends on what type of spare you have and whether the tire was properly repaired.

If you have a compact or “donut” spare, you can drive:

• Up to 50 to 70 miles
• At a maximum speed of 50 mph

If you have a full-size spare:

• With the same tread pattern as the other tires, you can drive normally
• With a different tread pattern from the other tires, you should drive cautiously and avoid long term use

After a proper patch repair:

• No special speed or mileage restrictions
• Safe for all normal driving

When using a donut or space saver spare, be sure to check the air pressure as most are underinflated. If your tire was repaired at VIP, you can drive normally right away, as our repair restores full function and safety.

Our Certified Automotive Professionals follow strict industry guidelines set by the TIA (Tire Industry Association). To determine if a tire is beyond repair they will inspect:

• Location of the damage. If the damage is in the sidewall or shoulder (edge of tread) the damage is beyond repair.
• Size and type of puncture. If the hole is larger than ¼ inch (6 mm) round, it cannot be repaired. A cut, slice, or tear is not a clean puncture and cannot be repaired. Also, there cannot be multiple punctures close together, as most manufacturers limit the number of repairs that are allowed in a tire.
• Internal structural damage. A bulge or bubble in any part of the tire is an indicator of internal cord damage and cannot be repaired.
• Whether the tire was driven on while flat. When a tire is driven on with low or no air pressure, the inner liner could be shredded, sidewall cords weakened, or heat damage may have occurred.
• Tread depth and overall condition. Tires that measure below 2/32-inch in tread depth, and tires that are between 6-10 years old cannot be repaired.

If the tire’s structure has been compromised, replacement is always the safest option.

A few simple steps can prolong the life of your tires, saving you from flat tires and costly damage later on.

• Check tire pressure monthly and keep your tires properly inflated. Always use the driver’s door sticker for proper PSI, not the tire’s sidewall.
• Don’t ignore the tire pressure warning light on your dashboard, as it’s telling you that at least one of your tires is underinflated.
• Perform a regular spot inspection for nails, sidewall cracks or bulges, uneven tread wear, or low tread depth (below 2/32 of an inch).
• Rotate your tires every 5,000–7,000 miles to prevent weak spots and premature wear.
• Practice careful driving to avoid potholes and debris. Also avoid “curbing” your tires when parking to prevent hard impacts on your tire sidewall.
• Finally, be sure to replace tires before tread drops below 2/32-inch, as worn tires are far more likely to fail than a newer tire.

Routine maintenance helps catch issues early and reduces the risk of flats.

When performed properly using industry-approved methods, a tire repair is safe and does not void most manufacturer warranties.

Most tire manufactures allow one or more repairs as long as the puncture was in the tread area, the hole is ¼ inch or less, it is repaired with a patch plug combination from the inside, the tire was not driven on flat, and the repair follows TIA/manufacturer standards.

Improper outside-only plugs or DIY sealants may compromise safety and coverage. Rest assured that our team follows manufacturer-approved methods so you can drive worry-free.

This is a common question and one that has a variety of answers! Depending on the damage, placement of damage, and size of the damage, it may be possible to repair your tire. VIP follows Tire Industry Association (TIA) guidelines, and a puncture is generally repairable if it’s within the tire’s central “crown” area and no larger than about 1/4 of an inch. Damage that is near the shoulder or sidewall, multiple punctures, or anything beyond 1/4 inch in diameter usually means it’s time for a new tire. Additionally, if you drove on the tire while flat, there could be internal damage that isn’t visible on the exterior that would require a new tire.

This is a very affordable service and is actually free with VIP’s Tire Maintenance++ program. Following TIA guidelines, every repair includes a proper inspection (both inside and out) before we patch anything. That inspection ensures that you’re not just covering up a problem that could come back later.

We get it, sometimes you just need to get somewhere, but, driving on a flat, even briefly, can damage the internal structures of the tire beyond repair and potentially harm your wheel too. If you can safely pull over, it’s best to stop and either swap to a spare tire or call for help. Many of our locations are AAA-approved repair facilities that can get you back on the road quickly and safely.

There are many reasons a tire might go flat. The usual culprits are nails, screws, and other road debris. You might have a slow leak from a damaged valve stem, a bad seal between the tire and the rim, or simply a tire that’s so worn that it’s losing air over time. Our team at VIP will find the actual cause and make the right recommendation for you to get you back on the road safely.

This is unfortunately a firm “no” per TIA guidelines. Sidewall punctures aren’t repairable because this part of the tire constantly flexes and a repair here isn’t reliable or safe. If the damage is in the sidewall, replacement is the right (and only) answer.

With AWD and 4WD vehicles, it’s important that tire size and tread depth remain closely matched across all four tires because even a small difference can put extra strain on your drivetrain and lead to costly damage over time. So, if only one of your tires needs to be replaced, it’s not as simple as swapping in a single new tire, especially if your other tires have noticeable wear. Depending on your vehicle, your owner’s manual, and how worn your other tires are, you may need to replace the tires in pairs — or all four at a time — to stay within your manufacturer’s recommended tolerance. Tires typically can have an allowable tread depth difference of 2/32nds between the existing tires. You also will want to make sure that your replacement tire is the same exact brand, model, size and load/speed rating as your other tires. Having different tread patterns (even of the same brand) on a tire can affect rolling diameter. The good news is that VIP’s Tire Maintenance++ will help you with your AWD/4WD vehicle by prorating your other tires when you need to replace all four.

No. VIP does not recommend or perform tire shaving.

Because you deserve tire experts who truly know what they’re doing and want to provide the best possible service. At VIP Tires & Service, every flat tire repair is performed by TIA-certified technicians trained to follow the highest industry standards for safe, reliable tire service.

We will inspect your tires for free and recommend whether the tire is repairable or should be replaced. You’ll always know what we’re recommending and why. We back our expertise with honest guidance, clear pricing, and respect for your time. And with stores open seven days a week, we’re here when you need us.

The safe, permanent, and proper repair of a tire includes:

1. Locating the puncture to see if it is repairable
2. Removing the tire from the wheel
3. Inspecting the inside and outside of the tire for hidden damage
4. Removing any objects from the hole and prepping it for patching
5. Cleaning and slightly widening the puncture channel
6. Buffing the tire’s inner liner to help the patch bond to the tire
7. Installing an industry-approved plug-patch combination from the inside
8. Bonding the the patch to the tire with a special cement
9. Trimming the plug so that it is flush with the tire’s tread
10. Remounting the tire, checking for proper inflation, and balancing the tire

This method restores safety and performance for the remaining life of the tire when done correctly. At VIP, every repair is done by a TIA certified technician, so you can drive with confidence.