Repair or Replace a Tire: Which Is Right for You?

Keeping your tires in good condition is essential for vehicle safety. Each tire allows your car to securely grip the road, turn safely, and come to a full stop. Damaged or compromised tires can be more than inconveniences, they can be serious threats to your car’s safety and to the safety of you and your passengers. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, tire-related crashes were responsible for 622 motor vehicle traffic fatalities in 2021.

If you have a flat or damaged tire, you have to make the decision of either repairing or replacing it. While you may prefer to repair the tire, as it is much cheaper than buying a new one, it may not always be possible. Here’s what you need to know about tire damage, and the benefits of tire repair vs. tire replacement.

Spotting Damage to Your Tire
Different Types of Tire Damage
Replacing vs. Repairing a Car Tire
Pros and Cons of Replacing a Tire
Pros and Cons of Repairing a Tire
Considerations When Replacing vs. Repairing

Spotting Damage to Your Tire

At least once a month you should do a regular, thorough visual inspection of each tire — including the spare tire if you have one — to check for irregularities or signs of damage. You especially should do a visual inspection after any impact, such as hitting a pothole, curb, or road debris.

Aside from obvious signs of damage and loss of air pressure, here are the signs of possible tire damage you should be on the lookout for:

• Tread wear: Check the tire tread for signs of wear. A tire with less than 2/32-inch remaining tread depth is unsafe to repair and must be replaced. Uneven tread wear, such as excessive wear on one side or in the center, could indicate misalignment or other mechanical issues.
• Bulges or blisters: Inspect the tire sidewalls for bulges, blisters, or bubbles. These are weak spots that can lead to a blowout.
• Cracks: Check the sidewalls and tread for any cracks. Cracks can be a sign of aging or exposure to harsh conditions, which can weaken the tire.
• Vibration or steering issues: If you notice vibrations or your car pulling to one side while driving, it could be due to tire damage or misalignment.

If you find yourself regularly adding air to a tire, it may have a slow leak or other damage. Carefully inspect the tire for what may be causing the leak, such as a nail or screw lodged in your tire. The valve stem on the tire may also be the source of the leak, as it can crack due to wear and tear over time.

If you experience a puncture while you’re driving, or have a flat tire, stop as soon as possible; continuing to drive is guaranteed to damage your tire beyond repair and may lead to a blowout. If you hear a loud boom or bang followed by your slowing down and pulling to the left or right, you’ve suffered a tire blowout.

What to do in case of a tire blowout:

• Gradually release the accelerator to slow down your vehicle.
• Adjust your steering to stabilize your vehicle and regain control.
• Turn on your emergency / hazard lights.
• Steer in the direction of where you want to go, preferably the right-hand lane.
• Pull your car over to the side of the road once you’re at a safe speed.
• When it’s safe, replace the tire with a spare or call for assistance.

Different Types of Tire Damage

If you suspect that your tire has suffered an impact, puncture, or other type of damage, here’s what to look for and determine if that damage can be repaired or if the tire should be replaced:

• Small punctures. Punctures that are less than ¼ inch in size and are within the puncture repair area can be repaired. The puncture repair area is the center part of the tire that’s about 1 to 1.5 inches from the shoulders.

• Multiple close punctures. Multiple, small punctures can’t usually be repaired if they are close together or directly across from one another, as the repairs will overlap and create an area of weakness. If there are only two punctures within the repair area and they are at least 16 inches apart, then it may be possible to repair the tire.
• Damage to the sidewall or shoulders. Any punctures, rips, tears, or gashes on the tire’s sidewall or shoulders are considered outside the puncture repair area. In these cases, the tire should be replaced.
• Damage to the tire belt. An especially deep puncture may damage or cut the belt inside the tire. A tire belt is a steel, fiberglass, or rayon rope beneath the upper layers of rubber that helps the tire to retain its shape. If the tire belt is cut or otherwise damaged, the tire is no longer usable.
• Large punctures or cuts. Any punctures that are ¼ inch or larger in size can’t be effectively or safely repaired. If the tire has a large puncture, cut, tear, or gash, it will need to be replaced.
• Car crash or accident impacts. Surface damage to a tire suffered during a crash will be obvious, but there may be extensive, underlying damage as well. Any tire that suffers serious damage in a crash or accident will need to be replaced.

Tire Repair vs. Replace Quick Glance Chart

Unsure of how to read your tire sidewall? See our blog post for a complete breakdown of everything you need to know: How to Read a Tire Sidewall.

Replacing vs. Repairing a Car Tire

Aside from obvious situations where a tire must be replaced, here’s what you need to consider when weighing a tire repair vs. a full replacement.

First, if you realize that one of your tires has suffered damage, always take it for an inspection from a certified automotive professional. Not only are they much more experienced in knowing what to look for, they have access to equipment and facilities that can allow them to perform a detailed inspection of your tires to ensure that nothing is overlooked.

If the damage is caused by a nail, screw, or other small piece of debris, then your tire is a good candidate for repair. If you’re considering a DIY repair, be aware that home tire repair kits aren’t intended to be long-term solutions. Both plug and patch repairs are quick-fix jobs that will eventually wear, allowing air and water to enter through the tires and corrode the wheels.

To correctly repair a damaged tire, the certified automotive professional will need to:

1. Remove the tire from the vehicle to perform a complete inspection
2. Determine if there is any significant damage to the tire belt or cord
3. Prep and clean the surface to remove damaged materials and any contaminants
4. Fill the hole with vulcanized fluid (rubber)
5. Install the repair unit and seal the area
6. Trim any excess repair material

That repair process is standard for small punctures. There are other situations that may require additional steps or a different approach:

• If the valve stem is determined to be the source of the problem, then the tire can usually be repaired by having the valve stem replaced.
• If the damage is to the tread of the tire, the automotive professional will need to examine the extent of the damage to see if a repair is feasible.
• If the sidewall of the tire has been damaged, then the tire will need to be replaced.
• If the tire has any bent rims, then the automotive professional will need to determine if the damage will affect the tire’s performance.

An expertly repaired tire can last for up to ten years, depending on the life of the tire. When it’s possible, a tire repair is a safe and relatively inexpensive way to stay on the road.

Finally, if you’re driving an all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle and need to replace a tire, you will actually need to replace all four tires at once to maintain even traction. Having just one tire with a different amount of tread wear can confuse the traction control system or cause unnecessary wear and tear on your drivetrain.

Considerations When Replacing vs. Repairing Your Tires

Safety should always be the highest priority. The quality and condition of your tires determines your car’s performance on the road and its stopping power. It’s important to make sure you repair them properly and replace them when necessary. With that in mind, here are some additional considerations when you’re thinking about replacing or repairing your tires:

• Check the age of your tires. Old tires, even if they’re not directly damaged, should be carefully inspected and possibly replaced if they’re older than six years. Check your tires’ manufacturing date (usually on the sidewall) to determine their age.
• Costs will differ based on your tires. Different factors will determine the total costs of both repairs and replacements. The type of tire you have will impact the amount you pay, with high-end tires costing more. Labor prices will also determine the overall cost.
• Avoid replacing it with cheap tires. If you need to replace your tire, purchase its replacement from a reputable dealer. “Cheap” tires may come with defective or poorly developed patterns or tire belts that have faults and defects.
• Review your tire warranty. Having a warranty can save you money on a replacement or repair. While manufacturer warranties won’t cover damage incurred while driving, they will cover any repairs or replacement due to defects from materials or workmanship. The specific details of your tire warranty will depend on the manufacturers and specific tire models, so always check your tire warranty documentation.
• Look into tire warranty programs. Aside from the manufacturer’s warranty, you could also invest in a tire warranty program to ensure that you’re covered for repairs and replacements. Programs such as VIP’s Tire Maintenance Plus++ program provides added protection for tires if they are damaged due to road hazards, impacts, potholes or debris. This coverage is especially advantageous for AWD vehicles, as VIP will replace all four tires in the event of an unrepairable tire.

If you want to ensure that your tires are properly inspected after suffering damage, visit your local VIP Tire and Service location where our VIP Certified Automotive Professionals will check your tires for FREE and advise you of the best option for repairing or replacing a tire.

Our Automotive Professionals will remove the tire to identify the source of any leak, inspect the inside of the tire for structural damage, and inspect the outside to make sure there’s significant tread left on it to make sure it’s worth repairing.