Why We Don’t Plug Tire Sidewalls at Barksdale Customs
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A nail in your tire is frustrating—especially when the tire still has plenty of tread. One question we hear is, “Can you just plug it?”
When the puncture is in the sidewall, our answer is no. Here’s why replacing that tire is the safe choice.
What makes the sidewall different?
The sidewall is the side of your tire, where you see the brand name and tire size. It bends and flexes as you drive, helping your tire handle the vehicle’s weight and movement.
That constant flexing makes a sidewall puncture unsuitable for a safe repair. A plug might stop the air leak temporarily, but holding air does not mean the tire is safe to drive on. Tire manufacturer guidance rules out sidewall puncture repairs on passenger and light truck tires.
What about a hole near the edge of the tread?
The shoulder—the area where the tread curves toward the sidewall—is also outside the approved puncture repair area. Even if a nail appears to be in the tread, damage extending into the shoulder can make replacement necessary.
When can a tire be repaired?
Some punctures qualify for repair when:
- The damage is within the repairable tread area, away from the shoulder and sidewall.
- The puncture is no larger than ¼ inch, or 6 millimeters.
- An inspection confirms the tire’s condition meets repair requirements.
- The repair follows the tire manufacturer’s restrictions.
A proper repair requires removing the tire from the wheel, inspecting the inside, filling the puncture channel, and sealing the inner liner with a patch. An outside plug alone is not an acceptable permanent repair.
Why looking at the outside isn’t enough
Driving with a flat or severely underinflated tire can cause internal damage that you cannot see from the outside. A small nail hole may be only part of the problem. That is why an internal inspection matters before deciding whether a tire can be repaired.
Our priority is your safety
At Barksdale Customs, we understand that replacing a tire is an unexpected expense. We want you to understand why we recommend it. A sidewall puncture falls outside safe repair guidelines, even when the tire looks almost new.
If you have sidewall damage, avoid continuing to drive on that tire. Use a suitable spare according to your vehicle’s instructions, or arrange roadside assistance.
Need tire help in Bossier City or Shreveport?
Contact Barksdale Customs for help with tire inspections, replacement tires, mounting, and balancing. We’ll explain what we find and help you choose the right next step for your vehicle. Explore our tire services.
Further reading: U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association: Tire Repair Basics and BFGoodrich: Tire Repair.