Recently my girlfriend had a flat and had the tire plugged. She noticed that the plug actually sticks out about 1/8" beyond the tread. We don't think this looks right and I'm wondering if the plug is beginning to come out? For those that have plugged tires before, seen anything like it? Thanks,

Mike

 

It will wear down in time. Dont worry its not comming out.

 

The plug shouldn't stick out that far but I don't think you have anything to worry about. If does bother you take it back and ask them to fix it, that's what I do if I'm bothered by something.

 

There are two types of plugs used commonly. One is a nylon rope impregnated with rubber. The other is a natural rubber plug. Both when installed need to be hanging out of the tire a little. The tread tends to felx quite a bit and the extra plug hanging out keeps it from working its way back into the tire.

 

Yes, I agree when it is plugged it needs to stick out just a bit, so it don't work its way back into the tire. It will wear down, but for the first few days keep a close eye on the tire pressure to insure the plug has indeed fixed the problem.

Remember take tire pressure when tires are cold, has not be driven on for at least 1/2 - 1 hour...

 

It is normal for the tire plug to stick out like that especially if the shop didn't take the tire off to plug it.

However, keep an eye on that tire as "Plugs" are old fasioned and really shouldn't be used on radial tires. They are harmfull to the belts. So no high speed shenanigans.

The best patch for a radial tire is an internal patch which will not shorten the life of the tire and cause no further damage to the tires belts. (The tire must be removed from the rim for this type of patch)

 

That plug, believe it or not, will outlast your tire......I wouldnt even worry about it sticking out ....

 

I dissagree. Plugs that are put through the belts usually do not last the life of the tire. Only Internal plugs do that do no go through the belts.

 

Goodyear Wangler RT/S.

Plugged at 4000 miles. The do it yourself WalMart plug. Traded truck in with 65,000 miles and still had plug in original tire. Yes, I acually got 65,000 miles out of the Goodyear. I have never had a problem with these old fashion type plugs. However, I do know some people who won't use them at all b/c they don't trust them. Whatever you feel comforatble with.