Anyone who drives throughout adulthood is almost certainly going to experience at least one flat tire. According to AAA, about seven tires suffer puncture damage every second on roadways throughout the nation. Fortunately, a tire puncture or other damage does not necessarily mean you need to buy a new tire. Let's take a closer look at how to tell if a damaged tire is repairable by a tire specialist.

Location of Damage

Where the damage occurs makes a huge difference regarding the potential for tire repair. A puncture that occurs within the tread often is repairable with a plug or a patch. A puncture or any other type of damage that occurs on the inner or outer sidewall cannot be repaired. That is because the sidewall is much thinner and does not have the cords needed to hold a patch or a plug in place. Your local tire service may choose a specific type of repair based on the location of the hole.

Type of Damage

Another factor that affects the potential for tire repair is the type of damage that occurs. The majority of flats are caused by punctures, which generally are fixable. Other types of damage, though, are not repairable. A tread separation, a long cut, or an irregularly shaped gash in the tire tread cannot be fixed in some cases. An inspection by a tire service can confirm the type of damage and its potential to be repaired.

Size of the Damage

Small cuts or punctures certainly mostly are repairable. The bigger they get, though, the less likely it is to fix them. A puncture that is more than about a quarter inch in diameter is irreparable. The same goes for a cut or gash in the tire tread. The bigger the hole, the harder it is to get a plug or a patch to effectively prevent air from escaping and causing the flat to recur.

Condition of the Tire

Another factor that must be considered is the general condition of the tire tread. A relatively new tire or an older one with lots of mileage left in it is a viable candidate for tire repair. The more worn the tread, the less you should try fixing it. Instead, you should replace it with a new one. Your local tire professional will let you know if it should be replaced.

These are a few ways to know if your tire can be repaired. If you are considering tire repair or replacement, you can call or visit Freedom Automotive Service Center to learn more and get an expert opinion on whether the damage is repairable.