Getting a tyre puncture can be very time consuming and annoying to say the least. Provided that the nail or screw punctures the tyre in the so called “legal repairable area of the tyre”. Fixing or repairing a puncture has proven to be more of a task than it sounds. There are 2 common methods of repairing a puncture and each has it’s pros and cons. One way is from the exterior of the tyre, and the other from the interior.
The first and most common method involves inserting a rubber strip into the wound or puncture zone from the outside of the tyre. This is done using a traditional tyre plug kit, which usually includes a tyre reamer tool, plug insertion tool, rubber strips and adhesive. It’s done by reaming the puncture wound before inserting the rubber plug. This is not an ideal repair as it expands the wound to allow for the rubber to be inserted. Being the least secure way of repairing, it's prone to leaving a small leak and should only be done with smaller punctures in the tread area. The positive however, it's easily done with the wheel on the car for a quick and inexpensive process. As it sounds easier than it is, a bit of strength and perseverance is required to get the plug into the tyre. The second method is less convenient, albeit more secure as it requires removing the tyre from the wheel and repairing it from the inside. This is known as the patch repair. A tyre patch is a round piece of rubber with strong adesive and a tail that plugs into the puncture. When installed and the vehicle driven, the rubber will heat up and vulcanise with the tyre to create a safe and secure bond. This is a stronger and more positive repair, as it is from the inside of the tyre and has the additional force from the internal air pressure.
Welcome Dynaplug. After many years of dealing with traditional puncture repair methods, an evolutionary rather than revolutionary product has come to light in the name of Dynaplug. Designed for effortless puncture repair, it's convenient and simple to use, it makes my granma look like a pro. Very stylishly designed, it's shaped like a small gas cylinder with a very sharp bullet tip. The tip is the end of the rubber plug that is easily inserted in the tyre wound from the exterior like a normal plug. After insertion, the reverse movement (as you pull the tool out) leaves the plug in the tyre and forms a similar seal to a mushroom plug from the inside. Similar to how a rivert clamps together. You get the best of both methods, the ease of inserting it from the outside, with the secure plug from the inside. There is no reaming of the wound and no extraneous effort and frustration. It’s all done by using a single tool, in and out and you are done. Manufactured in America, the Dynaplug comes in different forms for various puncture applications.
What’s better than cure is prevention. Rather than having to deal with punctures, it’s better to not even get them. Tyre sealants are the superior way of resolving punctures. A complete and ultimate solution to alleviate punctures once and for all. A special formulation that creates a protective skin on the inside of the tyre that instantly seals punctures as they happen. As with all the methods above, it won’t leave you stranded on the side of the road.
It automatically creates a permanent plug within milliseconds. The sealant will even seal around the puncturing object so that it can be removed later on. On removal of the puncturing object, the sealant immediately closes the puncture cavity as if it never happened.
The sealant can also be inserting after getting a puncture to repair the tyre. It’s easier and more secure than all methods above as it seals from the inside and is guaranteed to seal wounds up to 28mm. It will keep sealing thousands of punctures for the life of the tyre.
All traditional methods above are limited in their use and need to be kept in the vehicle to be effective. Sealants provide complete peace of mind and safety, knowing that you won't ever have to stop to mend the tyre.
Newer tyre plug system such as the Dynaplug carry premium costs, is it worth paying the extra, and which method do you prefer?