How long can you drive with a plug in the tire?

A flat tire is very annoying, especially if it is caused by something sharp like a nail. Fortunately, there is a quick way to drive safely again, namely with a 'plug' in the tire. Let's see how that works, whether it is safe to drive like that, and what you should think about in terms of safety.

How does a plug in a tire work?

A plug is actually a kind of thin, glue-like thread, about half a centimeter thick. This is pushed through the puncture in the tire with a needle. When the needle is removed, the thread is cut in two. This leaves a small plug in the puncture. This plug adheres to the tire and is then cut off on the outside, so that it is almost invisible. Once the tire is then inflated to the correct pressure, you can in principle drive safely again.

Safety and laws

Although it may seem safe to drive like this at first glance, there are a few important things to remember:

A plug is always placed on the outside of the tire, while the best and most reliable repair should be done from the inside by gluing the tire. When placing a plug hot, you cannot see what the inside of the tire looks like, which can be a disadvantage.

Opinions differ on whether or not to continue driving with a plug in your car tire. Some garages will indicate that it is a solution that will allow you to continue driving for many kilometers. Other garages indicate that you should have your tire properly repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

Advice on driving with a plug in the tire

Our advice, and that of experts such as the ANWB , is to only drive to the garage with a plug. The safest and most sensible thing to do is to have the tire replaced completely. This prevents possible problems with the tire. So go safely on the road and have your tires repaired properly and professionally .