Thoughts on rope plugs for permanent fix?

I've been told a few times recently that rope plugs you get an an auto parts store shouldn't be used for permanent fixes. I used one recently to fix a small leak I detected with soapy water, within the tread area of the tire and then brought it to the dealer a week later for a patch - they said they couldn't "re-patch" it and sent me on my way. So it still has the rope plug, and I've moved the tire to the back.

My trucks primary function these days is child/family hauler, and I don't love the idea of having a higher risk of blowout, if thats even true.

Are they safe for long term use, or should I replace the tire/s? I've been drooling over the Ridge Grapplers.

 

Sounds like dealer laziness. I’d goto discount tire or some place similar and have them take care of it.

 

I dunno. Have used them for years. All kinds of vehicles. From lawnmowers to big truck and everything in between.

 

Every reason I've seen against them is because there could be internal tire damage. My thought is if it's something sharp that poked through and it wasn't driven on with low air it's probably fine.

That being said I have Safety Seal plugs that have been in 2 different tires on 2 different vehicles for over 10k miles with no recurrent leaks. One was a roofing nail, the other a screw. I'm sure most of the cases against them are based on a CYA approach by tire shops, and I will not argue about a patch being a better fix.

 

I have never used anything but rope plugs and they have worked fine. I’ve had to use multiple plugs in one hole and have even put them in side walls. As long as you prep the hole and generously glue it it should be fine. Also make sure to cut it as close as you can to the tire so the end does not get pinched and pull out.

 

Despite the feedback, I felt compelled to get some new tires

 

I've used dozens of them. Never had one fail.

Edit....I see you went a different way.

 

Either way... sweet new tires

 

FYI...I found this out last year after being a Sam's Club member off and on for the last 25 years. My Sam's will fix/repair any flats with a patch (dismounting the tire) I may get based on being a Sam's Club a member. This includes tires on any vehicle I own, regardless where the tires were purchased. Your mileage may vary...

 

Domo Arigato.

 

Post #29.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/850-mesquite-thorn.48373/#post-1260450

 

Never an issue, however once a rope plug is in Discount Tire will wash their hands of it!
Claim it is Corp. policy.
Replace only

 

If the patch is good and took care of the problem, I don’t see why not. I know that the liquid run flat stuff messes with the TPMS. But, regular everyday patch is fine with me. Unless it’s on the sidewall?

 

find a small independent tire shop and get to know them. I plugged a tire on my girlfriends lexus GX 460 on a sunday and got it patched a few days later . For $20 to patch its peace of mind .