NCT & tyres

creedp

I had to replace a Continental 225/50/17 XL on back because of multiple punctures that couldn't be repaired. The guy replaced with another continental but it was only later I realised it was a 94Y version. He will replace but doesn't have a 98Y in stock but said I could fit a 98Y Michellin which I have on front. I know its best to have matching tyres on same axle but would NCT pass 2 different tyres on same axle?

On another note, I initially got a puncture repaired by a local guy with a plug. It didn't work so when I went back I asked for it to be repaired with a patch. His response was he doesn't have any patches in stock but would have them in a few days. I went back again in a few days and he still didnt have patches. I just left and went elsewhere where I was told plugs are illegal for road going vehicles. Is that the case and if so how is the original guy getting away with it?

brembo26

Once its not a winter tyre it'll pass the NCT. They only check for the 'E' mark, the tyre tread depth and advise on tyres over 6 years old.

Dont think the plugs or 'black jacks' as they're sometimes called are illegal but its not really good way to fix a puncture. Most decent places will take the tyre off the rim, inspect the inside of the tyre for damage and then patch it.

Using the plug method you just cant tell what damage may be on the inside of the tyre and could be a potential ticking time bomb.

Rave.ef

Plugs are not technically illegally but they are only for OTR (off the road) tyres. Every packet states this and any descent tyre fitter knows this. Even at that they're still useless we wouldn't even leave em inside the door. You are better off to have the same tyre per axle but more than likely if you have xls on the car they need to be xl all depends on load rating stated for the car.

vandriver

I've had maybe 50 punctures repaired in my driving career.Every single one has been plugged.I've never had a failure once.
A ticking time bomb?
Really?

VeVeX

vandriver wrote: »

I've had maybe 50 punctures repaired in my driving career.Every single one has been plugged.I've never had a failure once.
A ticking time bomb?
Really?

All it takes is one.

vandriver

VeVeX wrote: »

All it takes is one.

So,if a plug which was previously filling the hole made by a nail,somehow fails(no one has said how this happens) then I have a small hole in my tyre again.Its not a ticking time bomb,its 15 minutes on the side of the road.Or are you saying that I qualify for an automatic blow-out?

VeVeX

vandriver wrote: »

So,if a plug which was previously filling the hole made by a nail,somehow fails(no one has said how this happens) then I have a small hole in my tyre again.Its not a ticking time bomb,its 15 minutes on the side of the road.Or are you saying that I qualify for an automatic blow-out?

If your tyre is punctured by an object whereby the structure of the tyre has been damaged you will not know if its repaired using a plug. I’ve seen on numerous occasions where the exterior of a tyre looks fine but when its demounted there's damage internally to the tyre, potentially rendering it unsafe if repaired. For all intents and purposes if the tyre was repaired it may never suffer a sudden deflation but there is always the possibility it may happen hence why plugging tyres is not recommended nor is it recognised as a permanent repair. Its a faster, cheaper way to fix a puncture but as usual the fastest and cheapest way to fix something is rarely the best way.

pablo128

I've worked in tyre centres and the amount of customers who would swear blind they didn't drive on the tyre while it was flat, and you take the tyre off the rim and there's handfuls of rubber crumbs inside.

As well as that, you could find another screw or nail not visible or leaking from the outside. I even found half a scissors inside a tyre one time.

That's why plugs are bad. You don't get to inspect the inside of the tyre.

9935452

What annoys me with the plugs is they seem to charge the same amount for doing this and for a patch.
If being charged the same ill take a patch any day