A nail in the tread is not the end of the tire.
Most punctures in the tread can be repaired safely and last the life of the tire. We find the leak, do it the right way, and only replace the tire when a repair would not be safe.
A slow leak that has you topping off air every week is usually a nail, screw, or a tire that is not sealing to the wheel. We dismount the tire, find the source, and tell you straight whether it can be repaired or needs replacing.
The right repair is a combination patch-plug installed from inside the tire, not just a plug jammed in from the outside. Done that way, a tread puncture repair is permanent and safe to drive on. We follow the industry rules on what can and cannot be fixed.
If the damage is in the sidewall, the puncture is too big, or the tire ran flat and is damaged, we will explain why a repair would not hold and walk you through replacement options.
Part of our Tires & Tire Shop work. See everything we do in tires & wheels.
What we do
- Dismount the tire and find the leak
- Internal combination patch-plug repair when it is safe
- Check the tire for hidden run-flat or sidewall damage
- Remount, balance, and reset tire pressure
- TPMS check after the repair
- Honest call on repair vs. replace
Signs you need this
- A tire that keeps going low and needs air
- A nail, screw, or bolt stuck in the tread
- A hissing sound or bubbles when the tire is wet
- The tire-pressure light keeps coming back on
Parts we service & replace
- Internal patch-plug repair units
- Tire patches and plugs
- Valve stems and valve cores
- Valve stem caps
- TPMS sensor service kits
- Wheel weights for rebalancing after repair
- Replacement tires when a puncture is not repairable
Flat Tire Repair, answered.
The questions we hear most about flat tire repair in Cortland and Trumbull County.
- Can my flat tire be repaired or do I need a new one?
- If the puncture is in the tread and smaller than about a quarter inch, it can almost always be repaired safely. Sidewall punctures, large holes, and tires that were run flat usually cannot be fixed. We will dismount it, look, and tell you honestly.
- How much does it cost to fix a flat tire?
- A proper patch-plug repair is inexpensive, and we quote it up front. It is a small fraction of the cost of a new tire, which is exactly why we repair when it is safe instead of selling you one you do not need.
- Is a tire plug or a patch better?
- A combination patch-plug installed from inside the tire is the right repair: it seals the hole and the inner liner. An outside-only plug is a roadside temporary fix, not a permanent one. We do the internal repair so it lasts.
- Can you repair a sidewall puncture?
- No, and no reputable shop will. The sidewall flexes constantly and a repair there can fail at speed. If your puncture is in the sidewall we will tell you and go over replacement options.
- How long does a flat repair take?
- Usually 30 to 45 minutes once we get to your car. Walk-ins are welcome, but calling ahead helps us get you in faster, especially in the busy spring and fall tire seasons.
- Is it safe to drive on a plugged tire?
- Yes, when it is a proper internal patch-plug on a tread puncture. That repair is rated to last the remaining life of the tire. An outside-only plug should be treated as temporary until you can get a real repair.
- My tire is losing air but there is no nail. What is wrong?
- Slow leaks without an obvious nail are often a bad seal between the tire and the wheel (especially with corroded rims), a leaking valve stem, or a tiny puncture you cannot see. We use water and a pressure check to find it.
- Can I drive on a flat to get to the shop?
- No, driving on a fully flat tire ruins it and can damage the wheel. Use your spare or a plug kit, or call for a tow. If the tire is just low, add air and come straight in before it goes flat.
- Will you fix a tire I did not buy from you?
- Yes. We repair flats no matter where the tire came from. If it turns out the tire needs replacing, we carry Cooper, Goodyear, and other brands and can usually get most sizes quickly.
- Do I need to reset anything after a flat repair?
- We reset your tire pressure to spec and check the TPMS system before you leave. If the low-pressure light was on because of the leak, it should go out once pressures are correct and the system relearns.
Flat Tire Repair for Cortland and all of Trumbull County, on State Route 5.
Cortland · Warren · Niles · Howland · Brookfield · Vienna · Champion · Lordstown · Bazetta · Bristolville · Mecca · Hartford · Farmington · Southington · Newton Falls · Leavittsburg · Mineral Ridge · Girard · Hubbard
Ready to get it handled?
Book online in a minute, or call and we will pick up. Walk-ins welcome too.