Flat Tire Repair Near You | Mobile Flat Tire Service

Flat Tire Repair

Flat Tire Repair Service – Mobile Help When You Need It The Most

A flat tire can stop your day in seconds. It’s more than just inconvenient—it can be stressful and potentially dangerous. Flats can happen for many reasons: nails, potholes, low air pressure, worn-out tread, or even a damaged valve stem.

In the moment, it’s tough to know your options:

  • Can the tire be repaired or does it need to be replaced?
  • What’s the difference between a plug and a patch?
  • How does mobile flat tire repair work?

This guide breaks it down—clearly and step by step.

Mobile flat tire repair

What Is a Flat Tire?

A flat tire happens when the tire loses air and the pressure drops. Common causes include punctures, rim leaks, valve stem failure, worn-out tires, or sidewall damage.

Signs of a flat tire:

  • The car pulls to one side
  • You hear a thumping or flapping noise
  • Steering wheel vibrates
  • One tire looks visibly lower than the others
  • Tire pressure light appears on your dashboard

If you notice any of these, pull over safely and check your tire immediately. Driving on a flat can damage the sidewall of your tire and the wheel.

What Causes a Flat Tire?

Flat tires can happen anytime—often without warning. Common causes include:

  • Nails, screws, or sharp debris puncturing the tire
  • Hitting potholes or curbs  
  • Cracked or damaged valve stems  
  • Bead or rim leaks  
  • Overinflated or underinflated tires  
  • Excessive tread wear or dry rot 

Even a small nail can cause a slow leak that eventually leaves your tire completely flat.

Should You Repair or Replace a Flat Tire?

Whether your flat tire can be repaired or needs replacement depends on the location, size, and severity of the damage. Many flats are repairable—but not all.

Repairable Flat Tires:

  • Puncture is in the tread area  
  • Hole is less than 1/4 inch in diameter  
  • Tread depth is above 2/32″  
  • No damage to the sidewall or shoulder  
  • No prior repair in the same spot  
  • Not driven while flat

Unrepairable Flat Tires:

  • Damage is in the sidewall or shoulder  
  • Multiple or oversized punctures  
  • Overlapping or repeated repairs  
  • Structural or internal damage  
  • Worn tread below safe limits  
  • Driven while deflated

Not sure if your tire can be repaired? Redwood Mobile Tire can inspect the damage on-site and let you know if a safe repair is possible—or if it’s time for replacement. We have tires available for same-day installation.

Tire Plug vs. Patch: Which Repair Method Is Best?

If your flat tire is repairable, choosing the right method matters for safety and long-term performance. Here’s a breakdown of the two most common flat tire repair options:

Repair Method

How It Works

Pros

Plug

A rubber plug is inserted into the puncture from the outside of the tire.

Quick, affordable repair for minor tread punctures.

Patch

A patch is applied from the inside after the tire is removed from the rim.

Stronger, longer-lasting seal for deeper or larger tread punctures.

At Redwood Mobile Tire, we follow industry-approved tire repair methods to ensure your tire is sealed, safe, and road-ready.

How Mobile Tire Repair Works

Mobile flat tire repair near you brings the convenience of a tire shop directly to your location—whether you’re at home, work, or stranded at the roadside. Here’s what to expect:

Once contacted, we will ask about the nature of the damage. We may ask you to send us a picture to help assess it. Most tires are repairable. However, we ask our customers to provide the tire size when calling. In case the tire is not repairable, we can replace it on-site. The tire size can be found on the sidewall of the tire, e.g., 225/45R18. Please make sure to provide the correct size, as some cars have different-sized tires on the front and rear.

  • Initial Assessment
    A technician checks the tire for visible signs of damage.

  • Detailed Inspection
    The tire is removed and inspected to determine if it meets safe tire repair standards.

  • Repair or Replacement

    • Repairable: The tire will be patched or plugged.

    • Unrepairable: A new tire will be installed on-site.

  • Tire Balancing
    Balanced for a smooth, safe ride.

Final Safety Check
All tires are checked for air pressure and safety.

Are Run-Flat Tires Repairable?

Run-flat tires are designed to drive a short distance after a puncture. But if driven while deflated, they may suffer internal damage that can’t be seen.

For your safety, Redwood Mobile Tire does not repair run-flat tires that have been driven flat. In these cases, we recommend a full mobile tire replacement.

Redwood Mobile Tire’s Flat Repair Policy

Your safety is our top priority. We follow U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) guidelines and only perform tire repairs if all safety criteria are met.

We Can Repair:

  • Punctures within the center tread area
  • Punctures that meet all repair conditions

We Do Not Repair:

  • Tread depth below 4/32″
  • Sidewall damage
  • Tire driven while flat
  • Puncture over ¼ inch (6mm)
  • Puncture angle ≥ 45 degrees

How to Prevent Flat Tires

You can’t avoid every hazard, but these tips will help reduce your risk:

  • Check tire pressure monthly
  • Inspect tread depth regularly
  • Avoid potholes and sharp debris
  • Rotate your tires every 6,000–8,000 miles
  • Replace tires when tread is worn

Preventative care helps avoid flats and boosts safety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know if my flat tire can be repaired?
If the puncture is within the main tread, under ¼ inch, and the tire hasn’t been driven flat—it’s likely repairable.

Is it safe to drive on a flat tire?
No. It can damage the internal structure and make the tire unrepairable, as well as damage the wheel. Call for mobile flat tire service near you.

What’s the difference between a tire plug and a patch?
A rubber plug is inserted into the puncture from the outside. A patch is applied from the inside after removing the tire from the rim.

How long does mobile flat tire repair take?
Most repairs take 20–45 minutes, including inspection, repair, balancing, and safety checks.

Can you repair a run-flat tire?
Only if it hasn’t been driven on while flat. Otherwise, it must be replaced.

How many times can a tire be repaired?
Some manufacturers don’t recommend more than one repair. However, some tires can be repaired up to four times. Most manufacturers don’t recommend a second tire repair within 60 degrees of an existing repair on the same tire.

Flat Tire Repair Near Me – Redwood Mobile Tire

Whether you’re on the highway, at the office, or in your driveway, Redwood Mobile Tire provides fast flat tire repair near you. We bring professional, peace-of-mind service right to your vehicle.

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Flat Tire Repair
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