Tire Repair Costs

Tire Repair Costs

The average cost for tire repair is $54 to $64. Enter your vehicle's information to see how much tire repair costs in your local area.

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What You Should Know About Tire Repair Costs

Cost Factors
Things to Know About Tire Repair
Common Tire Repair Issues
How to Avoid Tire Repair Costs

Your tires are arguably the number-one safety feature on your vehicle. They also help provide you with a smooth ride, control your vehicle under tough driving conditions, and even help improve your gas mileage. Yet all too often, drivers neglect tire maintenance, which can lead to costly repairs, replacement, or dangerous consequences on the road.

If your tire hits a pothole, screw, nail, or other hazard, it’s important to have it inspected by a trained tire service technician to identify whether a repair or a replacement is in order. In the meantime, here are some tire repair basics you might want to know.

Factors Affecting Tire Repair Costs

Various factors can impact tire repair costs and determine whether tire repair or tire replacement is in order, including:

Tire Type and Brand

The type of tire you have will impact the tire repair costs. If you have a high-end sports car, then your tires are likely to cost more than those on an economy vehicle, for example. The same is true for tires that are used on trucks versus passenger cars.

Severity of Damage

If tire damage is minimal, it may be possible to repair the tire. More severe damage that extends into the sidewall or tire bead may require a tire replacement.

Geographic Location

Tire repair costs can vary greatly depending on your geographic location. Repair shops located in the West will likely charge more than a shop in Michigan or Indiana, for example. Getting estimates from a few local shops can help you compare costs in your area.

Labor Costs

A tire that needs to be changed out will likely have higher labor costs than one that only requires a patch. For example, if your tire needs to be replaced, then there will be more labor involved in changing the tire out than just patching it up. In addition, if your technician recommends replacing more than one tire, there will be more labor involved.

Things to Know About Tire Repair

When you seek out tire service, you may have a few questions and concerns about tire repair and the associated costs. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

How Long Can You Drive with a Patched Tire?

A properly patched tire is safe to drive on indefinitely, as it’s considered a permanent repair. However, for safety reasons, a tire should never be patched more than once.

Should You Repair or Replace a Tire?

The question of whether to repair or replace a tire depends on the location and severity of the damage. A trained tire service technician can assess the damage and recommend whether to repair or replace.

Can You Repair a Tire with More Than One Puncture?

It’s possible to repair a tire with more than one puncture as long as the punctures are at least 16 inches apart and there are no more than two punctures. Beyond that, you may need a new tire.

What Do I Need to Know Before Going to the Tire Shop?

A tire repair can be as simple as plugging a leak or inflating an underinflated tire, but sometimes the problem is more serious and requires replacing damaged parts. Knowing your tire size and having an idea of what the damage might be can help you get accurate estimates for your tire repair or replacement.

Patches require separating the tire bead from the rim to gain access to the interior of the tire – a simple repair but would need tools and the ability to unseat the tire bead, plus a way to agitate the tire interior surface to prep for the tire patch. A tire plug on the other hand can in most cases be done on the car.

Is It Easy to Repair a Tire?

Simple patches and tire inflations are easy fixes that some people with car knowledge can DIY. However, if your tire has more extensive damage, it’s best to work with a trained tire repair technician.

Common Tire Repair Issues

Tire repair is a common issue that can be caused by a variety of factors. The repairability of a tire depends on the size and location of the damage. Here are some of the most common tire repair issues:

Punctures and Lacerations

If you get a flat tire, it’s often due to a puncture in one or more of your tires’ treads caused by a nail, screw, or other object. You may also notice that there are small cuts in the rubber around where the puncture occurred, called laceration. These cracks allow air to escape from inside your tire, which causes it to go flat quickly when riding over bumps or potholes on roadways.

Flat Tires

Flat tires can occur for any number of reasons, including driving over nails and screws, hitting bumps in the road, losing tire pressure, and more. Even if you don’t see any visible damage to your tire, there may be underlying issues that could lead to a flat tire. A trained technician can remove the tire from its rim to check for hidden problem areas on the interior and exterior tire walls.

Sidewall Damage

The sidewall of a tire consists of the smooth area that sits on the side, where there is no visible tread. Damage to this area may occur if the tire hits a curb or a sharp object on the road or if the tire pressure is excessively low. If the sidewall becomes punctured, it can only be repaired safely if the puncture is at least ½ inch away from the edge of the tire tread, at the start of the internal steel belt. In addition, a puncture larger than ¼ inch cannot be safely repaired and will require a tire replacement.

Tire Bead Damage

The tire bead holds the tire in place on the wheel’s rim. Tire bead issues typically result from driving on tires that are improperly inflated, which can cause the bead to slip and become damaged. If this area becomes damaged or breaks, it can lead to major problems with your car’s ride and handling, as well as potentially put you at risk of a blowout or an accident.

Tire Valve Repair

A tire valve can be damaged when the valve stem becomes bent, broken, or worn out over time. This causes air to leak out of the tire and will prevent the tire from retaining air. A valve replacement can fix the problem and ensure tires stay properly inflated.

How to Prevent Tire Damage and Avoid Repair Costs

The best way to prevent tire damage and avoid repair costs is proper maintenance. Check your tires regularly for signs of damage or wear. If you notice a bulge, blister, or any object stuck in your tire, have it inspected by a tire service mechanic as soon as possible. While driving, too, be wary of potholes and road hazards that could damage your tires.

Proper tread depth is also important to ensure tire grip on the road and prevent tires from blowing out.

The “penny Test” Is a Simple Way to Check Your Tread:

Once a month, slide a penny into the tread with President Lincoln’s head facing outward and pointing at the hubcap.
The distance between the top of his hair and the top of the coin should be 2/32 inch.
If it’s more than that, it might be time for a tire replacement.

To Learn More About Tire Repair and Replacement, Check Out Kelley Blue Book's Helpful Tire Guides and Resources:

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Content has been reviewed by Gary Hardesty, Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader in-house service and maintenance expert and an A.S.E. certified master technician.