Dear Tom and Ray:

We've had a spate of flats lately. The latest was on our Ford Taurus. The puncture was right at the edge of the tread. We had it fixed at a gas station, and the attendant used only a plunger with a "rope" attached. He said it might not hold because it was so close to the edge. I am concerned about the safety of the tire. I checked some of the tire safety-related sites on the Web, and most indicated that both an inside and an outside patch were needed for a safe repair. What's your advice ?-- Carl

Tom: An inside and an outside patch, Carl. Especially if the puncture is large or close to the sidewall.

Ray: The "outside patch" or "plug" is an easier fix. That's what you got. That can be done without taking the tire off of the rim. And in many cases, it's good enough.

Tom: But if you really want to do it right, you should also apply a patch inside, which goes inside the tire, right over the puncture. In addition to the adhesive, the internal patch is kept in place by outward force of the air pressure in the tire.

Ray: And if your mechanic still has any questions about whether this particular tire is going to be patchable, just forget about the patch and replace the tire. Your family's safety is worth $100, isn't it Carl?

What is the most cost-effective way to buy a car? Tom and Ray hash it all out in their pamphlet "Should I Buy, Lease, or Steal My Next Car?" To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1998 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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