Tyre plugs. Legality issues.

Submitted: Sunday, Sep 25, 2022 at 13:37
ThreadID: 144874 Views:6053 Replies:17 FollowUps:45
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Hi all. A month ago I put three plugs into the upper sidewall of one of my tyres. The repair has 'held' and I have no leakage.

I've asked commercial tyre fitters a number of times over the years about the legality of vehicle owners undertaking similar repairs but have been given a range of responses.

Obviously, I don't want to be running the vehicle if the repair (in WA) is illegal (and also in consideration of insurance issues) but on the other hand, the tyre will be condemned as no commercial repairer will put a patch in on a sidewall.

The tyre still has 75% tread left and I'd rather continue usage if legal after all....

So... does anyone know what the legal situation on this issue is please?

Cheers. JB.
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Reply By: AlbyNSW - Sunday, Sep 25, 2022 at 14:59

Sunday, Sep 25, 2022 at 14:59
Haven’t you answered your own question when saying no commercial tyrefitter will carry out the repair as it is illegal ?
On that basis how do you think a DIY job is legal?
AnswerID: 641712

Follow Up By: John Baas - Sunday, Sep 25, 2022 at 22:00

Sunday, Sep 25, 2022 at 22:00
You haven't read my post correctly... The Q was about the legality of a self plugged sidewall repair. The obs re commercial patching is about entirely a different issue...
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Reply By: GarryR - Sunday, Sep 25, 2022 at 16:24

Sunday, Sep 25, 2022 at 16:24
I have had to place a plug in the upper side wall of a tyre. Yes on return, the commercial response was the tyre is unservciable. I did keep driving on the plugged tyre at the time for many kilometres, and on the rear only, till I was able to source a new replacement. It was bad luck that I had a small stick go through it at only 1000k's, as I just put it down to bad luck, and the risks you take when going on an adventure.
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Reply By: OzzieCruiser - Sunday, Sep 25, 2022 at 17:50

Sunday, Sep 25, 2022 at 17:50
The emergency string style plugs that you get in say an ARB tyre repair kit exactly that , for emergency use only. They are to be replaced as soon as possible by approved repairs such as the mushroom type repairs from within the tyre. Continued use of the emergency strings is illegal but they do tend to hold up OK.

The approved repairs do not have do be done by an approved repairer and you can do them at home if you can take the tyre off and use an approved repair method. However you also need to have the knowledge of where or where not repairs can go - eg not in sidewalls, how damaged the tyre case is, how far into the shoulder is OK.

So just take the tyre with the strings in it to a repairer and they will make a judgement on how to repair - it is relatively cheap to get done.

But the emergency string repairs are illegal when it is no longer an emergency and are illegal to make a permanent repair.
AnswerID: 641714

Follow Up By: Member - nickb boab - Sunday, Sep 25, 2022 at 20:16

Sunday, Sep 25, 2022 at 20:16
Very much what i understand the rules are..
Cheers Nick b

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Follow Up By: Member - Bigfish - Monday, Sep 26, 2022 at 20:25

Monday, Sep 26, 2022 at 20:25
"Continued use of the emergency strings is illegal but they do tend to hold up OK."

Can you show me the relevant law saying that it is illegal to drive on the string?

Interested.
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Follow Up By: Member - Bigfish - Monday, Sep 26, 2022 at 20:31

Monday, Sep 26, 2022 at 20:31
Found this on another forum...

" Tyre rope plugs are not illegal. The is no such law or similar. There are australian standards for OTR tyres (large earthmoving tyres) and the standard is commonly referred to in legal proceedings for OTR tyre issues, but There is no such standard for tyres 24inch or less.

Many Tyre stores have stopped doing rope plug repairs as you can buy a plug kit for less than $8 and they charge $20-35. A proper repair is charged around the same price and the material costs are fairly similar to that of a rope plug but other benefits to a tyre shop is that it generally reduces rework, requires the tyre removed from the rim and the tyre fitter can see if it has been run flat. Any signs of run flat (however minor) requires replacement. So commercially it is beneficial to conduct internal repairs, as you charge a fitting/balancing fee as well as potentially selling a new tyre.

The problem with creating a law for repairing passenger/4wd tyres is there would need to be a training /certification law (there is a training /certification for OTR tyres) and the low pays and typical background (high % of tyre fitters are ex convicts, low educated, drug addicts, etc) for passenger /4wd tyre fitters means that the industry would take a massive hit with no real safety benefits.

Tyre shops in WA require a "licence " to work with tyres by at least 1 employee for the shop but it is just a formality.

There has been coroners findings requesting that an Australian standard is created for increased regulation and standards, but these have been largely ignored by the industry (some OTR tyre companies have been pushing it).

Sadly, people are pushing this lie/misconception but there is no substance to this. "


I would just like to see the law as stated.
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Follow Up By: OzzieCruiser - Monday, Sep 26, 2022 at 22:04

Monday, Sep 26, 2022 at 22:04
Not I cannot - you can do your own research - the fact that the rope strings we carry in our repair kits do not meet Australian standards for permanent tyre repairs would lead any intelligent person to conclude they are illegal for permanent repair - if they were, they would meet repair standards - doh
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Follow Up By: Member - Bigfish - Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022 at 06:58

Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022 at 06:58
"No I cannot not- you can do your own research"...translation==I have no idea but its my opinion so it is law.

So your sprouting off that they are illegal but wont provide a simple cut and paste of the law? What Australian Standard are they failing for permanent tyre repair?
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Follow Up By: AlbyNSW - Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022 at 07:22

Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022 at 07:22
This Vicroads bulletin is quite specific on the requirements but is 20 years old

https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/~/media/files/documents/safety-and-road-rules/vsi16.pdf?la=en
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Follow Up By: Member - Bigfish - Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022 at 07:57

Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022 at 07:57
Nothing in that lot about any legislation or law AlbyNSW.
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Follow Up By: AlbyNSW - Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022 at 08:16

Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022 at 08:16
So a government bulletin specifically saying that that method of repair is unacceptable is not enough Bigfish?
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Follow Up By: Michael H9 - Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022 at 08:55

Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022 at 08:55
I would accept that document as official, now what about everywhere else outside of Vic? Then there's the usual case of how it applies if you cross the border. If you look at what every state seems to publish as to tyre roadworthiness, they mention tread depth and bulges and cracks, but they don't mention sidewall repairs....and they should to make it perfectly clear so that discussions like this don't happen.
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Follow Up By: AlbyNSW - Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022 at 09:09

Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022 at 09:09
Lol Micheal H9, you want the states to work together? You just have to look at the Covid pandemic to see how unwilling they are to do that
But yes it would makea lot of sense to do it.
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Follow Up By: Member - Bigfish - Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022 at 09:13

Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022 at 09:13
Unacceptable is nowhere near the same as illegal. Its unacceptable to swear at people...its not illegal.

All I have asked for is the paperwork to show the illegality...simple I,m not saying legal or illegal...I,m after the relevant law that makes it so..simple. I,m not the one stating that its illegal., just after info to back up the claim.
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Follow Up By: AlbyNSW - Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022 at 10:32

Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022 at 10:32
I would of thought if the governing body says it is unacceptable it means that it is not roadworthy
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Follow Up By: Member - Bigfish - Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022 at 10:37

Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022 at 10:37
Whats acceptable or unacceptable is a matter of opinion. It is not law or a regulation unless written as such. Swearing or being obnoxious is unacceptable to many yet it happens daily. Swearing in many places may be unacceptable but it is definitely not illegal. All I want is to be shown the relevant law that says the string is illegal to use (whether in an emergency or not). Anyone can say something is illegal but they should be prepared to show proof if challenged. Again...very simple. I,d be happy to view the law for my own peace of mind.
Cheers.
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Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022 at 17:28

Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022 at 17:28
.
A point re Australian Standards.........

They are standards produced and published by a non-Governnment organisation. They are not laws or regulations. They can be referenced by a law, statute or regulation which then makes their contents enforcable by law. Only then are they enforcable. The mere existance of a Standard does not make it a law.

Even when not embraced by a specific law, they may be referenced by a private corporation as being a requirement to a document such as a contract or as an industry recommendation. This does not make the Standard a law.
Cheers
Allan

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Follow Up By: Member - DOZER - Friday, Oct 14, 2022 at 13:25

Friday, Oct 14, 2022 at 13:25
I read with interest, because as a nation, we are fed alot of BS.
The only laws we have are signed into law by the governor general after being debated and passed.
Each state government has their own bylaws, and acts that are subject to the above laws. some are pretty skethy.
For instance, NSW Police are allowed to pull you over if they believe a law is being broken, to uphold the law....so why are we RANDOMLY breath tested? Do they believe we are all over .05?
Ive digressed, if you slide out and hit someone, killing them, and you have a repaired tyre, the coroner will attribute blame to the driver of the vehicle, allowing further litigation, even if the driver didnt make the repair, even if the car just had a roadworthy certificate issued, the law is the person in control of a vehicle must ensure it is in a roadworthy state.
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Follow Up By: Member - Bigfish - Friday, Oct 14, 2022 at 13:42

Friday, Oct 14, 2022 at 13:42
Cant follow your logic Dozer. You state that in the event of a death the driver will be responsible even though he just had a qualified mechanic issue it with a roadworthy. This means that all drivers will now have to engineers, metallurgists, designers, technicians,, computer experts,manufacturers and inspectors. Why?...because according to you all these people who have contributed to making a safe, roadworthy car are not as qualified as an 80 year person behind the wheel of a car! The driver must ensure it is roadworthy! How do they do this if the specialist he has paid to carry out the regulatory work, and know 50 times information about what is required, are in no way accountable and according to you its only the driver who is responsible for the roadworthy condition?
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Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Friday, Oct 14, 2022 at 14:57

Friday, Oct 14, 2022 at 14:57
.
So OK Dozer, what would be your recommendation to manage this situation?
Cheers
Allan

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Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Saturday, Oct 15, 2022 at 14:23

Saturday, Oct 15, 2022 at 14:23
.
Anyway Dozer, you are quite wrong about .... " the coroner will attribute blame to the driver of the vehicle"..... and "the law is the person in control of a vehicle must ensure it is in a roadworthy state"
The fact is that the owner of the vehicle is primarily responsible for ensuring that it is not driven unless it is in a roadworthy condition, not the driver. Unless of course the driver was the owner, or the driver had knowledge that the vehicle was not roadworthy, then that may be another matter.
If it was a civil case of deciding blame apportion, then the driver's knowledge (if he were not the owner)and his behaviour may be considered in awarding damages. But the responsibility for roadworthiness lies with the owner. Many people seem to interpret laws as they consider they should be, not as they really are.
example
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Follow Up By: Nomadic Navara - Sunday, Oct 16, 2022 at 18:44

Sunday, Oct 16, 2022 at 18:44
Quote "The only laws we have are signed into law by the governor general after being debated and passed."

He(she) signs some acts to bring them into law. The states also have the powers to introduce laws. Their acts are handled by the state governors. The acts of parliament allow regulations to be issued. These are not perused by the governors but are still part of our laws. In addition to these, the judges of the supreme and high courts make judgements. These become common law even though they are not handled by the parliaments or the governors. Law is a little more complicated than you suggest.

DOZER, if you are going to argue about laws, I suggest you do a little more research. I suggest you could start with Law.


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Reply By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Sunday, Sep 25, 2022 at 17:54

Sunday, Sep 25, 2022 at 17:54
.
Hi John,
Maybe the question should be "Is it safe?" rather than "is it legal?"

Cheers
Allan

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AnswerID: 641715

Follow Up By: John Baas - Sunday, Sep 25, 2022 at 22:03

Sunday, Sep 25, 2022 at 22:03
Very safe Allan, if you're driving a 200 series; in addition, fitted with a TPMS . Cheers.
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Reply By: Member - shane r1 - Sunday, Sep 25, 2022 at 18:22

Sunday, Sep 25, 2022 at 18:22
You can have sidewall damage “major repaired” generally not done by most tyre shops. But a lot of rural shops that deal with agricultural tyres may be able to do a major repair .
Cheers
AnswerID: 641716

Reply By: Member - Charlie M (SA) - Sunday, Sep 25, 2022 at 18:23

Sunday, Sep 25, 2022 at 18:23
Hi John
They are repairable, depends on size and position of hole.
Can be repaired cold with right patches, or heat repair if needed.
Again hole size and position.
I would try a agri or truck place, for them to have a look, as most passenger places would not have anything to repair it or maybe the personnel that knows what to do, easier to sell new.

Charlie
AnswerID: 641717

Reply By: Michael H9 - Sunday, Sep 25, 2022 at 23:35

Sunday, Sep 25, 2022 at 23:35
http://www.beadelltours.com.au/tyre_rules.html
AnswerID: 641718

Follow Up By: John Baas - Monday, Sep 26, 2022 at 00:18

Monday, Sep 26, 2022 at 00:18
At last; some real info...thank you. Cheers. JB.
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Follow Up By: Phil G - Monday, Sep 26, 2022 at 09:12

Monday, Sep 26, 2022 at 09:12
I like what Mick writes and it is all in very good faith.
But he did write that page back in 2006 and relies on "Australian Standard 1973-1993 - Third edition" which is 30 years old.

I do as Phil Bianchi has written - plug the tyre when you're out in the bush and keep using it in case you stake it again. And get it examined from the inside when back home. I once travelled with a guy who many years ago ran a tour company in the WA Deserts, Madigan Line etc. He bought himself a new set of tyres and his previous BFGs had 35 plugged repairs between them. Needless to say if anyone knew how to plug a tyre, it was him.
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Follow Up By: OzzieCruiser - Monday, Sep 26, 2022 at 14:34

Monday, Sep 26, 2022 at 14:34
"At last; some real info...thank you. "

I thought my response earlier gave you "real info" - certainly clarified the legality aspect.

The Beadall article has good information but did not address the use of emergency repairs that you asked about - only how the tyre should be correctly repaired.
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Reply By: Pete Jackman (SA) - Monday, Sep 26, 2022 at 01:49

Monday, Sep 26, 2022 at 01:49
As said above, string type repairs are for emergency use only to get you back to where you can have the issue properly resolved.

Here is a link to the VicRoads rules:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/-/media/files/documents/safety-and-road-rules/vsi/vehiclestandardsinformation16_tyremainternancerepair.ashx&ved=2ahUKEwiv8JnHo7D6AhWLLMAKHRSWArYQFnoECFoQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3xf1FnJ37nmGVgcM_ZYFEZ

According to them sidewall repairs are not permitted.
AnswerID: 641719

Reply By: Phil B (WA) - Monday, Sep 26, 2022 at 07:12

Monday, Sep 26, 2022 at 07:12
Hi John,

This topic is always a tough one, especially when looking down the barrel of an almost new tyre being tossed out.
I wrote an article on this topic and its published in the current Western 4W Driver magazine. The article includes a photo of a 'bone through the nose' stake, there's no plugging that one of course, but it may bring back memories of a trip we did way back.




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Follow Up By: Gbc.. - Monday, Sep 26, 2022 at 16:57

Monday, Sep 26, 2022 at 16:57
Might be worthwhile mentioning lubing up the reaming tool and giving the hole a few good pumps before trying to force the plug through. It will mean the difference between a smaller human getting the job done and not - and big people breaking plastic handles ;)
Great article.
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FollowupID: 921035

Follow Up By: Michael H9 - Monday, Sep 26, 2022 at 18:16

Monday, Sep 26, 2022 at 18:16
They should ban those plastic handles. The amount of force you need and the chance of the shaft spearing your palm when it breaks, yuk.
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Reply By: Gbc.. - Monday, Sep 26, 2022 at 07:15

Monday, Sep 26, 2022 at 07:15
I've been told in the past (when getting temporary plugs fixed correctly), that when they install the Rema patches from the inside they have to check that the belts arent stuffed and that they haven't begun to rust prior to repairing, otherwise they get condemned.
It isn't so much the temp plugs are no good, just there is no inspection process and the damaged belts can be open to the moisture inside the tyre - so I've been told.
This is aside from the location checking (no sidewall repairs on radials).
AnswerID: 641721

Reply By: Michael H9 - Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022 at 07:24

Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022 at 07:24
The fact is that I haven't been able to find it written anywhere in government documents that repairing a sidewall is illegal. All the literature seems to be from tyre manufacturers or associations. There's the legal aspect of driving on potentially faulty equipment to consider where culpability could be found in the event of a serious accident. Tyre repairers wouldn't have a bar of getting involved in that for obvious reasons plus they sell a new tyre, so win win for them.
For everyone's sake, the government should make this cut and dried, clear as crystal so there's no debate. Staking the sidewall of a near new tyre is a bitter pill to swallow that I have had happen to me. It would be easier to swallow if the law was seen to be more visible in black and white rather than the case of some people seem to be able to do it but most won't.
If anybody can find this as law in their particular state then I would be greatful.
AnswerID: 641733

Follow Up By: Member - nickb boab - Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022 at 07:59

Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022 at 07:59
Maybe it does not need to be written in a law if the tyre plug causes an accident or injury to anyone or anything then you may be found guilty of causing an accident or injury. Its just like tyre sizes plenty of people getting around with illegal tyres and as it was explained once by a police officer at a 4WD show it's all fine till the shit hits the fan :((
And tyre fitters seem to get very nervous about inflating tyres that are a bit dodgy for their own personal safety
Cheers Nick b

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Follow Up By: tonysmc - Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022 at 10:04

Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022 at 10:04
As far as government documents, Michael, Pete above posted the Vehicle Standards Information from Vicroads. This document clearly states "Repairs are not permitted in the bead, sidewall or shoulder area of the tyre." To me this statement makes it illegal to do so as a permanent repair if reading the entire document, or at least in Victoria it is. I know some rules vary from state to state but I don't believe any business would or should be expected to risk doing anything outside this vehicle standards document.
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Reply By: Stephen L (Clare) SA - Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022 at 17:59

Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022 at 17:59
Regards of what you hear, ask your insurance company.

When push comes to shove, they will have the ultimate say if they are going to pay out, regardless how safe you think your 200 Series is, even with you TPMS
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AnswerID: 641739

Follow Up By: John Baas - Wednesday, Sep 28, 2022 at 01:41

Wednesday, Sep 28, 2022 at 01:41
seriously... ask, your ins company; about a hypothetical... Good luck getting a definitive... Seriously........... I mean.................... ???.......
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Follow Up By: Phil G - Wednesday, Sep 28, 2022 at 17:27

Wednesday, Sep 28, 2022 at 17:27
Hi Stephen,
I'm guessing the insurance company won't know the difference between a tyre plug and a bath plug!!
We are more likely to have a catastrophy from running something legal like tubed tyres (fast leak) than we are from plugged sidewall punctures (potential slow leak), so I personally think liability is not an issue.
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Follow Up By: Stephen L (Clare) SA - Wednesday, Sep 28, 2022 at 18:46

Wednesday, Sep 28, 2022 at 18:46
What’s the bet Phil that if your car was totalled (in this case John’s 200 Series) and the insurance company had to pay out, their accessor would give a report and you can bet that any tyre plug. In the side wall will stand out like dogs and if they think this was the case, there goes claim
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Follow Up By: Phil G - Wednesday, Sep 28, 2022 at 22:36

Wednesday, Sep 28, 2022 at 22:36
Hi Stephen,
You're presenting an extremely unlikely scenario.
I suspect it has never ever happened in the history of motor vehicle insurance.
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Follow Up By: John Baas - Friday, Sep 30, 2022 at 03:21

Friday, Sep 30, 2022 at 03:21
Good luck, totaling a 200 on a failed Tyre. I've tried at least 5 times. On rails every time - amazing cars... SL, seriously, you're trying, too.... hard.
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Follow Up By: Phil G - Friday, Sep 30, 2022 at 08:18

Friday, Sep 30, 2022 at 08:18
The insurance company would need to come up with some proof that string repairs are not legal.
I cannot find any ADR or standard to that effect. There are no warnings on the product to say the repairs are not legal. The best I can find is the warning contained in most kits telling you they should only be used for emergency repairs or only use for tread punctures and small repairs and not to use them for sidewall and shoulder repairs.

That is why this debate has lingered on for decades
1
FollowupID: 921086

Follow Up By: Michael H9 - Friday, Sep 30, 2022 at 09:19

Friday, Sep 30, 2022 at 09:19
It would be extremely easy to resolve the issue. Change the heading on the thread to "Bald Tyres -Legality Issues" and see how much argument ensues. The fact that we are arguing indicates that there mustn't be a clear directive from any government authority on this. Saying something is "unacceptable" as definitely open to conjecture in a legal sense. As stated before, many things are unacceptable but not illegal. Many sidewall repairs are perfectly safe but many are not. I would be happy for a clear directive on this issue, especially if it is of such high importance for road safety.
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Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Friday, Sep 30, 2022 at 11:26

Friday, Sep 30, 2022 at 11:26
.
I think Michael has nailed it.
The safety factor cannot be expressed in terms simple enough for a lay person to determine. It requires the judgement of a trained and qualified person.
Now, you may well question the skill of any given tyre repair employee but that is the way it is! As it is for many things.
Cheers
Allan

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Follow Up By: AlbyNSW - Friday, Sep 30, 2022 at 15:38

Friday, Sep 30, 2022 at 15:38
So given the discussion to date
What is the motivating factor to use string plugs as a permanent fix?
Is it to save the $35.00 to have a professional repair done or to be able to save replacing a tyre by doing a diy job that the professional repairers refuse to fix?
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FollowupID: 921093

Follow Up By: Phil G - Friday, Sep 30, 2022 at 16:01

Friday, Sep 30, 2022 at 16:01
Alby,
Nothing to do with money. I use plugs when remote because I can repair the tyre in 10 minutes without getting a jack out. And I still have a perfect spare. And I can continue to use the plugged tyre in case I were to stake it again before getting out to civilisation. I remember one trip in the North Simpson where one of the guys staked the same BFG three times.
If around town, I do what everyone else does and get it repaired by a tyre place or get a new tyre.

There are so many different size tyres out there these days that getting a replacement tyre when remote can be impossible. Also if your vehicle has a spacesaver spare, its a better option to plug or repair the full size tyre.
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Follow Up By: AlbyNSW - Friday, Sep 30, 2022 at 16:13

Friday, Sep 30, 2022 at 16:13
Phil I do the same, always have a plug kit with me and use them as a permanent solution on my farm equipment
Isn’t this whole discussion about whether you can use them on the road as a permanent repair?
2
FollowupID: 921096

Reply By: Peter_n_Margaret - Wednesday, Sep 28, 2022 at 10:12

Wednesday, Sep 28, 2022 at 10:12
Legal or not is not the question.
These matters will only be tested if the repair is a substantial CAUSE of damage or injury which leads to a court case or insurance claim.
The point is though, as the owner/driver of the vehicle who performed the repair, you will accept the legal responsibility if/when it goes pear shaped.
If a commercial organisation makes the repair, they will accept the legal responsibility.
Cheers,
Peter
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AnswerID: 641746

Follow Up By: Nomadic Navara - Friday, Sep 30, 2022 at 16:36

Friday, Sep 30, 2022 at 16:36
I see this as being like the old travelling at over 50 mph on derestricted roads way back before we had maximum speed limits on our roads. If you were travelling in excess of 50 mph, the onus was on you to to prove you were driving safely.

With the plugging of tyres, is things go pear shape, it is up to you to prove you were not using the plugs contrary to the instructions for those plugs. That includes how long you had run on the repaired tyre and where they were used in the tyre. It does not include using them for extended (permanent) use.
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Reply By: Bazooka - Thursday, Oct 06, 2022 at 20:52

Thursday, Oct 06, 2022 at 20:52
As far as legality goes: a brief search suggested to me that State motor vehicle Acts refer to Aust and/or trader standards, most often AS 1973 and/or the Tyre and Rim Association of Australia Standards Manual .

That is, unless you have followed said standards (as vague/open to different interpretations as they may be) then you are not compliant (legal).

Clear as mud, as many have said.

Probably depends on the location and size of your plugs John and I'm not judging, but even with a TPMS I'm not sure I'd personally be confident of driving at high speed with three "sidewall" plugs for any longer than necessary. Esp for the sake of a few $hundred.

AnswerID: 641794

Reply By: Ron N - Friday, Oct 07, 2022 at 00:30

Friday, Oct 07, 2022 at 00:30
John, you don't say how big the holes were that you plugged, or how they were acquired.

The best rule of thumb for tyre repairs is that if no plies have been fractured, and the hole has been made by a nail, a screw or a sharp piece of metal - then a plug should be a satisfactory repair.

The problems start when plies have been fractured by a large stake, which can then also lead to ply separation in the tyre carcass.
I rarely use plugs, but they're not banned by anyone, and they need to be used with a degree of care.

The biggest problem is that if a tyre receives some severe damage that potentially has fractured plies, it needs to be dismounted, and the interior of the tyre and the hole checked for carcass damage that could affect the tyre adversely down the track.

Even with nails and screws, I still dismount tyres (I have my own tyre changing machine), remove the offending item, check the tyre thoroughly, and then patch it from the inside with a properly buffed and glued patch.

I've used Michelin tyres from the mid 1960's in W.A., and back in those days, the Michelins were tubed radials - as were all the truck tyres.

Bell Bros were the Michelin agents and had a huge tyre supply and repair depot in South Guildford - which depot would repair sidewall damage to both car and truck radials - using a vulcanising process - provided the plies were largely only separated, and not substantially fractured.

Bell Bros repaired tens of thousands of radial tyres in this manner, and I had many radials repairs done by Bell Bros after staking them in the sidewalls - sometimes with lengthy cuts.
As long as the break didn't reach the bead or the tread plies, Bell Bros were happy to repair the damaged tyres - and they guaranteed their repairs.

It's testament to Bells repair work that one could probably still find some old Michelins sporting their vulcanised tyre sidewall repairs.

However, with the advent of cheaper and cheaper tyres in recent years, tyre wall repairs have become uneconomic - and pressure from safety authorities and lawyers has made tyre people decline to repair substantially damaged tyres today.

Bell Bros repairs involved buffing back the damaged rubber around the hole and installing fresh liquid rubber, which was vulcanised in their tyre repair machines.
I still have a portable 240V tyre wall vulcaniser, but the work required to repair a seriously damaged tyre wall is so substantial, it's not really economic, unless the tyre is an expensive truck tyre, and it is nearly new.

Most large stakes from timber and sharp rocks usually damage a number of plies in the wall (or tread), thus making any major (vulcanised) repairs to wall or tread, a no-no.

Cheers, Ron.
AnswerID: 641800

Follow Up By: John Baas - Friday, Oct 07, 2022 at 02:06

Friday, Oct 07, 2022 at 02:06
Hi Ron.

Many thanks for your extensive reply.

Yes, I was short on detail re the original damage... sorry all.

It was a 'micro' pinhole slow leakage, that I had expected one plug to suffice. Very surprised it took three. But it's still a pinhole and there's no way the plugs would blow-out, as they might from a 'slash'.

And thanks re the vulcanising. I have had, back in the day, a number of sidewalls repaired in that way. Sadly, as you note, no more.

I wasn't going to comment earlier on another issue my thread has occasioned comment, but I'll take this opportunity, for those who doubt the ability for a 200 series to maintain a straight line after catastrophic tyre failure (rocks thru the sidewall - instant deflation) to say that it has happened to me four times. And one of them at 100 kay ph (this time plugs did blow out of a NT slash repair - going up to Katherine) on bitumen.

What happens is, one hears the 'explosive report', the tyre is immediately flat, one hits the brakes, and the car holds the line immaculately until stopped. I've been amazed each time but, that dear punters, is what happens.

Just as an aside to all, I've really enjoyed all the inputs this thread. Takes us all back to those days the Forum was so alive.

Cheers.John.

2
FollowupID: 921149

Reply By: Member - DOZER - Friday, Oct 14, 2022 at 13:06

Friday, Oct 14, 2022 at 13:06
legally, your ok until that tyre fails then your liable.
The problem is the sidewall massages the plugs each turn, then air starts escaping, usually very slowly, resulting in an under inflated tyre that gets hot till it goes bang, OR as i found out, you need to swerve to miss a wombat and end up going backwards at 80km/hr. My life almost ended that morning.
AnswerID: 641851

Reply By: Member - Outback Gazz - Sunday, Oct 16, 2022 at 19:52

Sunday, Oct 16, 2022 at 19:52
G'day All

I've been interested in this thread and read every reply and comment !

So what I would like to know is, as I'm none the wiser now

Are tyre plugs legal or illegal ????


Happy and safe plug free travels

Cheers
Gazz
AnswerID: 641858

Follow Up By: Michael H9 - Sunday, Oct 16, 2022 at 20:39

Sunday, Oct 16, 2022 at 20:39
We've established that they're unacceptable in Victoria. It's legal to advertise and sell them everywhere. Just the facts man. :-)
1
FollowupID: 921221

Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Sunday, Oct 16, 2022 at 20:54

Sunday, Oct 16, 2022 at 20:54
.
Gaz,
Are they legal or illegal?............. Yes.
Cheers
Allan

Member
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2
FollowupID: 921222

Follow Up By: Member - Outback Gazz - Monday, Oct 17, 2022 at 07:34

Monday, Oct 17, 2022 at 07:34
" Are they legal or illegal?............. Yes. "

Allan - thanks for the clarification, now I fully understand the legalities of these plugs !! lol

" It's legal to advertise and sell them everywhere. Just the facts man. :-) "

Michael - just like all the young blokes running tyres that are two inches wider than the rim legally allows and mostly the same blokes that run extended shackles that are illegal in most if not all states that most suspension companies sell. And my favourite, shangeyes or more commonly known as slingshots these days.
Illegal for sale in most states but if the seller advertises them as " burley throwers " or " bait throwers " then they are legal.
I'm not into fishing at all but I don't understand why you would want burley 200 metres from your boat ??

So from now on and to avoid running illegal " tyre plugs " and to satisfy my insurance company - I will be repairing my punctures with " air exodus strings " ..... no dodgy tyre plugs for me anymore !!!

Cheers
Gazz
3
FollowupID: 921224

Follow Up By: Member - McLaren3030 - Monday, Oct 17, 2022 at 10:13

Monday, Oct 17, 2022 at 10:13
Hi Gaz,

You forgot the tyres that protrude out past the mudguards as well. :-)

Macca.
Macca.

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1
FollowupID: 921225

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