If you've got a flat tire, you can fix it up with a tire plug or patch. Despite the similar names and concepts, they are not the same thing.

A tire plug is a sticky, flexible piece of rubber that plugs the hole in the tire. It's the old-school method for fixing a flat tire and works best on small punctures.

We tested the best tire repair kits with plugs, patches, and more to get you on the road faster after a flat.

In this case, the tire manufacturer’s association states that a tire must be removed, and the inner liner inspected. They also state that a tire plug alone is an unacceptable repair.

Attach the repair plug to the T-handle insert tool and insert the plug into the hole. Gently pull the T-handle tool back out and trim down any excess repair plug sticking out of the tire with a knife.

A plug or patch can't bond securely here, and even a small hole compromises the entire tire's structural integrity. If the puncture happens in this area, you will be buying a new tire.

You've had a flat, and now you're trying to fix it for the long term. Tire plugs are cheap, and they're not hard to install. But how well do they last?

Installing a tire plug isn’t a difficult job, and you can often do it with the wheel still on the car. And, if the tire hasn’t gone flat, that’s the fastest way to do it.

This tire plug kit is meant to let you repair any tubeless tire for on- or off-road vehicles, trailers, or ATVs. All 22 pieces are organized in a soft, zippered case with just enough space to tuck ...

Tire Patch vs. Tire Plug: Which Repair Method is Best? How tire patches and tire plugs compare in key characteristics, so you'll know how and when to use them.