can someone pls explain why you can't rotate tires that have the gas station plug. i swear i have done this before, but now when i recently went to get my tires rotated they said they can't.

 

gas station plug ??????? WTF is that

 

if you get a flat due to a nail/screw/or something similar, your local gas station will plug it and your tire is fine. you can drive normally as if nothing ever happened.

 

^
well, since i have a coupe they are obviously staggered and directional. they can only be rotated side to side.

 

i dont get it?!?

 

because a gas station plug is only a temporary fix. They hardly ever last the life of the tire as opposed to a proper patch/plug from the inside of the tire. The shop probably doesn't want to be held liable for being the last one to touch your car when you have a temporary patch in the tires.
-GP-

 

OK, i guess that makes sense. but, can that be the only reason?

 

A tire plug if done properly can last indefinitely. A patch is preferable but the plug will work if installed in the allowable tread area of the tire. I had one on my rear tire and it lasted many miles until I finally changed tires. One thing you should know is...."Never install the plug or patch on the sidewall or outside the allowable tread repair area of the tread". Bottom line is the patch or plug should never be too close to the sidewall.

 

+1. todays plugs are much stronger and last longer than those used 10 years ago.as logn as the area was prepped correctly before the plug install, your plug will outlast the tread of the tire.

 

The stealership told me that tire plugging was illegal. YES.....I know this is untrue. It was Passport Nissan in Alexandria, VA that told me that. Think the guys name is Richard, but yea he sure did tell me that. I ended up having to buy a tire anyway cause the hole was on the sidewall.

I have heard a lot of places won't rotate your tires if one is patched because they don't want to be liable if something should happen. Why not just rotate them yourself ?

 

never heard of a dealer not rotating for liability issues. but i have heard some shops wont plug for liability reasons.