WASHINGTON — Knowing the difference between a proper tire repair and an improper repair could be critical to vehicle safety. A tire industry study showed that nearly 88 percent of tire repairs are performed improperly. The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) has released a new video to educate consumers on the risks of improper tire repair. "Consumers need to know some essential information about tire industry recommended puncture repair procedures," said Daniel Zielinski, RMA senior vice president, public affairs. "An improperly repaired tire is a safety risk you shouldn’t take."

RMA offers tire dealers and automotive repair outlets a detailed wall-chart for proper tire repairs. Among the criteria to perform a proper repair are:

— Repairs are limited to the tread area only; — Puncture injury cannot be greater than 1/4-inch (6mm) in diameter;

— Repairs must be performed by removing the tire from the rim/wheel assembly to perform a complete inspection to assess all damage that may be present;

— Repairs cannot overlap; and

— A rubber stem, or plug, must be applied to fill the puncture injury and a patch must be applied to seal the inner liner. A common repair unit is a one-piece unit with a stem and patch portion. A plug by itself or a patch by itself is an unacceptable repair.

"Ask your tire service technician if he uses tire industry-approved repair procedures," Zielinski said. "Also, some tire manufacturers may have repair limits or restrictions for some tires, such as run flats and others."

A 2006 tire industry review of more than 14,000 scrap tires showed 17 percent had been repaired and, of that number, 88 percent of repairs were done incorrectly.

For more information about proper tire puncture repair, visit: http://www.betiresmart.org.