We’ll discuss the tools and other items you’ll need to properly patch your tire and the average cost of having the job done at the tire shop. With this information, you can decide what you want to do.
Generally speaking, though, the average tire patch cost at a tire shop is around $25 – $50. On the other hand, if you decide to patch your tire yourself, you will save labor costs but need to buy the necessary tools and patching kit.
Tire Shop Average Patching Prices
The average cost of patching a tire by a professional can be more expensive than doing it yourself, but it is worthwhile if it means the patch holds for the tire’s lifetime.
Expect to pay between $25 to $50 to get it done. Most of the cost will be labor – car shops charge between $50 and $100 per hour for their time, but a patch only takes 20 to 30 minutes—the rest is the cost of the patch, which is a dollar or two.
Tire shop patching services use high-quality materials and techniques to ensure the patch is done correctly and may last longer than a home kit repair.
Furthermore, a professional patching job can help identify problems that the average person may not have noticed, such as sidewall damage that could cause a blowout.
Having a tire patched at the shop is the better option if you can get your car to the tire shop to get it patched.
If you just want to get your flat tire patched, here are the prices of the major players at the time of writing this article.
They each have their own terms and conditions attached that may add to the quoted prices.
Walmart charges $15 for a tire repair.
Discount Tires Offer a FREE tire repair service.
Costco: Offer a Free Lifetime Repair if they originally fitted the tire.
Average DIY Tire Patching Costs
Searching Amazon, patch kits appear less common than plug kits. This could be because plug kits don’t require any additional tools for DIY mechanics, whereas patch kits do.
For example, 24-patch combi pieces (rarely sold in smaller quantities) may cost around $25.
Then you have to add the price of a tire patch stitcher, which is needed to roll the patch onto the inside of the tire. This can range from $10 to $15.
In addition, if you don’t already have a jack and a lug wrench, either borrow them or expect to pay $15 for each at Amazon.
Likewise, a tire iron to remove the tire from the rim is also necessary and is usually around the same cost.
Add to this the cost of cement, cleaner, and sealant. It soon adds up.
All in all, if you’re looking to remove the tire and patch the hole effectively, you can expect to spend between $50 and $100, depending on what tools you need to buy.
The good news is once you have bought everything you need, you’ll be ready to patch a hole for free the next time it happens.
Even before you think about patching your own tire, look for any cuts, cracks, or other signs of damage.
If you find any of these, you will need to have the tire inspected by a tire shop before attempting to patch it yourself, as the repair may not be feasible with additional damage.
Any damage to the shoulder or sidewall that is not just cosmetic or superficial will mean you need a new tire.
Anyway, the average tire patch cost can be quite cheap if you do it yourself, but it does take time.
It can be dirty work, so if that is not for you or you don’t have or don’t want to spend money on the additional items, it may be best to take your car to a tire shop for patching.
How Long Does It Take To Patch A Tire? [Tire Shop and At Home]
Tire Road Hazard Insurance Cost and Tire Patching
Before you spend money on your tires, check to see if you have road hazard insurance.
You may have this attached to your car insurance policy or have been sold it by the tire shop when you bought your last set of tires.
These policies cover repairing or replacing car tires damaged due to a road hazard. Road hazards often include potholes and curbs that can puncture or damage a tire.
The cost of covering a set of four tires works out the same as the average cost of patching one tire.
The cover typically includes the cost of replacing or repairing car tires. This can include the cost of labor, mounting and balancing the tire, and disposing of the old tire.
Some policies may also cover the cost of emergency road services, such as towing, but this is rare.
If you don’t have this cover, you will also need to ensure your tire is in otherwise good condition before patching, and then you’ll need to factor in the cost of the tools, adhesives, and cleaners you need to patch properly.
Carzaza.com is an Amazon Associate. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
We like this mushroom tire plug kit at Amazon. Even if you don’t need to repair a flat today, they are a must-have glove compartment accessory to stop you from ever being stranded with a flat in the future.
Sometimes a new tire is the better option if your tire is old or has been damaged before.
We recommend Priority Tire. They often have clearance sales that result in the cost of a new tire being little more than the cost of repairing the damaged one.
Read our Priority Tire Review
Some links on Carzaza.com are affiliate links from which I receive a small commission from sales at no additional cost to you.
Resources:
https://www.tireindustry.org/tire-maintenance/tire-repair
Related Articles:
Are Tire Patches Permanent? [ANSWERED]
Can A Patched Tire Blowout? [Occasionally]
When Can A Tire Not Be Patched – Answered
In Conclusion
Patching a tire is relatively easy and can be done by a car owner at home.
However, if you would rather a tire shop do it, the average tire patch cost is around $25 – $50.
If you choose to do the job yourself, you will need to buy the required tools and patching kit, but you will save on labor costs. Ultimately, the decision is up to you and your budget.
