How can I determine if a tire is repairable or if a flat tire has structural damage that could be dangerous?
Some evidence of structural damage is visible on the outside of the tire and some can only be seen on the inside. External factors would include cuts and snags where the cord body is exposed; unnatural bulges that indicate damage to the cord body; severe non-uniformity in the tread or sidewall; or a band of abrasion to the sidewall caused by rim chafing. An internal examination of the tire is critical when assessing the repairability of a tire. Often the injury is larger or more extensive on the inside of the tire. Also damage can occur to the tubeless liner when a tire is run under inflated. Judgments on tire repairs are best left to trained tire professionals. The safest course of action is to install the spare tire and take the flat tire to a full-service tire facility for evaluation.
