Tires: automobile tire repair, automobile tire, radial tire

Question
Is it true that if a radial tire has even a small puncture on the tread that is within one inch or so of the sidewall that puncture cannot be safely repaired?

Answer
John,

This is sort of true.  Officially, the only area where repairs are allowed on a radial tire is in the tread area, not including the outermost rib.  If it is a speed rated tire (S or higher), it also doesn't include the groove adjacent to the outermost rib.  

The reason for this is that the belt edges are the most highly stressed area in a tire and the tire manufacturers hold this area to be sacred - not to be compromised.

BTW, the tire manufacturers only approve of a plug / patch combination repair.  The idea is to fill the injured area so foregn material can get in and dig around and so corrosion can't take place, and to have a good air seal.

Of all the things that tire manufacturers hate, the plug tops the list.  These leak all too often,  and worse - they'll be fine today and leak tomorrow.

Hope this helps.