Recently, Shanghai's well-known host Shi Yan's experience of "50-yuan tire repair" posted on social media has sparked heated discussions among millions of netizens. Her case of repairing tires with rubber strips has brought this traditional tire repair method into the public eye. Meanwhile, the incident where a mother and daughter were given adhesive tape to save themselves during a motorcycle trip in Xizang further highlights the practicality of adhesive tape for tire repair in emergency scenarios. However, professionals point out that adhesive tape for tire repair is not a "universal patch". Its application scope and operation norms must be strictly followed; otherwise, it may pose safety hazards.

Rubber strip tire repair: The "Lightweight Player" in Emergency scenarios
According to the industry standards of automotive repair, rubber strip tire repair is mainly applicable to tire tread puncture injuries with a diameter of 6mm or less, commonly seen in holes caused by sharp objects such as nails and glass fragments. The core principle is to achieve sealing through the physical filling and friction of rubber strips. It has the advantages of simple operation, low cost (about 20-50 yuan), and no need to remove the tires. It is especially suitable for emergency rescue scenarios such as highway service areas and remote areas.

Typical case

In August 2025, Shi Yan encountered a tire puncture in the suburbs of Shanghai. The repair shop quickly restored the tire pressure through the use of rubber strips, and the entire process only took half an hour.
In October of the same year, a mother and daughter traveling by motorcycle were stranded on National Road 317 in Xizang due to a damaged tire. The adhesive tape given by a motorcycle enthusiast helped them complete their subsequent journey.
Three taboos: These damages must never be treated with adhesive tape
Although tire patching with rubber strips is convenient, its limitations are equally significant. Professional maintenance institutions have clearly defined "red lines" :

Sidewall damage prohibited: The sidewall rubber layer is thin and bears deformation pressure, and the rubber strip cannot provide sufficient structural strength. A survey of multiple tire blowout accidents in 2025 revealed that over 60% of tire side repair cases were caused by the detachment of rubber strips.
Large-diameter damage is ineffective: Wounds with a diameter exceeding 6mm can cause the adhesive tape to not fill tightly. A laboratory test showed that after an 8mm hole was repaired with adhesive tape, the air pressure dropped by 35% within 24 hours.
Old wounds are at high risk: When the rubber at the edge of the damage has aged or cracked, the rubber strip is prone to cause the wound to expand due to friction.
Operating Specification: Details determine safety
The formal repair of rubber strips should follow a five-step process:

Precise positioning: Confirm the damage point through soapy water detection or endoscopy to avoid misjudgment.
Thorough cleaning: Use a cone to expand the hole and remove foreign objects to ensure the hole is regular. Data from a certain repair shop shows that in cases where repairs were made directly without removing impurities, 82% experienced secondary air leakage.
Adhesive tape implantation: Select a mushroom-shaped adhesive tape that matches the hole diameter, and the insertion depth should cover the carcass layer.
Sealing test: Inflate to the standard tire pressure and then immerse in water to observe if there are any bubbles.
Dynamic balance calibration: After repair, dynamic balance needs to be redone to avoid vibration during high-speed driving.
Industry voice: View tire repair methods rationally
"Rubber tape tire repair is an emergency measure, by no means a long-term solution." " Li Ming, an expert from the China Automobile Maintenance and Repair Association, pointed out that its sealing performance can only last for 3 to 6 months and may accelerate the aging of the tire body. He suggested that for daily use, mushroom nails or hot patching techniques should be given priority. The latter integrates the repaired area with the tire through a vulcanization reaction, increasing durability by more than three times.

The service data of a certain chain repair brand in 2025 shows that the proportion of rubber strip repairs has dropped from 45% in 2018 to 28%, while the volume of mushroom nail repairs has increased by 120%. The improvement of consumers' safety awareness is the main reason. The brand's technical director said, "Now over 80% of car owners will voluntarily request a dynamic balance test after repair."

Consumer Guide: How to Choose a Tire Repair Method
The application scenarios, cost range and durability of tire repair methods
Rubber strip tire repair with a diameter of no more than 6mm, tread puncture, emergency scenarios, 20-50 yuan, 3-6 months
The regular tread damage of the cold subsidy plate costs 30 to 80 yuan for daily maintenance for 1 to 2 years
The medium-sized mushroom nail is damaged and requires high durability. It costs 100-200 yuan for 3-5 years
Hot-patched high-load tires for large trucks and engineering vehicles cost 80 to 150 yuan and are over 5 years old
Experts remind that after repair, the tire pressure and wear condition should be checked regularly. If exposed rubber strips, bulges or cracks are found, the tire should be replaced immediately. Just as Shi Yan wrote in his tire repair diary: "Thirty yuan repairs a tire, but what you learn is a sense of awe for safety." Between convenience and security, a rational choice is the best strategy.