Is this tire repairable?
 

Took it to a shop and they said it's too close to the sidewall and they can't use a plug patch or a patch. Just wanted a second opinion if this is repairable at all before I junk the tire.



The tech said I could probably use a tire plug but the shop isn't allowed to use them.
I've read that plugs aren't ideal, but if it can get me over to the spring then hopefully I can find a deal some winters in the summer.

plug it yourself! go to lordco a buy a tire plug kit

Do it in a garage that is heated to 20C. Then try a plug and pump it full of air and drive around for a bit on normal road speed. Wait for it to cure then reduce the ambient temp.

The worst it could happen is it would leak again. (Remember to carry a spare and all the required accessories). A patch is a 3" square so it would be hard to get a good seal on an angle like that.

For your own sake, clean the wheel thoroughly before you patch!

A shop would not repair that. If it is within 1" of the sidewall, it is a road hazard. I wouldn't drive aggressively with the tire plugged. You'd be surprised how much tires roll and flex when you drive
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I work at a dealer and that would be deemed unrepairable
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A shop doesn't want the liability of plugging it but if I was in your position I'd plug it and ride it out till spring. As others have mentioned just buy the kit from canadian tire/lordco/princess auto and DIY. It should hold up fine -- I've plugged tires on my beaters and they've held up perfect for ~a year or more -- obviously YMMV

Thanks for all the replies. I bought a plug kit and plugged the tire. It's holding air and seems to be fine. The tire is directional and came off the front, so I'll put the tire in the rear for now.

I know this is only a temp fix, so I'll be looking to buy another tire.
It sucks because I just got these tires last year and 18" winter tires are $$$.

the reason why the say its not repairable, is requires at least 1 inch away from the side wall is because most dealerships and tire shops will use whats called a parachute plug.

it looks like a T. the top circular part requires 1 to 2in diameter area. if its too close to the side wall, it cant have a good flat surface area to adhere to. if the surface is not flat, or in your case, it would have to adhere to something that is almost 90 corner, the patch will not work. the old tire plug technique is good for temp fixes, not meant to last for a long time.

i would deem that tire non repairable as well. its safety. all that stands between you/the car and the road is those 4 pieces of vulcanized rubber.

as long as you keep the tire inflated at a slightly higher pressure, it will reduce sidewall flex.

I've fixed a tire with a mushroom plug like that on the outer sidewall of the tire. Strongly recommended against it but my coworker insisted LOL..

it's been a year, still good to go

we'd repair that at my shop.. with a patch.

If its a short term use like you've stated I'd plug it. Plug kits are cheap at CT or Lordco or just leave the screw in and use tire sealant.

Many years ago i had puncture in my tire. Completely missed the tread and hit nothing but sidewall. I was too cheap to buy a new tire cause i knew i'd be getting a new set soon anyways. I didn't have any combo patch/plugs. So i just plugged it. Was good for a year before i ended up replacing all 4 tires. I still wouldn't recomend fixing sidewall punctures though to customers though. Liability issue waiting to happen.

Back then i was single and had no one else to worry about. Living life on the edge.

But if you use a plug, i suggest using ones that require vulcanizing cement to help seal and secure. like this style: Prema Emergency Reinf. Thin Insert - 3-3/4 In. - Emergency Temporary Kits & Repair - Tire Repair Materials - Shop by Category
Rather than the ones that look like beef jerky. I find those leak sometmes

ITS UNREPAIRABLE