Was out for my first "real" ride yesterday and came home with a flat. Upon inspection, this is not a typical puncture. Not sure how, or if this can be repaired. Pictures are below.

I'd like to repair if possible to save money. If not i'll be on the hunt for some used tires. Any idea what to look for? How to determine tread wear?

 

I would dismount and do a conventional patch. Still might want to put "Slime" in all 4 for a bit of insurance. If you feel lucky, slime might save it for a while, though

 

I've taken tires to a tire shop and simply had them put a tube in them. Unless the tire is literally ripping itself apart, the tube will usually work. My local tire shop charges about $15 to put a tube in a tire, including the price of the tube. Some may charge even less. Thats not much more than buying a can of slime and hoping it will work.

 

A patch might work. It's worth a try anyway.

 

Thanks, a tube might work.. But if there was a problem on the trail would I be able to patch it easily? Usually I just pop in a plug and it gets me home

 

A tube would be a permanent fix unless you puncture the tube with a nail or screw. You could patch it like before but you'd need another tube

 

Slime works well i had 4 tires where the lugs were doing the same thing. Put a couple of oz of slime in each and still riding them 2 years later

 

I like the idea of the tube, but not if it's made in China. I've had so many Chinese tubes fail in wheelbarrows and lawn equipment. I bought a gallon of Slime at Harbor Freight, been having fun with it, haha.

 

A plug would be fine just about anywhere on an ATV tire. If not, Slime works very well with that kind of leak.

 

Slime would be your easiest fix and will last for awhile. Do beware though after a few years the slime will no longer work, it becomes more of a liquid and just runs out of any puncture without sealing it. It also can be a mess when changing out a tire. However...in the long run it is your best bet. the other thing you could do is a patch on the inside, in that way you could do a plug down the road if you have another puncture. Many options here, but slime is probably the best one.