If you have the Stop & Go tire plug kit….

[Zero Knievel]

Pack lube.

 

Had a flat on the lawn mower.  Couldn’t get the first plug to go in.  Had to use a shot of silicone lube on the part the plug slides through to get it to work.  The plugs might be pre lubed, but it might not be enough.  Especially if you go a long time before needing to use the kit.

[superhawk996]

Silicone is a good way to minimize the possibility that the plug will adhere to the tire.  Possibly a non-issue on a low pressure low speed tire, but I wouldn't use it on a real vehicle.  A hawk tuah would be better.

[Zero Knievel]

3 hours ago, superhawk996 said:

Silicone is a good way to minimize the possibility that the plug will adhere to the tire.  Possibly a non-issue on a low pressure low speed tire, but I wouldn't use it on a real vehicle.  A hawk tuah would be better.

Well, whatever works.  The mushroom plug doesn’t have to “adhere” per se.  The point is that the tool itself might need something extra from time to time so the very lightly lubed plug doesn’t bind when you’re trying to push it through.

[SwampNut]

10 hours ago, superhawk996 said:

Silicone is a good way to minimize the possibility that the plug will adhere to the tire.  Possibly a non-issue on a low pressure low speed tire, but I wouldn't use it on a real vehicle.  A hawk tuah would be better.

 

I'd use anti-seize.

 

[rockmeupto125]

I wonder what the "factory OEM" lube is?

[rockmeupto125]

From the Stop &Go website: 

 

"If for some reason your mushroom plug is not lubricated enough to smoothly be inserted into your damaged tire, there are several options you can use to lubricate the nozzle. Silicon-based lubricants, petroleum jelly, lotion or even motor oil will work to lubricate your mushroom plug for easy insertion."

[SwampNut]

[superhawk996]

4 hours ago, rockmeupto125 said:

From the Stop &Go website: 

 

"If for some reason your mushroom plug is not lubricated enough to smoothly be inserted into your damaged tire, there are several options you can use to lubricate the nozzle. Silicon-based lubricants, petroleum jelly, lotion or even motor oil will work to lubricate your mushroom plug for easy insertion."

Interesting.  The last time I had a mushroom plug kit it came with rubber cement and that was the only 'lubricant' to be used with them.

[02XXCA]

34 minutes ago, superhawk996 said:

Interesting.  The last time I had a mushroom plug kit it came with rubber cement and that was the only 'lubricant' to be used with them.

All my plugs from stop and go were already lubed and in their own bag.

[superhawk996]

6 minutes ago, 02XXCA said:

All my plugs from stop and go were already lubed and in their own bag.

I've never owned that brand, my mushroom kit experience is from 20+ years ago.  They were bagged and lubed, but you were supposed to use glue with them.  Many rope type repair kits seem to have also gone away from using glue where they used to always 'require' glue.

 

I haven't researched tire repair kits in a while, but last I looked there was no clear winner.  I've had success and failure with both types and that seems to be the norm with no clear indication as to why one might beat the other in different scenarios.

[02XXCA]

20 minutes ago, superhawk996 said:

I've never owned that brand, my mushroom kit experience is from 20+ years ago.  They were bagged and lubed, but you were supposed to use glue with them.  Many rope type repair kits seem to have also gone away from using glue where they used to always 'require' glue.

 

I haven't researched tire repair kits in a while, but last I looked there was no clear winner.  I've had success and failure with both types and that seems to be the norm with no clear indication as to why one might beat the other in different scenarios.

Their kit does not include glue and not shown in any directions, have had great luck with them.

[Zero Knievel]

3 hours ago, 02XXCA said:

All my plugs from stop and go were already lubed and in their own bag.

They are, but it’s not much.  It’s not really the plug, it may be the tool.  You just need it lubed enough to not bind when trying to push the plug into the tire.

[SwampNut]

I'll take threads that sound really dirty for $800 Alex.

 

I've had two uses where mushrooms would never work, and the ropes did.  One on the XX and one on a Jeep; both were slash-type problems where I used multiple ropes slathered in glue, then waiting a bit to dry.

 

I carry two different styles of the rope kit now in the Rivian.

[CALCXX]

On 8/30/2026 at 12:44 PM, Zero Knievel said:

 Couldn’t get the first plug to go in.  

 

 

First experiance with a tight hole or just your first experience?

Use that raspy awl and work it like your first piece of ass.

That plug will go in easier.