The Overlooked Step in Sidewall Repair (And How to Fix It)

GlueTread sidewall repair kits have changed the game in off-road and agricultural communities—letting folks patch sidewalls on the trail, in the pasture, or miles from pavement. And they work. We've seen repairs hold through mud, snow, rock gardens, and harvest season.

But the most common reason a patch fails? The surface wasn't prepped right.

We started noticing a pattern: when sidewall damage happened over raised lettering, or near tire lugs, customers would get tired of sanding down the damaged area prematurely, leading to a patch being placed over an uneven surface. These repairs had a harder time creating a long lasting bond, leading to a leaky sidewall patch.

Introducing: The GlueTread Tire Prep Kit

The new GlueTread Tire Prep Kit is designed to solve the one thing that makes or breaks a repair—prep.

Whether your tear runs through raised letters or butts up against a tread lug, this kit lets you carve and sand your way to a smooth patch zone in minutes. It includes:

• A sanding flap wheel (drill required) to quickly smooth uneven surfaces

• A razor knife to trim lugs or flaps of rubber

• A tire prep marker so you can map out exactly where your patch goes

• And a rubber glove—because glueing your fingers together is the worst

It’s everything you need to streamline your tire repair and give your patch the best shot at holding strong.

Want to see the Prep Kit in Action? Watch the Video Here.

One Small Kit, Big Difference

If you’ve already got a GlueTread Sidewall Repair Kit, adding this to your toolbox is a no-brainer.

It doesn’t take up much space. It doesn’t cost much. But in a high-stakes moment—when your tire’s torn and you’re far from help—it could mean the difference between limping out and riding out.

👉 Shop the GlueTread Prep Kit