Can this giant whole be repaired?

Not too long ago, we had an interesting case that we want to share with you.

We were cruising near Antigua when we got a message from a fellow traveler who had seen our Instagram post. They had a tire with a big hole and a rock stuck in it - a real mess, especially since replacing those Conti MPT81 tires in Guatemala can be quite the ordeal.

Rodrigo, being the ever-helpful guy he is, reached out with an offer, "Let us know if you need any help with the AC, and btw, we can fix your tire in Axel’s dad’s shop in Guatemala City. We're near Antigua today and can come pick it up."

We were thrilled when they accepted our offer! We headed over, picked up the tire, and brought it back to my dad's shop, which has been repairing commercial truck tires for 37 years. Here, we went to work.

First, we removed the rock and cleaned out the hole, dealing with the broken and rusted steel belts. Then, we used our centrifuge to apply a heated vulcanized rubber patch on the inside of the tire, ensuring a solid repair. It's a technique that not only saves the tire but also keeps the integrity of the ride intact.

The travelers were amazed when we returned their tire, now looking as good as new, with just an incredibly reasonable fee. They saved themselves a stressful trip to Guatemala City, which can take three hours one way due to the notorious traffic.

Beyond the tire repair, we also gave them tips on where to get their AC sorted out, especially since Jason from their group was planning to replace it. We pointed them towards a spot not too far from Antigua, listed on IOverlander @overlandcentro, where travelers can both stay and fix their vehicles.

This experience was a reminder of how a small act of kindness can make a big difference. It's what we aim for at @specgaragegt - not just fixing vehicles but building a community where everyone helps each other out.

Thanks for trusting us with your tire, and we hope to see you around on your next journey through Guatemala! If you're ever in need, you know where to find us - just a message away.