Alabama's 'egg-cellent' solution has off-roaders bolting plastic cups into tires

Published on Oct 02, 2025 at 5:00 AM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall

Last updated on Oct 01, 2025 at 2:56 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones

This ‘egg-cellent’ solution from Alabama residents has seen people and off-roaders bolting plastic cups into tires to combat holes in the sidewall.

The unusual practice is being used mainly by off-roaders who are looking to solve a problem with a tire if they do not have a spare set with them.

Fixing a tire by plugging it is nothing new, and there are kits out there you can buy that can provide a temporary solution until you get home and replace the tire.

But this somewhat sketchy solution is certainly an ‘egg-cellent’ way to circumnavigate the problem – let’s crack into it.

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Why is the egg trend becoming popular?

The idea was posted on the internet by an Alabama-based UTV repair company called Max Off-Road, LLC.

They used this unusual egg-shaped cup, designed by Sidewall Slug.

The company’s YouTube short showed the plug going into the hole on the sidewall of the car’s tire.

A bolt and washer are inserted into the sidewall, with the cable placed through the smaller of the cups.

That is then shoved into the hole in the sidewall of the tire.

The inside of the small cup contacts the sidewall from the inside, with the bigger cup doing so from the outside.

A nut then bolts the outer cup down to the tire, and the tire is squeezed between the two nuts.

A plastic string, meanwhile, is aligned with the tear.

That results in the egg-like shape on the outside of the damaged tires.

The idea from Alabama off-roaders is not a permanent solution

Contrary to what you might think, this is not a permanent solution.

The egg cup is only likely to work safely at lower speeds, including off-roading.

It certainly wouldn’t handle the speeds this Boeing 747 reached.

That is why off-roaders are using it.

Slightly better solutions are also available.

Tread glue is available to purchase online, which glues a patch onto the sidewall.

Of course, the best solution amongst all of this is to get the tire fixed properly, or replace it.

While the egg cup idea is quite clever, it isn’t something you would want to have on the tire for a long time.

It is little wonder some have called it a bit ‘sketchy’.

We have to give it 10/10 for creativity, though!

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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.