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So is it really safe to repair a hole in a tire?

1605 Views 8 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  [email protected]
I just got a screw into my tire tread. (Who are the idiots throwing screws into the road? :confused: ) Flat tire and all. I put on the spare. I did a search and it seems that both plugging and patching a tire might be an OK fix for such a problem. Before I do that, I just want to make sure it's a safe thing to do. I've never had a tire fixed before.

My tire is a Goodyear RSA all season with maybe 1/3 or 1/2 tread life left. The screw was in the tread. I haven't pulled the screw out, but I'd guess it's 1/8" or more in diameter. I do not track this car.

I've probably driven around 100,000 miles in my life and never had a flat until a month ago when I got a nail. That was while I was at 70 mph on the highway, so the tire was shredded. Got a new one ($200). And now a month later I got a screw in another tire. Interesting. Oh well.
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Patching may be ok for a 7-year old's bike tires, but personally I'd never patch a tire on a vehicle with more than 2 wheels.

And while you're looking to replace those Goodyear RSA's, you should consider a real tire, like the Kumho Ecsta's I rave about in an adjoining thread.

:thumbup:
I don't know of any instances where a patch has caused an unsafe condition. :dunno:
As long as the puncture is less than 3/8" in diameter, well into the tread area (not near the sidewall) and no belts are plys are damaged, a plug and patch combo should hold up very well. Be sure to monitor Psi on the tire a bit more than normal for the first month or so.
As long as the puncture is less than 3/8" in diameter, well into the tread area (not near the sidewall) and no belts are plys are damaged, a plug and patch combo should hold up very well. Be sure to monitor Psi on the tire a bit more than normal for the first month or so.
Sounds good- thanks!
bren said:
I don't know of any instances where a patch has caused an unsafe condition. :dunno:
I haven't heard of anything either. Just checking before I go that route.
HS said:
And while you're looking to replace those Goodyear RSA's, you should consider a real tire, like the Kumho Ecsta's I rave about in an adjoining thread.

:thumbup:
I've got a whole car just for the track- a '93 325is. I've got Bridgestone Potenza SO3's on those and I'm very happy with them. The only complaint is the expense, but they're excellent. And usually preferred over the Kumho's, except for price.

The Goodyears are on my every day car.

The 2 cars is a good setup. :angel:

EDIT: Woops. Just realized you're talking about all season Kumho's, not the MX's. Sorry about that.
As long as the puncture is less than 3/8" in diameter, well into the tread area (not near the sidewall) and no belts are plys are damaged, a plug and patch combo should hold up very well. Be sure to monitor Psi on the tire a bit more than normal for the first month or so.
Is this DIY or it has to be taken to a shop? I have a friend that just puts plugs in his tires and never had a problem.
F1Crazy said:
Is this DIY or it has to be taken to a shop? I have a friend that just puts plugs in his tires and never had a problem.
Best way is both plug and patch which should require dismounting the tire from the wheel. This normally requires a shop.
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