So I'm checking out my car before our drive today, and I notice something shiney sticking out of my tire. My first thoughts are "Oh hell no." So I get the screwdriver out and begin to twist. Then I start to hear "SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS". Yep, time for a new tire. &*^#!

I think maybe it's time for a new wheel too. I've curbed my wheels twice, both on this same wheel. And this bad luck tire is mounted on it.

 

that sucks dude...ive got a brand new setup with Michelin Pilot sports on mine, and one of my tires is leaking slowly, but i cant find anything visible at all that could be wrong.

 

you really don't have to get a new tire. just go to one of those tire patch places that patches from the inside of the tire. I had the same problem as you a couple months ago. took the nail out and noticed air coming out like crazy then put the spare on drove to the tire place and they patched it up for $10, tire holds air and performs just like before. Just make sure they be careful when mounting/dismounting the tire.

 

You can repair the tire for 5 bucks. Just go buy a repair kit at any auto store and follow the direction. It's pretty easy. I've done it couple of times already with good success.

 

in my experience repairing with those kits is fine for some mileage but lose air over time. better to patch from the inside of the tire.

 

Don't let anyone patch the inside of the tire unless they can balance the wheel as well. Most gas station can repair it without removing the tire with the repair kit that can be bought at local auto store.
If done correctly, it will not leak.

 

Most tire places out here will repair flats for free. This will usually include a balance.

I believe they do this to earn your business for when you need to replace your tires.

 

yes ofcourse they checked the balance after remounting the tire, I did not take it to a ghetto tire place lol. in most cases all it takes is the same balance weight that was on your wheel to begin with.

 

Hey look at the bright side...at least you were not on your way to work. Today you can fix it and be back in business in no time.

 

that is a bit far on the sidewall for a repair. though it could probably be done, it wouldnt be the safest repair.

 

I don't think many or any place will plug that tire. It's too far to the outside.

 

inside patch will probably work for it - I had a screw in a similar place on one of my Z's rear tires and had it done...was like $12 including balance and not a problem since (nearly a year now)

 

I used to work at Wheel Works (a tire place) so I m just passing on the knowledge. A nail this close to the sidewall = not able patch because the patch will fall off when the sidewall flex during driving. Also, since this is a 4wd, I would strongly recommend you to replace both of the front tires if the tire with nail is more than 20% worn. However, if I were you, I would try to *plug it* before changing it. Hope that helps.

 

i had one just like that in the stock advan, I plugged it with 2 pieces of the plug material, it held for over 6 months and even acouple of autoX's. I decidied to get rid of it when i noticed the sidewall started to tear vertically from where it had been plugged, too much stress.

 

had the same thing happen on mine....the day i bought it. it was in the same place, maybe a tad closer to the sidewall. reapired and balanced for $10. put 16K miles on it and never lost air.