Can this tire be fixed?

[samiamz]

2004 Camry SE - with Michelin Crossclimate 215/60R17 tires purchased and installed at Costco in 9/2020 -31k miles ago.

Passenger front tire has been losing air consistently last 1 mo. Took it in for a check. They called me an hour later and said that the nail was cause but it could not be repaired. They quoted me for a pain of new tires (Crossclimate2) $320 after factoring in 70 dollars prorated credit on tire warranty.


Instead I asked them to put on the spare tire for now. When I got it home this is what I see. Not sure why Costco suggested to buy 2 new tires? I measured it - it is at least 1.75-2" away from the edge. Nail in marked triangle.

Do you think it is too close the sidewall to repair?

 

[FatOrangeCat]

I would plug the hole and keep an eye on the air pressure for a week. Over the years, I have patched many tires with nails / screws in that spot on the tread, never an issue.

 

[MaximumMini]

My experience has been the same as the post above. I'd either patch or plug it.

 

[ctechbob]

Same as above. I've plugged plenty in that area.

 

[skyactiv]

Ditto to the 3 post above.

 

[samiamz]

My experience has been the same as the post above. I'd either patch or plug it.

As a lay person, I thought it was fixable. I wonder why Costco declined to fix though. They have repaired other nail in the past on other tires. On the phone, they said something like it was close to another patch in that same tire. When I went to pick up the car, on asking again, another person said that it was too close to the sidewall, but I don't think he worked on the car. The problem with Costco that I have observed before is that they don't keep clear notes on the work order and sometimes you just can't get a clear or accurate answer, I feel.
And this nail is at least 13 inches away from another patch on this tire.
Were they trying to upsell me into buying 2 new tires?

 

[Danno]

Ditto +++++
A kit like this

https://www.amazon.com/CTR-Heavy-Du...1747004672&sprefix=TIRE+REPAIR+,aps,99&sr=8-8

 

[hemitom]

if that's was mine it would be plugged already !

 

[fdcg27]

Take it somewhere else and pay for a proper repair.
Much cheaper than buying a new CC or two.
Alternatively, go back to Costco and say that you need to see a manager and then see what they have to say.

 

[Sayjac]

In my observation and my experience the puncture is in the repairable area for a USTMA tire repair. So, my answer is yes. I've had very similar puncture location repaired at Discount Tire.

Before accepting Costco call, at least take it to a DT and get another opinion. Don't mention Costco. Worst DT can say is no go.

 

[Nessism1]

Places like American's Tire will refuse to patch a tire that has already been plugged by someone else (or the customer). Something to consider.

Personally, I've had good luck plugging with the butyl rope type plugs.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Since you don't have TPMS, you can use slime

 

[Rand]

Since you don't have TPMS, you can use slime

nooo, just nooo!

Its not in out outer tread block so its likely repairable.
I would certainly rope plug it with a safety seal plug if DT wouldnt patch-plug it.

 

[samiamz]

Thank you all for your input. I'll talk to the manager at Costco tomorrow - to see what they have to say.

 

[chainblu]

When I worked at a tire/lube operation, based on your pic, I would say yes to a plug-patch depending on what I saw once I had the tire dismounted.

 

[ka9mnx]

Why would Costco repair your tire when they can sell you two new ones?

 

[spasm3]

Yes i would plug that. Finally a pic of a tire thats reasonable to plug.

 

[Chris142]

Take it to a small tire shop and have them patch it. Or buy a good plug kit and plug it yourself. If you were closer I would do it for you.

 

[eljefino]

Another vote for the plug kit. Will feel satisfying to apply.

Don't argue with the manager, it'll be at a dumb level, as he'll have more experience.

 

[Auto tech]

Plug it or patch it. Or you could do the plug/ patch. As long as it's not real close to the edge it "should" work. I would