Screw In Tire - Arg!

Joined
Jul 7, 2014
Messages
6,611
Location
Winnipeg MB CA
We got home from our Minnesota trip yesterday, and while unloading the van I was dismayed to see this screw head:
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With misgivings I removed it. Phew - it was really short, and there was no air loss. I hope that because it went in at a bit of an angle, it did not compromise the tire at all.
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I just got a new tire because I had a puncture close to the sidewall.
A tire shop typically won't repair a tire if the puncture is too close to the sidewall, because of potential liability issues.

There's been spirited debate on BITOG as to whether or not it's reasonable for the owner to install a tire plug with this sort of puncture. Glad I didn't have to make the decision on this tire ...
 
A tire shop typically won't repair a tire if the puncture is too close to the sidewall, because of potential liability issues.

There's been spirited debate on BITOG as to whether or not it's reasonable for the owner to install a tire plug with this sort of puncture. Glad I didn't have to make the decision on this tire ...
I had the road hazard warranty ( free with walmart plus membership) so I got the replacement for free including install so I wasn't out money for it at least.
 
I had the same thing happen a few years back. Someone here recommended windshield adhesive to patch the hole which worked just fine.
 
happened to me last year. Canadian spec Forester wilderness doesn't have tire pressure monitor. So I just always eyeball and goes by feel. All ok when I left home but after few kms away the ride didn't feel right. I pulled over and I saw the front tire was almost flat. Had to put the spare. Brought the punctured tire to a shop and got it repaired. 70something CaD out the door.

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A tire shop typically won't repair a tire if the puncture is too close to the sidewall, because of potential liability issues.

There's been spirited debate on BITOG as to whether or not it's reasonable for the owner to install a tire plug with this sort of puncture. Glad I didn't have to make the decision on this tire ...
There doesn't look like there's much life left in that tire anyway. Big decision? If needed, you plug it and life goes on.
 
If it's leaky, plug it. I have done too many to count DIY (outside in with adhesive) plugs and every one has held until the tire needed replacement. That one is right at the edge of where I would plug it though, but I'd still do it. Worst that happens is you need a new tire, which might not be far off anyway.
 
If it's leaky, plug it. I have done too many to count DIY (outside in with adhesive) plugs and every one has held until the tire needed replacement. That one is right at the edge of where I would plug it though, but I'd still do it. Worst that happens is you need a new tire, which might not be far off anyway.
Those plugs are great never had a leak after a plug.
 
A tire shop typically won't repair a tire if the puncture is too close to the sidewall, because of potential liability issues.

There's been spirited debate on BITOG as to whether or not it's reasonable for the owner to install a tire plug with this sort of puncture. Glad I didn't have to make the decision on this tire ...
Plug no probs
 
Plugs are fine unless you are going to put the car on the track or autocross it. Too many tire shops love to sell you new tires when you have minor punctures and you wind up replacing tires in less regular intervals, and having tires with different tread depths impacts how properly the car tracks down the road, and with an AWD car, you may have to start changing tires prematurely. Plug it. I keep a kit in my garage and just do them myself now. If you are really concerned, then have it patched but having tire shops dismount tires off of what are typically expensive wheels, and re-balance them, adds risk of damage and cost where it is not necessary.
 
I installed the winter tires about a month later - the 3-season tire with the screw didn't lose any air over that time, so it looks like there was no slow leak.
 
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