To plug or not to plug.......

[92saturnsl2]

I've plugged many tires myself with a simple Walmart kit with excellent results. I wouldn't think twice about doing 80+ mph on the freeway.

On the same token I've turned down the opportunity when the puncture is near/on the sidewall.

Plugs that cannot hold up will manifest themselves as an air leak contrary to what the naysayers would have you to believe, which is some disaster like a tire blowout-- It doesn't happen with plugs, if the instructions are followed correctly.

 

[onion]

I've plugged more tires than I could possibly recall- I always seem to run over nails, screws, and the like. It's usually a non-issue; I just plug the tire and forget about it.

But I DID have one leak once- it was on an already marginal tire, and close to the sidewall. I got tired of airing it up and just replaced the tire.

If it was a new tire with just a nail in it- I'd plug it... no questions asked. Even if it's close to the sidewall. If it leaks, it leaks... THEN I'd think about replacing it.

 

[labman]

Yeah, I have plugged every flat I ever had with no problems.

 

[cousincletus]

Plug it. I've been plugging tires for over 25 years w/o a single problem. If it starts to leak (which I doubt), get a can of fixaflat. Not that I would advise this, but in my young days I plugged a tire where the sidewall joins the tread, and it didn't leak.

 

[benjamming]

Originally Posted By: cousincletus
If it starts to leak (which I doubt), get a can of fixaflat.


Nightmares in a can would be the absolute last resort. I would certainly try a mushroom fix prior to the fixaflat type stuff. What a freaking nightmare for the tire guys.

 

[ksJoe]

Originally Posted By: benjamming
Originally Posted By: cousincletus
If it starts to leak (which I doubt), get a can of fixaflat.


Nightmares in a can would be the absolute last resort. I would certainly try a mushroom fix prior to the fixaflat type stuff. What a freaking nightmare for the tire guys.


Can't that mess up TPMS sensors?

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: ksJoe
Originally Posted By: benjamming
Originally Posted By: cousincletus
If it starts to leak (which I doubt), get a can of fixaflat.


Nightmares in a can would be the absolute last resort. I would certainly try a mushroom fix prior to the fixaflat type stuff. What a freaking nightmare for the tire guys.


Can't that mess up TPMS sensors?

The new BMW M3 comes with a mobility kit, which is a can of fix a flat. So, I think some types of goo are compatible with the TPMS sensors.

 

[dime]

the new kinds of fix-a-flat are compatable with TPMS sensors. just beware,it almost never fixes a flat.

 

[Carbon]

Originally Posted By: dime
the new kinds of fix-a-flat are compatable with TPMS sensors. just beware,it almost never fixes a flat.


Interesting. Apparently not the thing for winter use.

http://www.fixaflat.com/products.asp?page=1_0

And http://www.fixaflat.com/faqs.asp has these

3. While filling my tire with Fix-A-Flat® some product got on the wheel, how can I remove it?
While the Fix-A-Flat® product is in a liquid state, it is water soluble and can be removed with a paper towel or rag or preferably, soap and water. Once it has dried Fix-A-Flat® must be removed using odorless, mineral spirits (normally available at hardware stores).

7. Can Fix-A-Flat® freeze?
Yes, if the temperature falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit it will freeze. The product in the can is not damaged and may be used after thawing. If the product is in the tire, and freezing weather is predicted, then immediately take the vehicle to a qualified tire professional for repair.

 

[SubLGT]

Originally Posted By: friendly_jacek
.............A "tire professional" (or better term: tire salesman) is not interested in fixing tires while he/she can make more money selling new tires................


There is also the liability issue that dealers wish to avoid.

"The Jan. 11 jury verdict in a San Diego County Superior Court awarded $14,465,864 to the estate of Casey and Melanie Barber, who were killed in a July 2006 accident. The accident was caused by a failed tire repair, and caused the Barber’s Ford E350 Sportsmobile van to crash on Highway 98 near Page, Ariz."

http://www.tirereview.com/Article/85241/faulty_tire_repair_brings_228_million_court_award.aspx

"While records of the case are closed, Tire Review has learned that the faulty tire repair was entirely avoidable. The accompanying photos here – actual photos from the case – show a 1/8-inch puncture outside of the industry standard repairable area."

http://www.tirereview.com/Article/85680/228_million_faulty_tire_repair_entirely_avoidable.aspx

 

[Paulson]

I had a nail go through the very outside of the tread and bruise the sidewall (how it didn't pierce it is beyond me.)

I'm sure the tire could have been patched... however I decided to take a gander online and found the exact same tire I had for $49.95 shipped (had 11/32nds left of tread on it... still had the side nubs.)

I figured it wasn't worth the hassle of trying to see if I could get it patched.

 

[rshunter]

Originally Posted By: hate2work
Originally Posted By: Schmoe
I know, but it wasn't on the sidewall. Still on the rubber that hits the road, just not a flat enough surface to put a patch on.
Basically, you fixed a tire that shouldn't have been repaired, and now you want our confirmation that what you did was OK.

You say it wasn't on the sidewall, yet a tire professional wouldn't repair it

That's the first time I've seen anyone refer to a WalMart tire changer as a "tire professional"...

...And yes, I know this is one old thread. But since I didn't resurrect it, what the hey!

 

[teddyboy]

Originally Posted By: Spector
I don't have a problem with tire dealers abiding by their expertise and wanting to CYA but if I am willing to sign a release and say plug it then they should be able to do the work.


Can't sign a release for the people who might get killed by your car, now can you?

 

[Colt45ws]

Originally Posted By: rshunter
Originally Posted By: hate2work
Originally Posted By: Schmoe
I know, but it wasn't on the sidewall. Still on the rubber that hits the road, just not a flat enough surface to put a patch on.
Basically, you fixed a tire that shouldn't have been repaired, and now you want our confirmation that what you did was OK.

You say it wasn't on the sidewall, yet a tire professional wouldn't repair it

That's the first time I've seen anyone refer to a WalMart tire changer as a "tire professional"...

...And yes, I know this is one old thread. But since I didn't resurrect it, what the hey!

Yeah, they dont pay me enough to be a professional.

 

[Schmoe]

Since this thread got re-newed, I'll give you an update. Tires now have 37K on them. The plugged tire has yet to leak any air. Has seen ice, snow, heat, 80 plus mph and some good curves. They are about at their end of life and looking for replacements. Glad I plugged it, and will plug again if needed in a heartbeat.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: Schmoe
Since this thread got re-newed, I'll give you an update. Tires now have 37K on them. The plugged tire has yet to leak any air. Has seen ice, snow, heat, 80 plus mph and some good curves. They are about at their end of life and looking for replacements. Glad I plugged it, and will plug again if needed in a heartbeat.


What do you plan to replace them with? Michelin Latitude Tours?

 

[Lost1]

I had those same lousy Bridgestone Duelers on my '09 Santa Fe. Worst set of tires I've ever owned. Noisy, bad traction, stiff ride, & could never get them to balance properly. Finally wore them out at 47k miles and replaced them 2 weeks ago with Goodyear Assurance CS Fuel Max's. What a world of difference- Much, much quieter (did I mention the Duelers were LOUD?), much better traction wet & dry, and a much softer ride. Local dealers wanted $820-$850 for 4 installed, got them from Tire Rack online for $583, paid Wal Mart $50 to balance & install with lifetime balance & rotation. Buying online is definitely the way to go, and the Goodyear is a much better tire...

 

[friendly_jacek]

Originally Posted By: SubLGT
Originally Posted By: friendly_jacek
.............A "tire professional" (or better term: tire salesman) is not interested in fixing tires while he/she can make more money selling new tires................


There is also the liability issue that dealers wish to avoid.

"The Jan. 11 jury verdict in a San Diego County Superior Court awarded $14,465,864 to the estate of Casey and Melanie Barber, who were killed in a July 2006 accident. The accident was caused by a failed tire repair, and caused the Barber’s Ford E350 Sportsmobile van to crash on Highway 98 near Page, Ariz."

http://www.tirereview.com/Article/85241/faulty_tire_repair_brings_228_million_court_award.aspx

"While records of the case are closed, Tire Review has learned that the faulty tire repair was entirely avoidable. The accompanying photos here – actual photos from the case – show a 1/8-inch puncture outside of the industry standard repairable area."

http://www.tirereview.com/Article/85680/228_million_faulty_tire_repair_entirely_avoidable.aspx


Interesting, a tech with no knowledge how to repair a tire botched a repair and in the result every place is afraid to repair. This society is all screwed up. No common sense whatsoever.

Quote:
The puncture was “repaired” using only a patch – no plug of any kind was installed – and the damaged area was in no way prepared – the puncture was not reamed out and the innerliner was not cleaned or scraped – to accept the repair, again contrary to advised industry practice. Further, no sealant was used to cover the patch.

In short, according to one repair expert, this repair was an accident waiting to happen.

In addition, the technician who performed the repair, according to a source, had limited experience and no tire repair training of any kind.


BTW, I had to plug up a few tires (with good results) after tire places refused to repair a reparable tire.

 

[friendly_jacek]

Originally Posted By: Lost1
I had those same lousy Bridgestone Duelers on my '09 Santa Fe.


Bridgestone Dueler simply means a Bridgestone truck tire. There are vary many types. I recently purchased Bridgestone Dueler 422 Ecopia and I'm extremely pleased.