So I noticed the other day that my month on rear drivers side falken tire was flat. I have a nail/peice of metal was close to the sidewall. I dropped the tire off at discount tire and they said they couldn't fix it. I just had them order a new tire. My current spare is a yoko es100 with not much tred left.

So I'm wondering if I can fix this tire myself. The nail is not in the sidewall but very close; right on the edge of the of the inside of the tire. I hate to throw this tire away since it only has like 200 miles on it. Discount still has the tire/rim since they had to order the tire so I can't post pictures.

Just wondering if I can make this tire my spare. I will post pics when I get it back. Discount says they can;' fix anything within like an inch of the sidewall. Is this just a scam for them to make more money or is it truely legit.

Any input is welcome.

Thanks

 

A tire that has a puncture close to the sidewall cannot be patched. You can plug it, but according to VA laws(I don't know you state laws, so I'm using my own), it will not pass inspection.

Edit: Oh, and patch > plug anyday.

 

I honestly would just buy a new one...i wouldnt trust it myself...you own to nice of a car to cheap out on one of the most important parts of the car IMO

 

My rule of thump is: If it is not anywhere on the side wall, it is useable. Just to be on the safe side, only plug it (don't patch it) and use it in the rear.

 

I simply wouln't risk it. I'd rather throw the $70 bucks out the window and have the peace of mind.

 

I guess I should have made this a little more clear. I'm already replacing the tire. I'm asking if I should use this tire as my spare. I have a full size spare with a yoko es100 mounted on it; with not a lot of tread left.

 

I wouldn't use it, even for a spare. I've had a patched tire that had a nail about 1/2" from the sidewall, it separated on the interstate. A lot of shops won't patch it due to liability anyways.

As for the ES100, even without much tread, I'd use that instead. My full size spares are a mix of P700Z pirellis and bridgestone re-72s, all are 6+ years old with a little more than the tread bars left, or I just take a wheel/tire off the SE-R, like I did today (I have a nail in my near-new ES100..)

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Dave-ROR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I wouldn't use it, even for a spare. I've had a patched tire that had a nail about 1/2" from the sidewall, it separated on the interstate. A lot of shops won't patch it due to liability anyways.

As for the ES100, even without much tread, I'd use that instead. My full size spares are a mix of P700Z pirellis and bridgestone re-72s, all are 6+ years old with a little more than the tread bars left, or I just take a wheel/tire off the SE-R, like I did today (I have a nail in my near-new ES100..)</TD></TR></TABLE>

What I wanted to hear. Thanks.