Highpower500

I just pulled the '03 Z06 out of hibernation yesterday and after driving around over the weekend, I noticed what looks like a sheet metal screw embedded in my rear tire The tire is a Michelin PS2 295x35x ZR18.

If I have the tire patched from the inside and not just a plug fix, will it still be OK to use this tire to an autocross or roadcourse? What about just driving around town while following all local speed limits?

Black89Z51

Should be fine. I've patched a few tires for the track and they seemed to hold up pretty well. We just used a patch kit with the rubber cement. Just allow enough time for the cement to cure.

UstaB-GS549

I have plugged tires for many years.

I picked up a 12 mm hex bolt in a rear at GingerMan one night during a test and tune. I had to use a ratchet and 19 mm socket to get it out. I plugged it in the dark as I was stuck at the track without a spare.After a few stops to check pressure, I drove 140 miles to get home. That tire was on the car for more than one event at Road America before it was worn down to the cords.

Highpower500

Thanks guys. Would a plug be good enough, or do i need to have it patched from the inside?

sperkins

Patch it from the inside.

Bill Dearborn

Get it repaired properly and you won't lose the speed rating. Improper repairs may or may not last.

Bill

larryfs

patch-plug is a proper repair. it's a combination of the 2, and they don't move around.

John Shiels

tire keeps it's speed rating with one puncture if it can be repaired to Michelin's specs outlined on their web site.

c4cruiser

Do both and have the shop check the balance of the wheel/tire. The patch and plug may not weigh a lot but it could very well affect balance.

Highpower500

Thanks for the replies. I was referred to a local shop that claims to take care of members of the local Corvette Club and other "high end" cars. When I asked for a quote for a patch/plug repair, he said "No charge. When you need tires, you'll remember that and will come back to me." He's probably right. It's not a bad business model.

sperkins

smart man...

Bad Karma

If a tire shop is patching from the inside, I really hope they would rebalance the tire when they put it back on the wheel.

longdaddy

i've pulled smaller screws from track tires and used them afterwards, no repairs

Sidney004

Some racing tires (Dunlops) have no rubber(or a very thin) inner liner for weight savings. You can't use the integral patch-plug or a normal rubber patch because there is no rubber inner liner to adhere to. You can still seal a small hole by affixing a rubber patch with RTV. I never ream or elongnate the hole prior to repairing when only using a patch.

Highpower500

The shop balanced the wheel for me after they patch/plugged the tire. I still can't believe they did this for free. All the owner said after I thanked him was "Burn 'em up!"