Plug Run Flats?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 375
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From: South Carolina
Plug Run Flats?
What's the concensus of the afficianatos on plugging run flats. I just replaced two rear tires - got a small nail in one of the tires. (also because I wanted to get rid of the runcraps). Went to Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus.
Got to thinking about the issues with plugging ZP tires...
Got to thinking about the issues with plugging ZP tires...
Last edited by Toms02C5; Mar 10, 2010 at 12:34 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,558
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From: Yorktown Va
What's the concensus of the afficianatos on plugging run flats. I just replaced two rear tires - got a small nail in one of the tires. (also because I wanted to get rid of the runcraps). Went to Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus.
Got to thinking about the issues with plugging ZP tires...
Got to thinking about the issues with plugging ZP tires...
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Runflats can be plugged - I did it to one of the OEM tires on my '99, then did it again on the OEM tires on my '00 as well as two of the replacement Firestone Firehawks I put on the car. As long as the repair is done properly (plug and patch method) and the puncture is not close to the sidewall, you should be OK. You may lose some of the speed rating, but that's better than having to toss a perfectly good tire and buy another one.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
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From: Houston TEXAS
Runflats can be plugged - I did it to one of the OEM tires on my '99, then did it again on the OEM tires on my '00 as well as two of the replacement Firestone Firehawks I put on the car. As long as the repair is done properly (plug and patch method) and the puncture is not close to the sidewall, you should be OK. You may lose some of the speed rating, but that's better than having to toss a perfectly good tire and buy another one.
-97C5 15 year tire store mgr
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I've had my 2003 for nine years now. Had one tire a faulty one from the factory (leaked around the rim seal) and I had two rear tires hit a sharp metal pieces laying on the road, cut right through and both tires were junked, but it happened at different times. So my front right is the only one I have had since new. but I've only got 13.433 miles on the car, so I assume it doesn't matter. If they had all go to hell at once, I'd of junked all of the original tires, their crap. There's a lot of really much better tires out there and even if I wanted to keep the run-flat capability, with less road noise. 
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 4,549
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From: Shenandoah Valley Virginia
I personally would NEVER plug a high performance speed rated tire. Plugs are probably OK on the general populace commuter car tires that never see more than 70MPH. You need to remove the tire, inspect the inside to see if any cord or belt damage has occurred, then apply a properly vulcanized patch to the tire. If any belt damage is apparent, or the puncture is too close to the sidewall the tire is a throw away.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,857
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From: pawleys island sc
Runflats can be plugged - I did it to one of the OEM tires on my '99, then did it again on the OEM tires on my '00 as well as two of the replacement Firestone Firehawks I put on the car. As long as the repair is done properly (plug and patch method) and the puncture is not close to the sidewall, you should be OK. You may lose some of the speed rating...
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 375
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From: South Carolina
Thank gentlemen - Good advice -
Think I'll probably keep the Goodyears in case of a catrastrophy - the left rear is actually a pretty good tire - I just had issues with Goodyear and want to get Michelins on - gave me a good excuse.
Might put the good tire on parts forum -
Think I'll probably keep the Goodyears in case of a catrastrophy - the left rear is actually a pretty good tire - I just had issues with Goodyear and want to get Michelins on - gave me a good excuse.
Might put the good tire on parts forum -
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Woodstock Georgia
To do it right it should be plugged to keep moisture from entering the wound and causing the belts to corrode and weaken. Then equally important is a properly sized radial patch from the inside to seal the injury and add strength to the casing. Finally the patch should be coated with a sealer to ensure the integrity of the patch.
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Correct. With emphasis on the "patch plug". There is absolutely no problem with repairing punctures in runflats- providing the puncture is not too large- and not too close to the sidewall. Anyone who tells you otherwise is pulling a fast one on you trying to get a sale.
-97C5 15 year tire store mgr
-97C5 15 year tire store mgr
With the combo patch/plug anyone who tells you otherwise is going for a sale.
