Plug This?
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Instructor
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Upstate NY
Plug This?
I did order new tires today (non-RF finally), but was wondering if you think I could plug this and drive it for a week until my new tires get here? It's a screwdriver bit from when I installed some new lights over my garage
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Big hole pretty close to the sidewall.......
Personally - I wouldn't want to drive on that.
Personally - I wouldn't want to drive on that.
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Instructor
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From: Upstate NY
I was afraid you would say that! I'm just pissed that Im gonna miss a week of summer driving. We don't get many of those around here
I thought it would be impossible to get a screwdriver bit in a tire, but then my dad told me about how he ran over a HOUSE KEY and it punctured his tire.
I thought it would be impossible to get a screwdriver bit in a tire, but then my dad told me about how he ran over a HOUSE KEY and it punctured his tire.
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From: Southeast, Tennessee
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if you pull the tire off and have it correctly patched (vulcanized, etc) from the inside, you might have a chance of a good repair. i agree however, i wouldn't trust a plug on something that large located where it is located.
Le Mans Master
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From: hagerstown md
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Actually, that hole may not be as large as you think. Looks like the largest part of the bit is just sticking into the rubber, while only the short, smaller part of the bit penetrated the wall. It isn't so close to the sidewall that I would be all that concerned, so long as you don't plan on hitting the curves hard.
I'd pull it out, and plug it. Go about plugging it normally, don't try to double up plugs or anything. If it holds air, you're good to go. It isn't like you'll be driving on it forever.
I'd pull it out, and plug it. Go about plugging it normally, don't try to double up plugs or anything. If it holds air, you're good to go. It isn't like you'll be driving on it forever.
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I was afraid you would say that! I'm just pissed that Im gonna miss a week of summer driving. We don't get many of those around here
I thought it would be impossible to get a screwdriver bit in a tire, but then my dad told me about how he ran over a HOUSE KEY and it punctured his tire.
I thought it would be impossible to get a screwdriver bit in a tire, but then my dad told me about how he ran over a HOUSE KEY and it punctured his tire.
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No way, too close to the edge. There is an excellent write up on one of the tire retailers websites that goes into a detailed explanation of plugging/patching run-flats and high speed rated tires.
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From: hagerstown md
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Want to get really pissed? I just bought brand new Continental's for my black car.....maybe less than 300 miles on them. I ran over what looked like a Chrysler ignition key, and the tire went flat within about 10 minutes. I had our wheel/tire place that specializes in high end wheels break down the tire, and do a hot patch and plug. The tire is fine and they said that the speed rating won't be affected - but a brand new tire?
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From: Upstate NY
Want to get really pissed? I just bought brand new Continental's for my black car.....maybe less than 300 miles on them. I ran over what looked like a Chrysler ignition key, and the tire went flat within about 10 minutes. I had our wheel/tire place that specializes in high end wheels break down the tire, and do a hot patch and plug. The tire is fine and they said that the speed rating won't be affected - but a brand new tire?
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Take the tire down to a very good tire repair store and see if they will even touch it with the puncture that close to the edge. They might, and if they repair it, just take it very easy until your new tires arrive.
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From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
One way to find out PLUG it and find out if it holds air good and if it does just don't go crazy driving it - just enjoy the fact that you still can drive and when the new treads come in let the hammer fly 
Thanks,Matt
Thanks,Matt
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I'm in with the majority.....to close to the side. I wouldn't chance it.
Le Mans Master
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From: Belleville Il
I'd give it a shot with a good plug kit,,,,as long as it is going to be only easy cruising and around town stuff. I WOULD NOT trust it for a trip or extended highway use!! Depends on how you are going to use it!! I agree it looks like the point would just barely be puncturing the inner seal of the carcass!! My opinion IS based on the assumption that it is a run-flat tire!! 
Last edited by itzza427; Jul 15, 2010 at 07:14 PM.
Le Mans Master
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From: Midland TX
Looks like these may be Michelins?
If it were me I would take it to some place like Discount Tire and if they will patch it from the inside, you will probably be safe as long as you don't push it too hard. I have had at least 8 patches on various RFs sometimes as many as 2 per tire on GYRFs (Michelin only allows on patch per tire before replacement). Some have been that close to the sidewall and I never had a problem with any of them, but I never used a "plug".
If it were me I would take it to some place like Discount Tire and if they will patch it from the inside, you will probably be safe as long as you don't push it too hard. I have had at least 8 patches on various RFs sometimes as many as 2 per tire on GYRFs (Michelin only allows on patch per tire before replacement). Some have been that close to the sidewall and I never had a problem with any of them, but I never used a "plug".
Le Mans Master
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From: Los Angeles California
Time for a new tire. Don't plug anything that close to the side wall. They have a chart at most tire shops that shows where you can plug. The margin between the sidewall and the center of the tire is usually 1/2 inch. That's way in the red there.