Tire Plug on rear Kumho Ecsta?

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Apr 14, 2004 | 01:17 PM

bletour2001

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Joined: Oct 2002

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From: Windham NH

Tire Plug on rear Kumho Ecsta?

Hey all,

I am not having a good Vette week. First my fuel gauge started doing the mambo (dropping to empty all on it's own) and then I got a slow leak in one of my brand new rear Kumhos. After checking it out last night it has a nail in one of the treads (not sidewall). I am now debating plugging it, patching it or replacing it. The tire only has around 500 miles on it. I read patching it was best but then I read that the new volcanizing plugs (Safety Seal?) are better. My concern is safety as well.

Thoughts?

Thanks
Bill

Apr 14, 2004 | 02:03 PM

Umrswimr

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From: Overwhelmed as one would be, placed in my position.... DFW, TX

St. Jude Donor '05

Re: Tire Plug on rear Kumho Ecsta? (bletour2001)

Take it to a tire shop and have it patched. You should be OK...

Apr 14, 2004 | 02:27 PM

5 Liter Eater

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From: Houston TX

St. Jude Donor '11

Re: Tire Plug on rear Kumho Ecsta? (bletour2001)

I have heard that once you patch/plug a tire it loses it's speed rating. I myself have patches on one or two of my Kuhmo's. Patches good, plugs bad, at least the conventional kind. I have not read anything on these new plugs.

:cheers:

[Modified by 5 Liter Eater, 2:07 PM 4/14/2004]

Apr 14, 2004 | 02:33 PM

bgood

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From: NC

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St. Jude Contributor

Re: Tire Plug on rear Kumho Ecsta? (bletour2001)

What size is the tire? I had a nail in one of my Kuhmo tires and the plug would not hold and it was unable to be patched. At the time I was unable to buy a new 275/40-18 due to supply issues, so I bought 295/35-18's for the rear.

If you need I have a perfectly good 275/40-18 Kuhmo MX tire that has around 1500 miles on it.

Apr 14, 2004 | 02:35 PM

Monster231

Safety Car

Joined: Feb 2003

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From: Chicago il

Re: Tire Plug on rear Kumho Ecsta? (Umrswimr)

I have a plug in mine, no problems here, i

Apr 14, 2004 | 04:50 PM

AMGPilot

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From: Rowlett TX

Re: Tire Plug on rear Kumho Ecsta? (Monster231)

I was told that if you install a plug in your tire that it will void the warranty of the tire. At least here in Texas anyway. I would get it patched, that is the only way to go :)

Apr 15, 2004 | 10:33 AM

Billf6531

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Joined: Jan 2004

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From: Calgary Alberta

Re: Tire Plug on rear Kumho Ecsta? (bletour2001)

What you want is both a plug and a patch. The plug prevents moisture from entering the body of the tire and corroding the steel in it, and the patch prevents air leaks. This is known as a mushroom repair by most tire shops. Patch on top. Plug on bottom. Looks like a mushroom. Price varies from $10 - $20, depending on the shop. My life is worth a least that much. I know my vette is worth more! :cheers:

[Modified by Billf6531, 8:35 AM 4/15/2004]

Apr 15, 2004 | 01:56 PM

SDVette

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Re: Tire Plug on rear Kumho Ecsta? (Billf6531)

Quote:

:iagree:

I've heard them called "umbrella patches" too. And a tire does retain it's speed rating with a single umbrella patch applied properly (correct procedure, glue, etc.)

When I still had GY runflats, I got a nail in the rear. Had un umbrella patch done on it and it went 15K miles including several track days with no problems at all.

My favorite quote: On a racetrack, the only thing standing between you and God is your tires! Don't try to save money or time on tire repairs - do them right!