Tire Question - Nail
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: Pa
Tire Question - Nail
The other day after having my C6 detailed, I noticed a tack nail in the rear right tire. The nail was about 1 inch in from the outer edge of the tire. I took it to a local Good Year store where we removed the nail and used the standard water/soap to detect any bubbles etc -- additionally the DIC indicated full pressure when the nail was removed. So far no issues. QUESTION: On the EMT Supercar Tires how thick is the rubber right around the outer edge? The trim nail was roughly 1/4 inch longer (maybe a tad longer). Do you believe that although no immediate flat that perhaps I now have a tire integrity issue and should do something else (get it traditionally repaired, buy a new tire, or am I ok)? Sure appreciate the feedback and insight! 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 7,064
Likes: 18
From: Arizona
anytime you get a patch on your tire you lower the speed rating of the tire 1 level. Your Z rated tires are rated for 186 mph After the patch your tire is now a V rating (under 149). Unless you are planning some high speed runs I wouldnt worry about it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,284
Likes: 3
From: Southwest Florida
Originally Posted by ICULUKN-C5
anytime you get a patch on your tire you lower the speed rating of the tire 1 level. Your Z rated tires are rated for 186 mph After the patch your tire is now a V rating (under 149). Unless you are planning some high speed runs I wouldnt worry about it.
Also, and I'll put my flame suit on because I know I'll get lynched for this, but IMHO there is nothing wrong with plugging a Z rated tire. I've plugged many a (speed rated) tire with no issues even in racing and going fast. If done right, plugs can be as effective (or better) than patches and (again if done right) won't cause any further damage to the tire when you put them in. You have to consider that at 186 MPH, your wheel/tire is only turning at about 2,300 RPM. That ain't very fast, even for a 19 inch wheel with a 4 inch tall tire on it!
Mike
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 7,695
Likes: 51
From: Imperial Beach CA
My 02 had 6 punctures all in the left rear during their life, 67,000 miles believe it or not. Never a problem, raced it drove at high speeds and still here. Just think of a non-runflat riding on sidewall till you get of road, can you trust that?
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Amarillo TX
I had a screw in my left rear tire. It was repaired by the local goodyear dealer with a patch. Never allow anyone to plug a tire!
The dealer told me that due to the way they patched the tire, it was
the same as new. From previous posts, I wonder if that was BS.
The dealer told me that due to the way they patched the tire, it was
the same as new. From previous posts, I wonder if that was BS.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 160
Likes: 18
From: Baltimore MD
When my buddy had a small nail in his tire on an 02 Z06, the Goodyear dealer would not fix it. They instead drilled a hole in the sidewall and made him buy a new tire. Not sure if this was excessive, but they cited safety and the tire perfomance.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,434
Likes: 1
From: Austin TX
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05
Originally Posted by BaltimoreC5
When my buddy had a small nail in his tire on an 02 Z06, the Goodyear dealer would not fix it. They instead drilled a hole in the sidewall and made him buy a new tire. Not sure if this was excessive, but they cited safety and the tire perfomance.
One time I caught a nail about an inch away from the sidewall. My tire guy patched it, and it was fine from there on, and I kept those tires until they wore down to the treadwear indicators.
But to the original question, it may be perfectly fine. I'd suggest monitoring the tire pressure on the DIC over the next couple of weeks. If it is losing air more than any other tire, take it in and get it patched.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,867
Likes: 307
From: Wantagh,L.I. New York
Originally Posted by mikeyc6
The way I read the message is that nothing was done to the tire other than remove the nail (no patch). If that's the case, it's impossible to tell how close to the inner part of the tire the nail was, whether it punctured any bands, etc. If it doesn't leak, it might be best to just leave it alone and monitor it. It doesn't sound like it is a precursor to imminent failure, and tires probably go through that stuff all the time where the nail is flung out naturally and you never even know about it. IMO, they are made to take that crap.
Also, and I'll put my flame suit on because I know I'll get lynched for this, but IMHO there is nothing wrong with plugging a Z rated tire. I've plugged many a (speed rated) tire with no issues even in racing and going fast. If done right, plugs can be as effective (or better) than patches and (again if done right) won't cause any further damage to the tire when you put them in. You have to consider that at 186 MPH, your wheel/tire is only turning at about 2,300 RPM. That ain't very fast, even for a 19 inch wheel with a 4 inch tall tire on it!
Mike
Also, and I'll put my flame suit on because I know I'll get lynched for this, but IMHO there is nothing wrong with plugging a Z rated tire. I've plugged many a (speed rated) tire with no issues even in racing and going fast. If done right, plugs can be as effective (or better) than patches and (again if done right) won't cause any further damage to the tire when you put them in. You have to consider that at 186 MPH, your wheel/tire is only turning at about 2,300 RPM. That ain't very fast, even for a 19 inch wheel with a 4 inch tall tire on it!
Mike
I agree with you on RTY2005 situation-I don't think he will have a problem- With regards to plugs-I have been using them since steel radials first came out,without any problems. I knows tire manufactors recommend patches, however many of the inside of todays tires are ribbed-this requires grinding smooth the surface before the patch is applied-the grinding further compromises the interigity of the tire. My repair guy uses plugs only.(of course if the hole is on the outer edge of the tire,neither a patch or plug is recommended-may be time for a new tire!
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 3,284
Likes: 0
From: I just killed your thread Redneck AZ
Originally Posted by c6vette
Mike,
I agree with you on RTY2005 situation-I don't think he will have a problem- With regards to plugs-I have been using them since steel radials first came out,without any problems. I knows tire manufactors recommend patches, however many of the inside of todays tires are ribbed-this requires grinding smooth the surface before the patch is applied-the grinding further compromises the interigity of the tire. My repair guy uses plugs only.(of course if the hole is on the outer edge of the tire,neither a patch or plug is recommended-may be time for a new tire!
I agree with you on RTY2005 situation-I don't think he will have a problem- With regards to plugs-I have been using them since steel radials first came out,without any problems. I knows tire manufactors recommend patches, however many of the inside of todays tires are ribbed-this requires grinding smooth the surface before the patch is applied-the grinding further compromises the interigity of the tire. My repair guy uses plugs only.(of course if the hole is on the outer edge of the tire,neither a patch or plug is recommended-may be time for a new tire!
I've had two plugs in my C-5 for almost two years that I installed myself. Zero problems. Other option is to have a grease monkey take my tire off, scratch my wheel, and screw up the balance. Been using plugs for years with no problems. I've used them from the fridged cold of Maine to the hot temps AZ.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,074
Likes: 296
From: San Francisco CA
Originally Posted by mikeyc6
The way I read the message is that nothing was done to the tire other than remove the nail (no patch). If that's the case, it's impossible to tell how close to the inner part of the tire the nail was, whether it punctured any bands, etc. If it doesn't leak, it might be best to just leave it alone and monitor it. It doesn't sound like it is a precursor to imminent failure, and tires probably go through that stuff all the time where the nail is flung out naturally and you never even know about it. IMO, they are made to take that crap.
Also, and I'll put my flame suit on because I know I'll get lynched for this, but IMHO there is nothing wrong with plugging a Z rated tire. I've plugged many a (speed rated) tire with no issues even in racing and going fast. If done right, plugs can be as effective (or better) than patches and (again if done right) won't cause any further damage to the tire when you put them in. You have to consider that at 186 MPH, your wheel/tire is only turning at about 2,300 RPM. That ain't very fast, even for a 19 inch wheel with a 4 inch tall tire on it!
Mike
Also, and I'll put my flame suit on because I know I'll get lynched for this, but IMHO there is nothing wrong with plugging a Z rated tire. I've plugged many a (speed rated) tire with no issues even in racing and going fast. If done right, plugs can be as effective (or better) than patches and (again if done right) won't cause any further damage to the tire when you put them in. You have to consider that at 186 MPH, your wheel/tire is only turning at about 2,300 RPM. That ain't very fast, even for a 19 inch wheel with a 4 inch tall tire on it!
Mike
How about the Z-51 auto or 6 spd. manual, and auto with 3.15's?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Chapel Hill NC
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I had a nail in the outer edge of my C5's rear tire. Dealer said it couldn't be repaired. I pulled the nail out-it was in at a angle and hadn't puntured the thread. Drove another 35k on the tire with no poblems.
