Flat tire...replace or plug? - Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum & Owners Community

Fugazi · 11-14-2012, 01:10 PM

I am thinking replace it, what do you say? K I was told by my friend at Jax Subaru that patching should be okay if its not to close to the sidewall.. So I will have to check out where the nail was.

It popped right out but i saw the hole.. but cant remember the distance..

First injury to my brz

Rayme · 11-14-2012, 01:17 PM

Replace all four

jflBRZ · 11-14-2012, 01:17 PM

I'd say plug it yourself. Easy. $10 kit from Advance Auto or AutoZone.

cnk · 11-14-2012, 01:19 PM

Depends on where the puncture is on the tire and the extent of the damage. For me, if it's something like a nail and it's not in the outer section of the tire, I would be comfortable with plugging it. If it's in the outer section of the tire, I would replace it only because there is more flex in that area when cornering and a higher chance of the plug failing.

F3dzo · 11-14-2012, 01:22 PM

On top of replacing all 4, buy 4 more tires just in case and 4 tpms sensors too!!!

Orthow · 11-14-2012, 01:26 PM

Option C) Repair tire (Assuming it's repairable) ; Replace tire ; Keep Repaired tire as spare

whaap · 11-14-2012, 01:29 PM

If it's just your basic nail in the tread type of flat I'd have no trouble using a plug. On a motorcycle I'd replace as soon as possible.

There's a lot of controversy about this. One theory that seems very true is that to put in a plug you first have to use a tool that forces the thread of the tire further apart so the plug can be made to go in the hole. If these threads are steel, over time they can act as a garrote and eventually cut into the plug. But, I'm inclined to say so what? From the inside of the tire you still have the head of the plug that is tightly pressed against the inside of the tire. If it did cause a problem further down the road you could always fix it again or replace it.

jstn · 11-14-2012, 01:41 PM

Just patch it if it's not too close to the sidewall. I've autocrossed on two patched tires before, it isn't a big deal really. Wal-Mart will do it for 10-15 bucks depending on whether you drive in or just bring them the wheel.

Fugazi · 11-14-2012, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ottopilot

Replace all four

There is a option D replace the whole car, just to be safe...

SVTSHC · 11-14-2012, 02:03 PM

Patching it if it's not too close to the sidewall. Just keep in mind patches can cause water to seep into the tire which raises your blowout chance. Also, if the tire is damaged from you driving on it or it's a run flat replace the tire.

Dorb · 11-14-2012, 02:42 PM

Plug it.
I have been driving around with a Tek Screw in mine for a month now. Too lazy to drop it off at Firestone to get it taken out and plugged - Thanks fro the reminder to get that done. Another reason why the BRZ will never be driven in here to work.

tedward88 · 11-14-2012, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SVTSHC

Patching it if it's not too close to the sidewall. Just keep in mind patches can cause water to seep into the tire which raises your blowout chance. Also, if the tire is damaged from you driving on it or it's a run flat replace the tire.

Soo...water would seep through before air leaks out?

to OP, patch it if its not too close to the side wall. Buy a patch kit or just bring it to a tire shop and get it patched.

gily25 · 11-14-2012, 03:10 PM

Are you planning on replacing these anytime in the near future? If you're going to replace them in spring or within the next year, I would plug it and save the money for the upgrade.

If you're going to ride them until they need replacing then you may be more comfortable replacing the tire. Some shops (smaller local garages/shops) will give you a credit for a tire that can be plugged but you don't want anymore.

White Shadow · 11-14-2012, 03:32 PM

The only way to really PROPERLY repair a punctured tire is to use a patch/plug repair. With this type of repair, the tire must be removed from the wheel. A one-piece patch & plug combination repair is made from the inside of the tire. The plug is pulled through the puncture and then the patch seals against the inside of the tire.

Don't get me wrong....I've used regular plug kits on my cars in the past and they've held up just fine. But I wouldn't do that with a performance tire or a high speed rated tire if I wanted to drive fast for any length of time. BTW, also keep in mind that most tires "lose" their speed rating if they've been punctured & repaired, despite the repair method. I believe there are some tire manufacturers that do consider a repaired tire to keep its speed rating if the damage is minimal and it is repaired to their own specifications.

11-14-2012, 01:10 PM	#1
Fugazi Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Drives: SWP BRZ 6 Speed Limited #888 Location: Saint Augustine FL USA Posts: 49 Thanks: 2 Thanked 10 Times in 5 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Flat tire...replace or plug? I am thinking replace it, what do you say? K I was told by my friend at Jax Subaru that patching should be okay if its not to close to the sidewall.. So I will have to check out where the nail was. It popped right out but i saw the hole.. but cant remember the distance.. First injury to my brz

11-14-2012, 02:03 PM	#10
SVTSHC (ﾉಥ益ಥ)ﾉ Join Date: Jul 2011 Drives: 2015 Series Blue BRZ Location: Bronx Posts: 1,393 Thanks: 930 Thanked 625 Times in 365 Posts Mentioned: 3 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Patching it if it's not too close to the sidewall. Just keep in mind patches can cause water to seep into the tire which raises your blowout chance. Also, if the tire is damaged from you driving on it or it's a run flat replace the tire. __________________ "Sweet Subaru, sweet Subaru, send your BRZ unto me, for the roads of the unworthy must be baptized in speed and glory." ~Zaku

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11-14-2012, 01:17 PM	#2
Rayme The Answer Join Date: Sep 2012 Drives: Mazda 2 Location: Moncton, NB Posts: 1,233 Thanks: 488 Thanked 661 Times in 315 Posts Mentioned: 6 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Replace all four

11-14-2012, 01:17 PM	#3
jflBRZ Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Drives: WRB BRZ 6AT Location: Boston Posts: 100 Thanks: 35 Thanked 21 Times in 17 Posts Mentioned: 6 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	I'd say plug it yourself. Easy. $10 kit from Advance Auto or AutoZone.

11-14-2012, 01:19 PM	#4
cnk Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Drives: '13 DGM BRZ Limited Location: NJ Posts: 1,201 Thanks: 59 Thanked 547 Times in 339 Posts Mentioned: 8 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Depends on where the puncture is on the tire and the extent of the damage. For me, if it's something like a nail and it's not in the outer section of the tire, I would be comfortable with plugging it. If it's in the outer section of the tire, I would replace it only because there is more flex in that area when cornering and a higher chance of the plug failing.

11-14-2012, 01:26 PM	#6
Orthow Banned Join Date: Nov 2012 Drives: 99' SIR Kswapped Racer/Showcar Location: Barrie, Ontario Posts: 131 Thanks: 6 Thanked 56 Times in 38 Posts Mentioned: 1 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Option C) Repair tire (Assuming it's repairable) ; Replace tire ; Keep Repaired tire as spare

11-14-2012, 01:29 PM	#7
whaap Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Drives: '13 FR-S firestorm, 6 mt - '11 CR-V Location: Tucson Posts: 2,133 Thanks: 243 Thanked 1,387 Times in 657 Posts Mentioned: 36 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	If it's just your basic nail in the tread type of flat I'd have no trouble using a plug. On a motorcycle I'd replace as soon as possible. There's a lot of controversy about this. One theory that seems very true is that to put in a plug you first have to use a tool that forces the thread of the tire further apart so the plug can be made to go in the hole. If these threads are steel, over time they can act as a garrote and eventually cut into the plug. But, I'm inclined to say so what? From the inside of the tire you still have the head of the plug that is tightly pressed against the inside of the tire. If it did cause a problem further down the road you could always fix it again or replace it.

11-14-2012, 01:41 PM	#8
jstn Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Drives: '15 Vortech Supercharged Location: United States Posts: 105 Thanks: 7 Thanked 34 Times in 19 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Just patch it if it's not too close to the sidewall. I've autocrossed on two patched tires before, it isn't a big deal really. Wal-Mart will do it for 10-15 bucks depending on whether you drive in or just bring them the wheel.

11-14-2012, 02:42 PM	#11
Dorb Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Drives: 16 LM STI/13 LM BRZ/04 AVALANCHE Location: Ohio,Dayton area... Posts: 318 Thanks: 196 Thanked 89 Times in 53 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Plug it. I have been driving around with a Tek Screw in mine for a month now. Too lazy to drop it off at Firestone to get it taken out and plugged - Thanks fro the reminder to get that done. Another reason why the BRZ will never be driven in here to work.

11-14-2012, 03:10 PM	#13
gily25 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Drives: Silica BRZ 6MT Location: 06103 Posts: 650 Thanks: 97 Thanked 115 Times in 92 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Are you planning on replacing these anytime in the near future? If you're going to replace them in spring or within the next year, I would plug it and save the money for the upgrade. If you're going to ride them until they need replacing then you may be more comfortable replacing the tire. Some shops (smaller local garages/shops) will give you a credit for a tire that can be plugged but you don't want anymore.

11-14-2012, 03:32 PM	#14
White Shadow Banned Join Date: Oct 2012 Drives: 12,000 miles per year Location: Gotham City Posts: 398 Thanks: 11 Thanked 113 Times in 64 Posts Mentioned: 3 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	The only way to really PROPERLY repair a punctured tire is to use a patch/plug repair. With this type of repair, the tire must be removed from the wheel. A one-piece patch & plug combination repair is made from the inside of the tire. The plug is pulled through the puncture and then the patch seals against the inside of the tire. Don't get me wrong....I've used regular plug kits on my cars in the past and they've held up just fine. But I wouldn't do that with a performance tire or a high speed rated tire if I wanted to drive fast for any length of time. BTW, also keep in mind that most tires "lose" their speed rating if they've been punctured & repaired, despite the repair method. I believe there are some tire manufacturers that do consider a repaired tire to keep its speed rating if the damage is minimal and it is repaired to their own specifications.

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