Pulled a 4 in nail out of back tire this morning. It's a tubeless tire with about 5,000 miles. Dealer won't fix them, just sell you a new one. My first thought for a temporary fix is to plug it and slime it. Got a short ride Sunday. I figure by the time I pay the labor to take it off to patch from the inside and maybe put in a tube, if it's off the rim, might as well go ahead and put on new tire??????

 

There's been a lot of discussion on the subject. Some people plug or patch on the inside and some say to always just replace the tire. Since you only have two tires and a blow-out at speed can be pretty hairy, I'd opt for a new tire. I carry plugs and pump for roadside repairs, but would replace as soon as possible. My 2 cents.

 

Yea, I argee with RH8234. Dealers won't patch because they don't want the liability if it blows later. Safety says to change it.

 

I have always plugged tires with lots of tread myself and ave never had a problem. Just my experience.

 

Had an independant shop tell me they'd tube it for 65.00. But, I hate tubed tires. At least a tubeless can be plugged in an emergency.

 

I'm with anubisss all the way here. You should have your own plug-n-ride kit anyway, buy one and get back on the road (unless the tread is below safe depth). We live in a litigious society and until all the NYU lawyers are rounded up and deported it'll stay that way. [:'(]

 

Since it's not an emergency, whatever you do....don't slime it!

 

Don - I am new at this and why would you not slime a tire if it is only to get to the shop or off thehighwaygoing to a gas station? Maybe a dumb question but i was wondering. Remi

 

If the tire is 1/2 way or more worn.....I would replace it. With 5,000 miles though, it is usually 1/2 worn by now. If the tires is still like new, then I would repair the tire.

However, if the tire is not anywhere near worn out and has plenty of tread left....then I would repair it from inside. I wouldn't even bother with a tube, by the time you bought a tube, paid for labor of install, mount and balance....you're not much less than what a new tire would have cost in the first place.

Having mag wheels has its benefits and installing a tube....defeats those benefits.

The main thing is to think safety first and weigh all the options.

 

I agree with anubisss. I have always plugged flats. I don't go so fast that there has ever been a problem. Ever. I have probably plugged tires 20 to 25 times in the last 15 years. Sucks to get flats. They never happen when it is convenient. You know like just pulled in the driveway after a great ride. 50% of my plug jobs have been on the road. Nothing better that getting back on the road without needing a tow. Just my thoughts