Fix a Flat (literally?)

Topic: Fix a Flat (literally?) (Read 2916 times) previous topic - next topic

Fix a Flat (literally?)

Reply #15 – November 12, 2011, 10:58:14 PM

I wouldn't be against driving it with a plug in the side wall, but I would be ready for the tire to go at any point in time. The problem isn't with the type of repqir, its with the location. If your tire is low on air, it rubs the side wall and it will fail. Might last a day, might last a year, but it will fail, and more likely then not, the sidewall will fail and not the plug or patch.

Blowing a sidewall on a front tire is sort of scary. Back end isn't as bad, but if your in a compromized situation, I would not want either.

Fix a Flat (literally?)

Reply #16 – November 20, 2011, 02:10:32 AM

I picked up a screw in the fusion before i got rid of. Used a Harborfreight plug, got 6 more months out of it . (was planning on new tires, just not right away)

Fix a Flat (literally?)

Reply #17 – November 20, 2011, 10:19:06 AM

If you are fixing it yourself, lawsuits are unlikely. We only care about functionality here. Be aware that the sidewall/tread intersection area flexes a lot, so the plug may fail or leak later. That is why a pro won't do it for you. If you plug it use the red ones that look like rope (commercial grade). An internal patch is more likely to last. We used to install inner tubes in such a situation, but alloy rims don't line up with the valve stem.

Fix a Flat (literally?)

Reply #18 – November 28, 2011, 02:48:11 PM

My neighbor knocked on my door telling me my rear right tire was dead flat. Found out a small hole was on the side of the outside thread. Patching didn't work, we got a tube put in, and its still holding. Needed a new valve stem for the spare tire... Now I may need one for the front left.

Fix a Flat (literally?)

Reply #19 – December 01, 2011, 05:47:43 PM

Well, interestingly, I'm not sure what I saw was even a nailhead. It was at work, and I could never find it once I got home. Plus, the tire has stayed inflated just fine (as of today) since my initial post! I had left my car out in the driveway overnight (not something I do often, even though we live in a nice neighborhood), so I'm kinda wondering if it was some kid doing a prank and letting the air out. I have no other explanation for why the tire is now just fine.

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions/advice, however. Great info to have!

Greg