Unrepairable tire puncture... what to do?

Not everybody has the tools or skill to remove/return a tire from the rim

 

Pfft, I've had the manager at a major tire retailer try and tell me I needed 4 new tires "because I'm 4wd" when I had to replace a single one at 8k miles. I think the OP can make his own call based on what he thinks.

 

I'm sure he can

 

It's a temporary fix technically (assuming the pictured kit is what I think it is). Sure some people run those string plugs for the life of the tire. Other times the tire spits it out after a while. Things get a bit exciting when you spit out a plug at 70mph.

If you're going to DIY, use a mushroom plug. That's essentially what the shops use, but they'll apply it with the tire off. Stop & Go is a brand long used by motorcyclists.

Stop & Go Tubeless Tire Plug Gun - --

https://www.amazon.com/Stop-Go-Tubeless-Tire-Plug/dp/B006B1XNPQ

 

Heard that one also. LOL

It was repeated to me as gospel recently by a 25 year old young man after he'd been fed the line at a tire shop (and buying the three tires he didn't need).

It honestly wasn't worth the headache of trying to educate the guy.

 

While you are plugging the tire, you might as well put in some winter rated air in all 4 and the spare.

 

Be sure to use the 78% nitrogen mix.

 

OP. Do you have a smart phone? If so, take a darn pic, post it, and that way we can see what you are talking about. As far as the plugs go, the tire shop is in the tire business, not particularly in the patch and repair business. I have been using plugs for over 50 years and all the way to the edge of tread, but NEVER on a sidewall...never had a plug failure....take it for what it is worth....

 

Damn, thanks for all the replies! I probably wouldn't even have clicked on this lame thread. Good to know you can still get solid advice on here in addition to all the complaining about 3rd gens!

Anyway, I just bought the new tire. It was $195. I drive out in the backcountry a lot so I figure it's worth peace of mind. I'd already dropped the tire off so can't provide a picture, but it was literally on the line that delineates the tread from the sidewall. Guy immediately questioned whether or not they could fix it when I showed him.

He said my tread is good enough it won't cause issues getting just one new tire.

 

I went with the "buy 5, sell 4" option. Ended up being cheaper than buying one new one, and got me an upgrade.

 

Most tire repair shops have these type plugs. I used them many years ago when they were first introduced at the retail level and they were the only ones rated to maintain the integrity of a speed rated tire after the repair. Some shops may or may not charge more for them as they are more expensive and a little more labor and materials is involved, but worth it.

Cheers!

 

If you don't want to waste all that money at the dealership I will sell you a special pump that converts regular atmospheric air to a 78% nitrogen mix.

 

That would be the stuff I was referring to...

 

Glad I made you laugh...a lot of maturity around here.