"Temp" Tire Patch -- Switch to Spare Tire?

Hi All,

I am looking for advice on a tire situation. My Taco is new this July and I've put 9k miles on it. One of the tires got a nail in it and was losing pressure slowly. I bought it to the Toyota dealer and they remove the nail but only put on a "temp" tire patch since it is within an inch of the sidewall. They said I need a new tire since it can't be properly patched.

Do you think they are upselling me? Should I take it to another tire place and get another opinion?

Alternatively, I was wondering about having the tire swapped with my spare (changing the rim in the process), and keeping the "temp" patched tire as my spare. The reason being that they told me I might be able to drive years on that temp patch but it would be a problem only when the tread got low.

Any suggestions?

Thanks, Scott

 

need to see a picture of where the puncture is to be able to give a good opinion.

 

I would say get a second opinion from a tire shop. I had a small nail hole patched about a month ago. I have 23K miles with a good amount of tread left. I put the patched tire back on so all 4 would wear evenly and will eventually buy 4 new tires. Also, I am not sure I would want the patched tire sitting underneath the bed hoping it is inflated when I need it.

 

I had the same issue. I went to Pep Boys and they said it was close but they did a plug and patch. It saved me a new tire. I now have 20,000 miles since the repair. It is worth a try.

 

I had the same issue. I went to Pep Boys and they said it was close but they did a plug and patch. It saved me a new tire. I now have 20,000 miles since the repair. It is worth a try.

 

The issue is going to be how close it is to the sidewall. I'm surprised they patched it at all if its that close to the edge. Its a liability issue for the tire shop.

 

Plug it with a DIY kit.

If you don't feel confident driving on it, mount it as the spare as you suggested.

When you need a full set of tires, replace it with the best takeoff you have.

 

Thank you all for the great advice. Sounds like I could use a second opinion from a reputable tire shop. xlucidx asked for a picture so I'll include one here. Thanks for your thoughts on this -- you guys rock!

 

In order for the tire to be repairable, the puncture must be 1/2 inch away or more from the treads edge where the steel belt begins. Any puncture less than 1/2 inch from the start of the steel belt, is not suitable for repair.

Details: Tire Repair | Discount Tire Direct

 

Thats not terrible. I have seen tires like that last for years.

I would not consider that an emergency get something done right now type of thing but I would replace it.
If you live in a city area or your typical speed is never more than 45-50mph you will likely never have a problem from something like that.

If most of your driving is done in the city at low speeds I would roll it through this winter and next summer - then put new tires on before next winter.
If you drive on the interstate doing 75+ mph - I would have the spare tire put on that wheel and buy a cheaper tire to use on your spare wheel.

 

I've never had a properly placed DIY plug fail, even after 10's of thousands of miles. From your photo, it looks like you're firmly in the gray area of proximity to the sidewall.

 

All,

Just an update on the tire and an opportunity to share the lesson I learned. Taking your advice to get a second option (other than the young tech at the dealer) I took the tire to Big-O which is the local option for tires. They opened it up, took a look, and made the determination that it could be patched/plugged without problems, which they did. No charge too.

So I didn't need to arrange a swap with my spare, and I feel comfortable that the solution is good.

Full speed ahead!

Cheers,
Scott