Sidewall repair

[Benny Kearns 2]

This ought to get some interesting comments...



My wife's Freestar has a smaill nail in the sidewall next to the tread.



Walmart says they can't fix it.



Many on the internet advise not to fix it - replace the tire (safety reasons).



Local tire shop owner (with good reputation in the area) says he can fix it.





Any thoughts/commnets?

 

[Todd Z]

IF he uses a Patch/plug all 1 piece unit then you can fix into the first 1/2 inch or so....



Honestly On my personal vehicle i would... on my wifes vehicle, i would NOT fix it...



Todd Z

 

[Gavin Allan]

You're asking for trouble if you fix it. I would not do it. Then again I drive lots of highway hi-speed driving and I don't want to die in my Trac.

 

[Thomas Rogers]

My dad was killed instantly when a vehicle with an illegally patched sidewall on its tire blew-out that same tire, skidded across the center lane and struck his vehicle.



I'd suggest you not fix it. I also suspect the local tire shop owner that has a good reputation hasn't earned it if he says he can fix it. In my opinion, he is putting money in his pocket ahead of the safety of your family and others.



TJR

 

[swshawaii]

I did a similar repair, (plug) on a Goodyear Wrangler ST without issues. (POS tire, wish it self destructed) LOL



Very temporary fix until I replace them all with Michelin Latitude Tours.



Visited several reputable tire specialists that refused to repair it. I assume it's a liability issue

not worth the $10 service charge, and risk to them.

 

[Steve McKellop]

Sorry for the loss of your dad, Tom. So unnecessary!!!



DO NOT PLUG A SIDEWALL !!

(unless you only plan to use it off-road)

 

[Thomas Rogers]

Thanks Steve.



It was a state of OK DOT truck. Repaired either by their crew or a local shop. Maintenance records couldn't shed light on who "fixed" it (negligence, IMHO).



State of OK has limited liability torte, so we couldn't sue the crap out of them to send a message...only thing that accomplishes is that lawyers make a few bucks.



Either way, Dad was killed 11 years ago and it didn't need to happen. All to save a buck!



He was 57. Forever young!



TJR

 

[EddieS'04]

Never, patch a tire on the edge tread. I tried once with a one peice patch plug. Never held air. Probably best it didnt. Too much flex for it to hold. Also you will be off of the belts. The hole they drill for the patch plug, is at the belt edge and can cause a bonding breach. Then belt seperation.

 

[swshawaii]

Thanks Eddie and Steve M. Coming from you guys, it's time to replace tires.



The plugged tire does hold pressure without loss of air. (2 months later)



It's the past failures of plugging sidewalls, that makes this scary.

 

[Thomas Rogers]

Swshawaii,



The fact that the reputable ahops wouldn't repair the tire shouldn't be looked at as them simply trying to limit ther liability.



Obviously there is risk in the practice. Many states make that repair illegal.



The fact most shops won't do such repairs should be enough for anyone. This practice too often leads to negligent homicide, IMHO.



TJR

 

[Andy Chase]

I had a tire with a nail in the sidewall and got someone to patch it up. It has held air for 6-7 years, but I've used it exclusively as my spare tire for my F-150 that I haven't really driven in the last year or two. If it was one of the normal tires on the truck, after reading everyone's comments on here I wouldn't patch it.

 

[Jeremiah Morgan]

Bridgestone policy is if the tire is near or in the sidewall it can not be repaired. the chances of the patch-plug to hold isn't very high. Tire goes low and possible blow out! Putting people or their families in jeparody isn't something Im willing to do!!!! :driving:

 

[swshawaii]

TJR- Apologies, I overlooked your post prior to replying.

The loss of your father seems inexcusable and senseless, after reading it.

I hope your valuable message is a lesson on what can happen. Thank You.



SWS