Originally Posted by bflinn
I recently had a screw (puncture) in my right rear tire. For years I have plugged my own tires....bought the kit from the local auto parts store, removed the puncturing thing (nail, screw etc), reamed out the hole, installed the plug (with included glue) and I have never had a problem. Notwithstanding that, all prior experience was with "less" tire, i.e., 60 or 70 series all season tires on more normal "non-sporting" cars. Has anyone had a bad experience with plugging XFire tires (I currently have an SRT-6 with Pilots)? Thanks in advance.
I also had to make this decision on my left rear Conti tire. Had a screw stuck in the outer tread. First, not all shops can handle 19" wheels and even if they have the newer equipment... many do not know how to deal with the tire pressure monitor...there are gaskets and parts to replace to do it right. After long consideration and looking at the trade-offs...I decided to plug it with the "orange" color heavy duty plug material. I have about 3K miles on it since with no problems. Have done 80 MPH highway trips...no vibration. Holds air like new...no air loss.
Just make sure you ream-out the hole good so the belts do not cut into the plug. Bought kit at Pep-Boys for about $5. Good luck.
On mine...the dealer said it was not fixable due to Conti speed rating...and any type of patch/Plug...inside or out in unacceptable...and would only sell me a new tire...Yeh RIGHT!
Good luck...I know other forum members that have also used tire plugs with no problems.
Get the facts...and make your own decision.
Ben