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.

 

the best way is to put a patch inside the tire plugs are not the way to go.

 

Have had a plug in my rear passenger side tire for about 4k miles. Never had a problem. I have the Conti A/S. Have been way over 100 too a few times since.The belts on them are way tough. I had a hell of a time trying to push the tool through lol.

 

No problems or not, I would not plug a speed rated tire. Have a professional remove the tire and patch it from the inside. If you weakened the belt by reaming out the whole, then it could easily separate and come apart at high speed. Needless to say, that would be a BAD thing. SCCA autocross rules even state that you aren't supposed to run an autocross with plugged tires.

 

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

 

Not long ago, I had the same problem. A screw left me with a tiny leak. Dealer insisted it could not be patched and had to be replaced. I decided to plug my first tire ever. It's been about 2,000 miles a two or three high speed highway journeys and I've had no issues.