twebb

Ok I found online a 275 35 18 with 90% tread remaining for a pretty good deal it seems, but there's a catch... it has a small hole in the sidewall that has been patched. I have a matching tire at home is the only reason I would even consider this. Am I correct in believing that patching a zr rated tire is a big no no due to it's performance? I'd hate for this thing to blow up while going over 100. Any input from you guys would be appreciated. Thanks, Tim

Steven B

Yup, BIG safety no go, IMHO.

DCP

What he said. It isn't a performance issue. It's a safety issue. Big one.

Macster

Most tire makers will accept a puncture fix for a Z-rated tire if done right and as long as tire otherwise in acceptable shape/condition. I've had several punctures fixed. Some tire maker web sites even give specifics.

In all cases though hole has to be small (1/4" is largest diameter I can recall being allowed), located _inside_ the tread area. Any holes, punctures, cuts outside of the tread area -- and of course this includes the sidewall areas -- are not fixable.

You should give online patched tire a miss. The tire is not safe.

Sincerely,

Macster.

DesignerGenes

Tire with sidewall damage = need for new tires (Always buy in at least 2s, unless they were virtually just mounted when the damage happened).

Macster

I've replaced just one rear tire after nearly 7K miles of driving, this in my 2002 Boxster. The rear tires typically last nearly 20K miles and the tire being replaced was the right rear which wears a bit faster than the left rear (due to absence of LSD in these cars).

But this is about as far as I'd go and I may have erred in not replacing both tires though car acted ok with the different tires and nothing came from doing this. Other sources tell me generally 15% is the cut off point. If tires worn just 15% under new both tires should be replaced if one damaged and unrepairable.

Sincerely,

Macster.

twebb

Thanks guys. Your advice is appreciated.

nick49

I'd run it, but I'd also keep the speeds down to the legal limit. and wouldn't drive super aggressively, keep your inflation pressures up. Heat is the enemy. If you have a problem, it would most likely start loosing air slowly and this would be noticed if you are in tune to your car and driving. These very low profile tires have extremely stiff sidewalls and even if you loose air rather suddenly, control is usually easy to maintain, especially compared to the old 100% aspect high sidewall tires. Dont try this but I have ridden a GSXR with a 100% flat front tire at up to 100mph, felt pretty good over 50-60mph and up. below 35mph it got really heavy and ill handleing. If you drive fast and somewhat aggressively, replace it.

Pac996

Just judge if you are you good at driving over 100 with a flat tire or failed sideway in a turn going that fast?

ivangene

****, you might as well run A/S tires, just about as bad




Wait till Kyle reads this

russo

Side wall punctures severely compromise tire integrity. I wouldn't risk it, to save a couple of hundred dollars you risk the car and your well being.

Van

Watch this video... then decide if you want a patch in the sidewall.

ivangene

That is now in my top 10 all time favorite vids.. HOLY CRAP !!! Thats Awesome !!! THANKS VAN!!

6-6.5 deg negative camber!!

Graufuchs

Very cool video....wow!! As for sidewall patch...big NO NO.

ivangene

I would love to run a camera under the car like that.. I gotta look into that - with a microphone to the rear