If you actually talk to tire engineers from the big three tire companies at the race tracks this topic always comes up - can you safely repair?. We had a hour long discussion on this topic over lunch during an AMG event I was Instructing at. Take from it what you will.

1) Any repair will affect the speed rating of the tire. Depending on the maker, they will either downgrade it or eliminate it.

2) Any intrusion into the tread breaks the steel belts in the tire. They will rust over time as water cannot be prevented from getting into the repair area. The steel belts can and will degrade causing eventual tire failure at some point. Therefore all repairs are temporary.

3) They do not recommend repairs.

 

As a mechanical engineer, I agree with all of this, but I don't think we are talking about tires used on track. Neither are we talking about tires that will se many years of street use. Tire manufacturers sell tires, not patching systems. Real world experience would indicate properly patched tires are safe when used by the everyday normal consumer . Otherwise you can bet your jury there would be a line of lawyers looking to make a killing off all the carnage!

 

Agree 100% with this. Obviously if I’m doing a top speed run or doing mile drag race events, I’d want perfect tires. But for daily driving, nobody is doing more than 100… maybe occasional blasts to 130 for a few seconds. This is not going to destroy any properly patched tire. Also, rear tires wear out very fast thanks to PTV even under normal driving so I anticipate I will need to replace my rear tires in 10-15k miles max.

 

It is your car it is your life you are free to do whatever you like. In all probability you will not have any issues, but NO tire manufacturer will recommend repairing. If you ever did have a major issue basically a tire failure causing an accident you would be on your own there would be very little chance of any liability on the tire manufacturer. The dealer will not repair them for that very reason.

 

Here is what a Compound Patch does to the Speed Rating of the Tire, per each Tire Manufacturer:

 

I got a flat tire today. Was driving in the city and must have run over some big construction staple that was sitting straight up. Either way it is right through the small part of the tread and lucid says they don't repair tires. They can only replace them. This tire has 13,000 mi on it and still looks great. Has anybody repaired their tires versus replacing them. I was told it has to do with the foam that's inside of them.

 

just another tuesday night at the porsche dealers!

 

Who did you buy the tires from, Tire rack and other online sellers usually include road hazard warranties with the tires.

 

Make sure you contact them first. I went through this with my Mom for tires I got her. The warranty wanted you to contact them first then they (Tire Rack) reimburse you after sending the invoice for the replaced tire.

 

Most Porsche dealers that I know don't deal with tire repair because they don't want the LIABILITY.
Any tire can be repaired at a competent shop as long as the puncture is not close to the sidewall.