Drove to the bank and noticed my tire was almost flat today. I was very impressed when I got out the jack and tools. The little plastic gloves (several pair), the foam insert to keep the tools from rattling around, and plastic bag for the takeoff. Very, very nice. Jack works really well too.

Spectator comments: "Wow, I didn't know those cars could GET a flat tire" and "that's too nice a car to have to do that"...

Found a hex wood screw in the center of the tread (lucky break!).

Drove on the mini tire directly to Skip's Wheelwerks. Those guys are awesome. Back in business in about an hour, and everything stowed with no trouble. I didn't even get my khakis dirty.

 

Lee, just thought you might want to know that N-Spec tires (Porsche Approved) are NOT to be repaired or plugged. In effect, it loses its speed rating and all bets are off. This isn't my opinion but rather the words of Dr.F

 

I can understand that...If you drive with the tire flat for any length of time you destroy the sidewall/tread corner area. I went less than a mile and there was more than 20psi left in the tire. I am sure that Dr. F's attorneys would not approve, but I'm going to make a judgment call on this one.

In previous instances where this happened and I didn't catch it in time Skip's refused to remount the tire.

 

Lee, it is language written as part of the N-Spec explanation that under no circumstances should a N-Spec rated tire ever be repaired or plugged. Even if it had 20psi left. With that said, I am sure it is just fine to get the screw hole plugged or patched. But, one word of caution though.....I wouldn't get thus sucker involved in any high speed runs or track days--just asking for trouble. WHen it comes to the tires, I don't mess around. The only thing between me and the road at triple digit speeds.

 

No plan for tracking this car. Do you think there is a difference between an N-rated tire and any other Z-rated tire?

 

Have to agree with Dell on this. I had a flat last year and it cost me £500 = $1000! for two tyres. But heck my life depends on them. No questions asked.

Just in case you wonder: Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3s. 19". Not Porsche approved or N rated but damn good tyres.

 

Have 2500 miles on the car. Not likely to replace any more than 1 tire.

 

N-Spec=Porsche Approved
Z rated is just a basic 149+MPH rating.

What you are looking for is the Y rated tire (186MPH) is you are going to purchase a non N-Spec tire. But then again, there are many z rated tires that are quite nice. Remember, that Y has been introduced becasue Z was just 149+ and now with the greater technology in cars and the ever increasing top speed, Y had to be introduced b/c the delta b/t Z and the P-Car top speed (and other cars) is significant enough to add an new tire speed rating.

 

If you only have 2.5K on the tires then you should be just fine. Replace the single tire.

 

i believe as long its less than 30% tire wear, its ok to replace just one

 

Tom is exactly right on this one. The rule is <30% wear on the opposing tire for single matching tire replacement.

 

I had my left rear tire go flat last Friday. I just had my rear tires replaced and I guess the tire shop over tightened the nuts. I had a bitch of a time getting them off with the "socket and stick" that came with the toolkit! I just couldn't get enough leverage -- even tried jumping on the thing. I eventually got them off but I am still sore 2 days later. I'm buying a real tire iron for next time. I do love that the toolkit included a plastic gloves and heavy duty plastic bag for the tire.

One last thing... make sure you buy the road hazzard/insurance for the new tire (get the other three tires insured too if you don't already). It is worth it considering these tires cost $250 - $300.

Cheers,

 

The rule is going to be keep the tire, unless I can do better than $253

 

Hey Lee...

By any chance have you found the hex wood screws I droped on 217?

 

Weren't they intended for the cop that pulled you over for clear side markers?