WelderGuy

I had two small nail punctures on my Bridgestone Potenzas several years back. In both cases, I removed the nails, and soapy solution revealed a slow leak. After adding air to proper pressure and driving around a bit, the leaks stopped. No further repairs and no problems since.

You gotta get the nail out, though.

Magister Ludi

I picked this up 50' from the entrance to Willow Springs Raceway. Patched it, ran on it for two track days, still driving it on the street.

Patch it.

owc6

DON'T pull the nail/screw out.

Go and have it properly plug/patched.


Properly done, they will last the life of the tire tread, I had a plug/patch last for 68,000 miles on Corvette.


You will lose your speed rating, but for most of us, THAT doesn't mean a thing.

owc6

On this one, I drove another 25,000 miles. Total of 45,000 on the rears.

DesertDog56

Are there ribs inside the run flats that could be too close to where the nail went through that might prevent a patch from being applied? I've never seen the inside of these tires but I know I have seen ribs in at least some run flats.

owc6

No.

At least no more than non Run Flats.

Run Flats can be repaired for a puncture in exactly the same way, in the exactly the same place as any tire. They look pretty much the same on the inside as any other tire, BTW.

Both tires lose speed rating.

Not sure what "ribs" you are talking about. The sidewalls are beefed up, but a puncture there is not reparable on either type of tire.

hwk34400

Years ago, I had an AMG with a nail just off the tread into the side wall! FINALLY found a shop which offered to fix with an internal plug. I drove that car/tire for 20,000 miles with no problems. YES I was lot's younger and had a tendency to drive hard and fast!

Squeaky Wheel

Thanks folks for all the suggestions. Going to work on the tire this afternoon. Seeing several references to "vulcanizing" plugs. Are those something special? I just have those standard little gummy twisted rope things and a tube of rubber cement that I was going to use myself. The nail is not between the tread and easily accessable while still on the car. Hoping it hasn't penetrated the case and no action is required. Like I said, it's not lost any air pressure yet.

Kind of ironic that I just bought a plug kit plus one of those inflator pumps that use the cigarette lighter plug adapter last week. Figured it would be good to have on a road trip. Who knew?

Exhausted45

Smooth9883

I had the same thing. I took it to big O tires and they said they would have to replace the tire. I told them the nail was in the center of the tire and the tire was holding air. They told me it didn't matter. I don't them they'll never get my business again.

I pulled the nail out myself and it ended up being so tiny it never went through.

KT.VETTE

If you plug it (yourself) and then take it to Discount Tire for a permanent fix they will not touch it.

Vetteman Jack

On a high performance car, I would not just use a plug kit - I would let a shop do the plug and patch method. It will be much more permanent and provide a better repair than anything else.

owc6

This is the proper fix that will last for many dozens of thousands of miles.

Car#30

I had this 5/8 inch screw in the left rear after a quick drive on a nice day back in January. I started the car and it read 13lbs. Freaked me out because it was too cold to take it out and get it fixed. I just kept putting air in it through January and February. First nice day in March I took it to the dealer after putting 35lbs. in it. It actually gained air as I drove the 10 miles to the dealer. I was worried that I'd have to buy a new tire but they patched it from the inside and it's been good so far. I now carry a small compressor just in case.

B&BVettes

Mine was bent.

Squeaky Wheel

Ya Hoo. Must be my lucky day!

Three days after finding the nail in my rt rear tire, I still had not lost any pressure according to the TPMS system and my own gauge. With tools in hand, I sprayed some soapy water on the nail head this morning, and no bubbles appeared. So went ahead and pulled the nail out, fully ready too do an on the car wheel plug repair just in case. To my relief, the nail was about 3/8" long, and when removed, there there was still no air loss. Thank goodness it was on the high point of the tread I guess, so the case was not penetrated. Dodged a bullet this time, but glad that if needed, I now have the tools and info for a simple repair in the future.

Thanks to all for your insight and recommendations. Learned a lot. Now off for a stress free drive!

juanvaldez

Maybe buy a lottery ticket!

markmott

👍 I agree completely.

Bunk

I've heard most tire shops will not plug or repair a run flat. The plug and patch by a willing shop will keep the tire going for thousands of miles. I've done it with success (plugging a nail). It takes a bit of skill because the tires are sticky. It is safe to do.

Maxpowers

+1 on plug and patch. I had what looked like a full length roofing nail in the tire of my last car. Took it to a good shop. They pulled it out and it didn't penetrate. No charge.