Driving on a Patched/Plugged Tire

[Vaticous]

I recently had a serious puncture while on a road trip. Thankfully, the MY's tire sensors allowed me to get to a local mechanic in time before the tire completely ran out of air. I was told that the patch/plug was temporary, which I understood, but the only Tesla Service Center appointment available to me is still one week away. As of right now, the tire seems to be holding up just fine; I check the tire pressure at the beginning and end of each drive.

Am I risking it by driving this car every day, or do these things last for a bit longer than just "getting home" from the patch/plug? I assume things are different with this car's (or any EV) tires specifically, versus ICE cars.

Note: It was my rear tire. Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 - 275/35 ZR 21

 

[E90alex]

A plug is considered temporary. A patch is considered permanent.

 

[Pianewman]

A properly installed plug/patch (mushroom shaped) is permanent.

However, it would be useful to see a photo of your "serious puncture".

 

[zoomer0056]

You’ll be fine for a week. With that said, monitor tire pressure. Also, you can go to a non-Tesla tire shop to get it repaired.

 

[Ostrichsak]

A tire is a tire is a tire. An EV isn't any different so a patch or a plug will hold exactly the same. Personally, if a tire was worthy of a patch or a plug... I'd run it same as the other tires. If it wasn't worthy of a patch or a plug then it shouldn't have been patched or plugged in the first place.

 

[Pianewman]

^^^agree. The OP's puncture couldn't have been "serious" if he managed to drive on it (how far?) long enough to get to a local mechanic.

A properly plug/patched tire should last as long as a normal tire.

 

[nate704]

I had a puncture a year ago on my front tire (MYP) and I plugged it myself (no patch). Since then I put 10k miles (mostly highway), and I drive HARD like I just stole it.
No problem and still holds pressure just fine.

 

[boones]

If you have a discount tire nearby, they fix flats for free. Doesn't matter if you bought the tires from them or not.

 

[richyrich]

@Vaticous any tire shop can patch or replace the tire, you don't have to go to Tesla and (like most dealers) they probably won't be the cheapest.

 

[damageprone]

Plug as everyone mentioned is considered temporary, but I installed one DIY and monitored pressure. It lasted the life of the tire. Important thing is to note where the puncture happened. If in the center belt, it is fixable, anything on the shoulders is considered replacement.

 

[alexcue]

My plugged tire when about 22,000 miles before I replaced all the tires. I did as others said, monitored the tire pressure, it behaved just as the others so never changed it. It was just off center.

 

[Ed243]

There is more work involved to properly patch an EV tire because of the sound suppression foam and the glue used to attach the foam to the inside of the tire.

 

[nate704]

There is more work involved to properly patch an EV tire because of the sound suppression foam and the glue used to attach the foam to the inside of the tire.

I am sure 99% of all tire shops don't follow this.

 

[jf64k]

All four tires on one of our MYLR’s has a plug…one of the tires has two.

16k miles and no issues. They hold air like a champ.