Nail in tire... SC said it will take $50 to patch it?

[kort677]

I have added a plug kit to my "stuff I carry" but I do like the idea of a real spare for long trips.

a plug kit is ok to carry but it could be that it would be useless in many circumstances. if the puncture is anywhere but the middle of tread area the tire may not be able to be plugged with that kit

 

[Sandiegodoug]

So maybe a full size spare, jack and lug wrench in frunk might be advised

 

[jelloslug]

a plug kit is ok to carry but it could be that it would be useless in many circumstances. if the puncture is anywhere but the middle of tread area the tire may not be able to be plugged with that kit

You can plug almost anything in an emergency situation. It might not last very long but if gets you out of a remote location, that's all that matters.

 

[kort677]

You can plug almost anything in an emergency situation. It might not last very long but if gets you out of a remote location, that's all that matters.

is that so? even a slice in a side wall?

 

[earlyretirement]

If you have a Discount Tire just go there. I had a nail in my tire that was leaking air badly. Discount Tire fixed it and patched it for FREE. They are fabulous.

 

[jelloslug]

is that so? even a slice in a side wall?

That's why I used the "almost" modifier.

 

[JHuberman]

Even if you don't carry a spare, a tire pump is a good idea. All my flats in the last 30 years have been nails, which act a reasonably good plugs if you don't take them out - and then stop to pump the tire up when it gets too low on the way to the repair shop.

From a previous post's recommendation I purchased a Kensun AC/DC tire pump at Amazon, $60, and I am very pleased with it. It has come in handy a couple of times both for me and others I was lucky to be able to help.

A bicycle pump would be lighter, less expensive and a lot more work.

 

[Lasttoy]

I watched my tire shop take tire off, plug it, replace for 50
What a deal.
Lady had driven in flat, crazy lady.
He had new type plug goes inside out

 

[Ulmo]

I've, unluckily, had 2 tire failures. First was piece of someone else's rim going though center of rear 21" staggered tire causing blow out at 40+ mph at ~1 month old, second was nail though front right 21" at 7 months.

Each time the tire had to be replaced. Zero chance the first could be patched, second could have been though SC said not able to. So definitely a lot more than $50 ;-)

I have to say Tesla roadside assistance was exemplary. Both times they had me ensure the car was somewhere safe and got me an Uber home each of the evenings. Car was ready next day and SC kept me informed. Couldn't have asked for better.

I agree about all of my experiences with Roadside Assistance so far. They have been great. I really hope they keep this up, and can. For now, I'm attempting to get a spare and self plug kit so I don't have to contact them as much.

 

[MikeBur]

I agree about all of my experiences with Roadside Assistance so far. They have been great. I really hope they keep this up, and can. For now, I'm attempting to get a spare and self plug kit so I don't have to contact them as much.

If you find a reasonable self-help plug kit, can you post details please? That tesla gunk with the compressor a) doesn't work and b) destroys the tire

 

[Only Trons]

www.safetyseal.com

 

[cmc5dc]

That's why I used the "almost" modifier.

How hard was the plug to install?

 

[jelloslug]

How hard was the plug to install?

Not hard at all. It takes some force to get the plug to go in to the hole but the prep was easy.

 

[Pale_Rider]

That's odd, they did my for free a few months ago.

 

[kort677]

That's odd, they did my for free a few months ago.

not all service centers operate the same. YMMV

 

[nctalkinghead]

My tire needed a patch when I took my Model X in for 25k service. $49 charge was added to the $825...ouch!

 

[SoCal Tsla]

That's odd, they did my for free a few months ago.

That's nice, I wish I can get that... which SC did you go to?

 

[Xcelerator]

Consider yourself lucky that it wasn't in the sidewall like a nail was in mine. The Contisilent tire is unique to Tesla, a PITA to make and because of low volumes (I assume) it is crazy expensive to replace. $368 (all in) at Discount Tire. Only good news is, they say they will do repairs for free, in spite of the added difficulty of dealing with this tire.

 

[electricxnola]

I had to get a patch for a nail from a local tire shop (didn't know that service center handled this kind of thing). They did a good job and rebalanced the tire but did NOT replace the foam. Now the car shakes a little at high speeds (above 70). Any advice on what I could do now?