TMC is an independent, primarily volunteer organization that relies on ad revenue to cover its operating costs. Please consider whitelisting TMC on your ad blocker and becoming a Supporting Member. For more info: Support TMC
  1. TMC is currently READ ONLY.
    Click here for more info.

Tires! A Cautionary Tale

Discussion in 'Model Y' started by LasVegas2019, Mar 1, 2021 at 1:40 PM.

  1. Koolio46

    Koolio46 Member

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2020
    Messages:
    429
    Location:
    Boston, MA
    That’s great to hear.

    If you google how to repair a tire with foam insulation, one of the results is a how to article from GM (of all companies). They show exactly what your tire repair person did - carefully cut and remove the foam, patch the hole, re-apply the foam piece.
     
  2. stopcrazypp

    stopcrazypp Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2007
    Messages:
    9,830
    I wouldn't say it takes experience (there are instructions that come with every kit) and if you follow the instructions (which usually ask to take the wheel off the car regardless of which wheel it was), it doesn't really take much strength either, given you can use your entire body weight on the reamer and plug tool (especially with a kit with a t-handle).

    It takes more strength to remove the lugs with the tire iron (although a tip in many manuals is to loosen them first by standing on the tire iron, before jacking up the car), but that's a procedure you are supposed to learn just from cars with a traditional spare.

    Certainly the sealants are far easier for most people, but they can ruin sensors and some shops refuse to work on tires that have such sealants applied, due to the mess they make. Also not sure how it affects the foam (it might be possible to still clean a regular tire, but that goop is likely going to be hard to clean off the foam).
     
  3. Pianewman

    Pianewman Member

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2020
    Messages:
    554
    Location:
    Fort Worth
    stopcrazypp: I agree with all of the above. However, all of the above is moot with most Amuhricans. I'm afraid the vast majority will sit in their cars, earbuds in, waiting for roadside assistance..
     
  4. Canefan456

    Canefan456 Member

    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2020
    Messages:
    54
    Location:
    Atlanta
    My puncture was on a rear tire and I was able to plug it without removing the wheel but it wasn't easy. A front tire would be much easier to do with the wheel remaining on the car.
     
  5. monteitis

    monteitis Member

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2021
    Messages:
    17
    Location:
    Greater Los Angeles Area
    Man I don't want to believe that!

    Shop can remove your emergency plug and patch it for a better repair. I'd carry a cheap plug kit, I guess the space killer would be a tire iron and a portable jack rated well enough for a heavy EV.

    Until then, ICE for long trips methinks.
     
  6. Hayseed_MS

    Hayseed_MS Member

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2021
    Messages:
    203
    Location:
    Midwest
    What does EV v ICE have to do with a flat tire?
     
  7. ChrisMPK

    ChrisMPK Member

    Joined:
    May 15, 2018
    Messages:
    61
    Location:
    Monterey Park, CA
    Nothing. Tires are tires. I've plugged many tires, front and rear and it really doesn't take that much strength on a passenger vehicle. With summon it would actually be a much easier job to get the patch lined up for easy access. I've also done it on heavy duty truck tires many times and that requires a good bit of strength.
     
  8. HughH

    HughH Member

    Joined:
    May 27, 2020
    Messages:
    14
    Location:
    Arlington TX
    I have had two Pirelli flats on two different Bimmers and Discount refused to fix them due to Pirellis instructions. Each was close to $400. BTW - They were both run-flat tires and the puncture was right in the middle of the thread.
     
  9. stopcrazypp

    stopcrazypp Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2007
    Messages:
    9,830
    For run-flat tires, pretty much all manufacturers officially do not recommend repairing, due to possible hidden damage to it after running them flat. See note from the Continental page I linked:
    "SSR TIRES: Even a trained tire specialist may be unable to recognize internal structural damage to a Self Supporting Run flat (SSR) tire resulting from having been driven in an under inflated or zero pressure condition. Such damage may not be visible on the surface of the inner liner or sidewall making it impossible to determine the tire suitability for repair or reuse. Continental does not recommend any repair to or reuse of Continental SSR tires. "

    Tires with acoustic foam however are no different than regular tires, the repair shop just needs to cut out a portion of the foam and proceed with a regular tire repair.

    That said, as I link above, Pirelli's official warranty guidelines recommend against repairing even their PNCS (acoustic foam) tires. They offer a Road Hazard warranty in lieu. However, Continental in contrast does allow repairing them (even provides linked guide).
     
  10. monteitis

    monteitis Member

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2021
    Messages:
    17
    Location:
    Greater Los Angeles Area
    Came with a spare & roadside kit like most ICE rides. Easier than plugging and works for a blowout too.. I have a talent for finding nails in the road though so I'm traumatized at this point lol
     
  11. LowlyOilBurner

    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2017
    Messages:
    349
    Location:
    Buffalo NY
    This tire plugging nonsense is just that, nonsense. I’ve driven 10’s of thousands of miles with plus’s in tires. FYI, my last Volvo had the dumb foam in the tires, had a plug in one of those tires for like 20,000miles. I’m still here, no issues. If the plug is in or near the sidewall, I’d get a new tire, but other than that, just plug the tire and get on with your life.
     
    • Like x 2
  12. Pianewman

    Pianewman Member

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2020
    Messages:
    554
    Location:
    Fort Worth
    LowlyOilBurner: It's a discussion, pointing out different perspectives and experiences. Not nonsense at all.:)
     
    • Like x 1

Share This Page

  • About Us

    Formed in 2006, Tesla Motors Club (TMC) was the first independent online Tesla community. Today it remains the largest and most dynamic community of Tesla enthusiasts. Learn more.
  • Do you value your experience at TMC? Consider becoming a Supporting Member of Tesla Motors Club. As a thank you for your contribution, you'll get nearly no ads in the Community and Groups sections. Additional perks are available depending on the level of contribution. Please visit the Account Upgrades page for more details.


    SUPPORT TMC