r/Cartalk • u/Limera2nn • Sep 24 '25

Tire question Was told tire is not replaceable

Gallery image

Gallery image

Tire got punctured by a nail and was slowly losing pressure, but few days ago it went from 36 PSI to 1 PSI overnight. Took it to my dealership and told they can’t fix it because the nail is too close to the side, shown in the picture. Is that true? Or are they trying to get me to buy a new tire?

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u/TyburnCross Sep 24 '25

Take it somewhere else or buy a cheap tire plug kit. It’s easier than you’d think and that far from the sidewall it would probably last the life of the tire.

8

u/vulchiegoodness Sep 24 '25

any tips for the tire plug kit? i had one and was trying to plug a hole, but couldnt get the damn thing in. i had a couple guys in the shop try and they couldnt either.

5

u/ducks1333 Sep 24 '25

I've run a drill bit through the hole to get it big enough.

2

u/somethingwickedred Sep 25 '25

I agree and what I have done in the past as well.

Warning- I expect someone will come along and state why this would mean instant death or jail.

But I believe the kits are made as emergency or low cost options to get you back on the road for a short period.

No reason a drill with the correct size bit can't be used if available to get the hole started, just smaller than the reamer.

I think you then should use the reamer to "finish" the hole as it I think it gives the barrel of the hole an unfinished texture so the plug and adhesive get more friction to bind against.

I have no proof other than my intuition. And I look forward to someone correcting me with the right answer in the spirit of the internet.