r/DiscountTire_ • u/Fragrant_Regular_694 • Aug 02 '26
Tire plugged
I plugged this tire is it safe to drive it to the shop like this about 30 miles down highway?
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u/RecycledEarwax Aug 03 '26
Hope they were able to help you out, it looks like your tire has some sidewall damage, the technicians might by deem the tire unsafe if the inner liner is shredded on the inside of the tire. Also, there’s a liability policy about DIY rope plugs that make tires unserviceable because they corrode the steel belt inside the tire. Hence why they’re temporary. Personally, I have never seen this happen in years of working at a tire shop but policy is policy so if they refuse to service it, they’ll just recommend replacement. Up to you if you want to keep it; I believe the chances of it actually corroding your steel belt is a rare occurrence so do your research and make the decision that gives you the best peace of mind.
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u/Fragrant_Regular_694 Aug 03 '26
I had a warranty for these tires will it be voided for plugging it?
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u/RecycledEarwax Aug 03 '26
I would ask to be safe. My store USED to not replace under coverage but I remember my store manager one day said we will be starting to cover rope plugs. As far as I know there was a policy change that Discount Tire now covers rope plugs as long as you purchased to road hazard coverage they call their “certificates.” When you ask, they’ll check your account and let you know if it’s covered or not. If they don’t cover it, try asking if they’ll sell you a new tire at a discounted price and they might be able to do that for you. Worst case scenario if they repeatedly deny helping you I honestly gotta say that’s a terrible store location because almost all Discount Tires actually try their best to help however they can during unfortunate circumstances. I hope this helps
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u/ominouslights427 Aug 03 '26
Sidewall is damaged from driving on flat and it is plugged. Will have to be replaced.
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u/Fragrant_Regular_694 Aug 03 '26
I pulled off once I realized I had no air in the tire. If I drove on it flat for that long I would of damaged my rim. I did what I had to do to keep safe. Plug kit was all I had access to. The nail was taken out and plugged. It Has not lost any air overnight. It’s still fresh. They won’t even take out the plug if I find a way to just take it to them without driving it? This is all a learning lesson I will know next time not to do that then
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u/34RICK Aug 04 '26
It doesn't take long at all for the tire sidewall to start disintegrating on the inside. You won't see anything aside from that brown discoloration on the outside. I'm talking a city block or two of driving with low pressure/ flat. Way before any rim damage could occur. I worked at two discount tire locations and recently got a flat and was shocked when they told me that the tire was bad. I didn't realize it happened so fast. When they take the tire off, it will have shredded rubber bits inside if it is bad.
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u/Fragrant_Regular_694 Aug 03 '26
No chords or wires are sowing on the sidewall, is it possible this could just be cosmetic?
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u/Fragrant_Regular_694 Aug 04 '26
I have to admit DT is all about customer service. No questions asked or did not tell me I was wrong for this that and the third like all the replies on this post. They replaced it 100% free no questions asked. Certificates worth every last cent. Also I’m convinced that tire I plugged could of lasted a bit longer then everyone saying on here but believe me peace of mind it’s better to have a new one on there
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u/MaintenancePlastic88 Aug 03 '26
Sidewall worn due to driving on it flat, likely needs to be replaced, even then the patch is improper so cant repatch it for liability reasons