slow air leak

[Structure240sx]

one of my tires has a slow air leak. after about 3 days it loses basically all of its air pressure not completely flat but enough to where i wouldnt drive it around at all. the tire still has alot of thread left. is the only solution gettin a whole new tire? its not too much at $129/tire before shipping and mounting but i rather not have to get a whole new one if i dont have too. any kind of sealants would mess up the balance of the tire and wheel but what if it was just a little, just enough to stop the leak would that still be too much? for anyone interested its a 255/40 kumho mx

[Holisticbeatz]

Or you could take the tire and dunk it in a tub of water to find the leak. Then patch it up with a tire repair kit from Pep Boys or Kragens.

[Rex]

Most tire shops will do the patch for you for next to nothing. IIRC, most of the managers just had me give the guy who did it $10 (or whatever you choose). They patched it while it was on the car.

[Nismo_Freak]

Have it patched...

Discount Tire does it for free

[Structure240sx]

ok ill try that. i just thought that the hole was goin to be too small to find thanks

[daz1320]

Take your car to a good tire shop and have them PATCH it.Alot of half-*** tire shops will tell you that a plug is as good as a patch.They only say that so they dont have to do the work of de-mounting the tire.When you plug a tire it separates the cords in the tire.It makes the hole bigger.They usually end up leaking.It is also possible for it to fall out.The list goes on and on. IMO get it patched. Just my .02

[Grant@tirerack]

The only correct (safe) way to repair a leak is to patch it. The inner liner of the tire is the only part that is air tight. If they don't seal that liner, any moisture inside the air chamber can work its way into the steel belts. Plugs are only a temp. repair to get you to a service station where they can do a correct patch repair.

[Exar-Kun]

yep, what grant said, a patch-plug (looks like a mushroom) is also the only tire fix approved by michellin to NOT void their warranty on their tires...

just a thought.-chet

[Structure240sx]

yea i feel more confident about a patch. we used a plug on my buddies tire late on night and i dont really like the idea of that in my tire when 100+mph can come so fast

[SmithSR]

Very good decision. As a side note, if you're bored one night, you can do some quick research on tire makers and find out what the different companies say about a repair(such as a basic nail puncture repair) and what that repair does to the tire's speed rating. (in the eyes of the manufacturer)

Some manufacturers will no longer assign any speed rating to a tire if it's ever been punctured and repaired. Meaning, if the tire is patched in good fashion, but blows while you're doing 100, the tire maker told you so. (i.e. not liable, and neither is the tire shop, because the tire maker gave your fair warning)(???)

Interesting reading, because tires are so crucial and at the same time so overlooked.

[Dano]

this is good info, we should keep it availiable up top.

-Dan

[Exar-Kun]

done. -chet

[Structure240sx]

wow, i started a good thread? nice

[cowboyrps13]

Have it patched...

Discount Tire does it for free

if you didnt buy the tires from them they are supposed to charge a refundable with your next purchase, 10 dollars :o so it might not be free right up front.

[Structure240sx]

got it patched today at a specialty tire/suspension place near by that i like alot. cost- $18 flat repair/balance thanks guys

[Nismo_Freak]

if you didnt buy the tires from them they are supposed to charge a refundable with your next purchase, 10 dollars :o so it might not be free right up front.

Must be a new or regional policy, I've had all my flats done there for free.

[cowboyrps13]

Must be a new or regional policy, I've had all my flats done there for free.

well, like i said they are SUPPOSED to but they dont always:oface , even if they did, just buy tires from them later and you get it back, so its stupid to charge in the first place. but yeah, could be regional too, another question for my manager.