Tire damage advice

[Cincinnatus]

Picked this up in my travels somehow. What really sucks is that I don't have a thousand miles on all 4 yet, just replaced all of the rubber in April, if memory serves.. Would you guys repair the tire or just replace it?

[DarkMastyr]

That's probably too close to the sidewall for most tire shops to agree to repair. If no road hazard warranty, likely will need to eat the cost for at least 1 axle (2 tires).

[FlyinLowSD]

Originally Posted by Cincinnatus

Picked this up in my travels somehow. What really sucks is that I don't have a thousand miles on all 4 yet, just replaced all of the rubber in April, if memory serves.. Would you guys repair the tire or just replace it?

REPAIR (Edit: Unless you’ve driven on it flat)
It appears that that is through the belt. Take it to a reputable tire shop and get it properly repaired. I just had two punctures repaired at DiscountTire. They’re a fantastic outfit. They will advise you if it is not repairable according to the manufacturer’s warranty requirements. A proper repair will in fact allow you to continue enjoying spirited drives and get full life out of your rubber.

Michelin requirements:
“If your tire becomes damaged, it may be repaired if it meets the following criteria:
1. The tire has not been driven on when flat.
2. The damage is only on the tread section of your tire (sidewall damage ruins a tire immediately) and/or
3. the puncture is no greater than ¼"

Repairs of all tires must be of the combined-plug-and-inside-patch type.

Your MICHELIN tires (including Michelin PAX System™ tires) must be removed from the wheel for inspection prior to repair. Plug-type repairs made on a tire that remains mounted on a wheel are improper and can result in an accident. A tire should be removed from the rim and inspected prior to repair. Any tire repair done without removing the tire from the rim is improper and can result in an accident.”


That being said, it is reasonable to plug a leaking tire with a DIY (external only) plug as long as that is in order to travel the miles directly to a tire shop. Do not use goop or slime or other sealant-in-a-can unless you plan on replacing the tire ASAP.

[Cincinnatus]

Originally Posted by FlyinLowSD

That being said, it is reasonable to plug a leaking tire with a DIY (external only) plug as long as that is in order to travel the miles directly to a tire shop. Do not use goop or slime or other sealant-in-a-can unless you plan on replacing the tire ASAP.

I think the play is to just plug the tire, bring it to my indy shop and replace it with a new one. If it were my DD, it's no big deal because I'm only doing 'normal' highway speeds, but in this case... well, you know.

How far would you say it's safe to drive to the shop? My guys are about 100-ish miles away.

[Cincinnatus]

Update: Ordered a replacement from Tire Rack. They didn't list a 4S specifically for BMW with the star on it, they listed Audi / Porsche / Ferrari... so I got the one for Audi. I has an 'A/O' on the sidewall. I assume this is acceptable, yes?

[JDMSteven]

Cincinnatus Yup, all that branding BS is just marketing... All 4S tires are the same

[arucano]

There are slight compound and distribution difference between the different manufacturer's requirements. For daily use you will not feel the difference. The difference is basically at or close to the limit and wear.

[FlyinLowSD]

Originally Posted by Cincinnatus

Update: Ordered a replacement from Tire Rack. They didn't list a 4S specifically for BMW …

That’s odd! I can specify OE spec for BMW/Mini for PS4S on Discount Tire website. Since they bought Tire Rack a few years back, you’d think they’d make things available across the board. Or maybe they only carry them for certain sizes

[Cincinnatus]

Originally Posted by FlyinLowSD

That’s odd! I can specify OE spec for BMW/Mini for PS4S on Discount Tire website. Since they bought Tire Rack a few years back, you’d think they’d make things available across the board. Or maybe they only carry them for certain sizes

Yeah, I thought it was odd. Checked over at Discount Tire and it's the same situation. Just glad I got something 95%+ of what I need, just so I can get back on the road for the rest of the season.

[Cincinnatus]

I got something like that locally and managed to plug the tire, but was told that for our cars, a repair might be dodgy and I do have a tendency to make sure the limiter is working properly.

[FlyinLowSD]

Originally Posted by Cincinnatus

I got something like that locally and managed to plug the tire, but was told that for our cars, a repair might be dodgy and I do have a tendency to make sure the limiter is working properly.

“Michelin policy is that properly-repaired Z-rated tires, such as my Pilot Sports, retain their Z speed rating.”
(From https://www.m5board.com/threads/mich...d-tires.24747/)

Properly repaired, as in by an authorized reseller. Who will refuse to make a repair if the damage does not meet the requirements of “repairable”.