Tire Question - Help!!

[onerareviper]

Viperholics,

I have GTS with 18' Pilots. They all have about 75% tread. Unforutately, I ran over a nail in one of the back tires. Here are my questions:

1.) Can I put one new tire on the rear with 100% tread? The other being 75%. I'm not sure if the damaged tire can be repaired.

2.) If the tire can be repaired, I've been told a patch is the way to go. Although, no one does the 'Heat Vulcanizing' method in my area. The patches are attached with a strong adhesive. Is this safe? I occasionally drive the ba'jesus out of the car, and don't want to worry about a blowout.

Thanks in advance.

 

[SSpeed Racer]

If all it was was a nail in the tire patching it should be fine. I would not mix tread depths though. If you buy tires you need to at least replace the 2 that are in question. And keep the other tire for later use.


Patching now days seems to be fine. I have had tires patched and have had to additional problems.

 

[onerareviper]

Well Folks. After consulting the experts, the patch is AOK. As long as it's not to close to the shoulder/sidewall.

Later

 

[JonB]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by SSpeed Racer:
If all it was a nail in the tire patching it should be fine. I would not mix tread depths though. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I agree 100%. I have had more nails/screws in Viper tires than all other cars Ive owned COMBINED! Patch the treaded contact patch holes, but discard any tire with shoulder/sidewall punctures.

DONT MIX TREAD DEPTHS! (or styles) Left-to-right side imbalance of tread depth or pressure is "Stagger" and DOES affect handling !

Think about it: The treadblocks perform differently if they are thicker/thinner. The car can actually dart towards the low side on acceleration..... even a 3+ lb pressure difference can cause this. Monitor your tire pressures AT LEAST every oil change. And certainly before any track event

 

[King GTS]

VERY GOOD INFO JON.....THANKS.

 

[onerareviper]

Thanks Jon!!!!

Your the man!!!!

I found a local store that has a Hunter GSP9700 Wheel Vibration Control System. EEEEWWWWW nice. Get this - Only charging me $12.50 to remove tire, patch hole from inside, remount tire and high speed balance. Beats spending $380 on a new rear!!!

Later

P.S. - Click on the link to find a Hunter GSP9700 Wheel Vibration Control System in your area.

http://www.gsp9700.com/pub/search/findgsp9700.cfm

 

[JonB]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by onerareviper:
Thanks Jon!!!....&gt;&gt;&gt;Beats spending $380 on a new rear!!! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Geez, I Talked myself out of yet ANOTHER ($369) sale !

{ My wife calls that a REVERSE conflict of interest... Or dis-interest ?!? }

Glad to help.

 

[AviP]

I've had a tire patched quite close to the sidewall. The tire has seen 7000 miles before and 10000 miles (embarassed cough) since with no problems. Yup I do the occassional burnout but nothing serious. This includes high speed runs upto 160mph and lots of exciting cornering stuff and even some off roading (20 miles).

Oops maybe I've said too much already.

BTW, I'm changing them this month.

-Avi

 

[onerareviper]

Thanks fella's. Keep the opinions coming...

*Right now I'm leaning toward the patch. Logically, I can't imagine a hole the size of a large needle could destroy the integrity of the tire, especially on the tread section of the tire. I think tire makers agree, but due to the liability issue drop the speed rating.

* I've acually searched this web site, and yes - Corvette Forums, and have not run across one post where a patch has failed during a track event or high speed driving.

P.S. - The hole is dead center on the tire tread.