Great, popped a tire, now what

Nabio · 22nd April 2009, 16:53

So I noticed last night that my left front tire is completely flat. The culprit turns out to be a screw that I must've run over at some point. This comes three days after my driver's door was keyed, so it's been a great week for my beast. Anyway, my car is parked in my house's parking lot right now. I was planning on buying new tires at some point, but now I guess it's time. Two questions:

1) How should I address the current situation? I have AAA, so can I get them to get a flatbed over here and drive my car to a tire shop? What do people recommend here?

2) What kind of tires should I get? I had PS2s on my old OEM rims, now I'm rolling on 19" Hartge Classics. I know they make PS2s in 19", but is there anything else that's good and maybe a little cheaper? Any recommendations?

Thanks.

Ben Carufel · 22nd April 2009, 17:04

Chaz,

I've got Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Pole Positions on my wagon. I'd call them quite comparable to the PS2s, except not as sticky -- meaning the Bridgestones will last longer.

I'd fully recommend them.

TMcNasty · 22nd April 2009, 17:07

You could just plug the tire...at least temporarily to get around. No need to call AAA for just a flat. Personally I've had nothing but good luck with tire plugs. Some people seem to think that once a tire is punctured it's somehow ruined or weakened compared to another tire. That's BS.
They CAN become weaker over time if a bad plug job allows moisture and therefore rust into the plugged holes metal reinforcing bands, but right at the time of plugging the tire isn't suddenly dangerous...especially if the item is small like a screw/nail.

You can definately drive on the tire while you wait for new ones to arrive.

chowdah · 22nd April 2009, 17:08

1. You didn't say where the hole is, but you could jack stand and securely block the car, then take the wheel in another car to NTB/equivalent for a temporary (emphasis) patch.

Doctor J · 22nd April 2009, 17:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben Carufel

Chaz,

I've got Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Pole Positions on my wagon. I'd call them quite comparable to the PS2s, except not as sticky -- meaning the Bridgestones will last longer.

I'd fully recommend them.

I would remove the wheel and get the tire plugged/repaired.

I have the RE050A's on my car on 19" BBS CH rims. I also have PSS9s on my car.

I f%^king hate these tires -- the sidewall is too stiff in 19" size and they are really noisy on the highway. They may be good in 18" but I personally think they are too hard and noisy for a street car. If you track your M5 -- the Bridgestones hold up very well and have progressive breakaway characteristics as they heat up.

I'm seriously thinking of ditching these and moving to the PS2s because they have a slightly softer sidewall and are quieter.

Nabio · 22nd April 2009, 20:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMcNasty

You could just plug the tire...at least temporarily to get around. No need to call AAA for just a flat. Personally I've had nothing but good luck with tire plugs. Some people seem to think that once a tire is punctured it's somehow ruined or weakened compared to another tire. That's BS.
They CAN become weaker over time if a bad plug job allows moisture and therefore rust into the plugged holes metal reinforcing bands, but right at the time of plugging the tire isn't suddenly dangerous...especially if the item is small like a screw/nail.

You can definately drive on the tire while you wait for new ones to arrive.

I considered plugging it, but the thing is the rears are showing a decent amount of the wear bars anyway, so I will be buying new tires. I can live without a car until I get some new tires within the next week. The only thing I need to consider is how to get my car to the tire shop where Tirerack (or whoever) will ship the tires to.

Right now the short list I have(BTW the wheels are 19x 9 and 19x10 and I'm currently running 245/30 front and 275/30 rear) is as follows:
1) Michelin PS2s
2) Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Pole Positions

bud4ya · 22nd April 2009, 20:26

First thing to try is remove it from the car and bring it in and see if they can patch it from the inside. If they can great. if not just buy a plug kit and do it yourself. It will take 5 min's. Then this will buy you some time for the new tires.

If you do not want to remove the tire and bring it in just go buy the plug kit and do it right there in the parking lot. Then pump the tire up with you compressor in teh car and you are on your way. Make sure you keep the plug kit in your car for the next time this happens. I just had the same thing happened and plugged it myself within 5 min's.

TMcNasty · 22nd April 2009, 21:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nabio

The only thing I need to consider is how to get my car to the tire shop where Tirerack (or whoever) will ship the tires to.

$10 plug kit from AutoZone and the compressor in the trunk. DO NOT pump the M-Mobility goo in there. Pretty sure the air pump can be used w/o attaching the goo dispenser.

stevie sam · 23rd April 2009, 08:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben Carufel

Chaz,

I've got Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Pole Positions on my wagon. I'd call them quite comparable to the PS2s, except not as sticky -- meaning the Bridgestones will last longer.

I'd fully recommend them.

Just something to note Ben;............When I re-newed my 4 tyres a few months back, I was getting quotes at varios supplyers and they all told me that Michelin ps2's would always last longer than anything else, I was a little surprised because of there softness (treadwear 220 ) but they might be right....funny how they all said the same thing when I was aking about all different makes of tyres....Dunlops Goodyears etc.

RICKROSS · 23rd April 2009, 11:28

just pump it up to get you to the shop.
might have to stop part way if its a long drive but most screws don't cause rapid deflation
I have Bridgestone Potenza Re-001 Adrenalin's on the back and they are great, especially for the price down under