Hole in tire near edge - too close to patch

[Quickstep192]

Took two nails in the same tire the other day.

One is at the edge of the tread (see pic)
The center of the hole is at the tip of the arrow

The plug I put in it is holding air, but I always prefer a proper inside patch.

Is this too close to the sidewall to do a patch from the inside?

[REVerend]

I would be surprised if most tire repair shops would patch that one… but having said that I’m sure you could find a place to do it. When I was young and didn’t have a lot of money I got a nail similar to that in the Corvette I had just bought. Took the wheel off and brought it to a sketchy looking tire place just outside the gate of Randolph AFB. You know they kind of place that has a ton of old tires around for people that just need something to hold air so they can get to work. They patched it no questions asked and it worked fine for thousands of miles. In retrospect it probably wasnt the greatest thing but it worked at the time.

Is the car one that you drive a lot or take on long trips? Might just be worth getting a new tire but for an occasional cruiser maybe it would be ok.

[PeteKz]

I agree with REVerend. A tire shop probably won't patch it because of liability, yada, yada. If you can get a local shop to patch it from the inside, it will probably last the life of the tire. Be sure to use a patch that is flat, or the type that is mushroom shaped, has a plug that is pulled through the hole to the outside, and has about a 2" flat head on the inside that gets glued down. Those work well. Don't let them shove an auger in and out of the hole, though. That just cuts up the cords--IDK why any tire shop thinks that's a good idea.

[GH85Carrera]

If you don’t replace the tire, and just patch it or plug it, understand the speed rating is much lower. If the tire delaminates or has any problems, the manufacturer will point at the plug or patch and say you are effed.

If you don’t autocross or do HPDE track days, and keep the speeds to the limits on the signs, you likely be fine.

That advice is worth just wat you paid for it.

[shoooo32]

I have a tire machine and patch tires in similar locations all the time (no liability concern - personal use). I don't see triple digits all that much but I drive my stuff spiritedly and often. Every patch lasted the life of the tire and looked fine when they were replaced.

I agree with Pete though - patch it, don't plug it. You're far less likely to run into trouble down the road.

[almostordinary]

I had a similar issue with one of my Yokohama a052s. I always buy my tires from TireRack.... and it was the first time I used their insurance. Got a free wheel, but being OCD I purchased a new matching wheel.

If you bought the tires from an online retailer, it may be worth looking at their warranty.

Good luck.

[Quickstep192]

I bit the bullet and ordered a new tire.

The tire actually has two holes the would need to be patched, so probably $50-$70

So, that kind of reduces the cost of the new $200 tire to maybe $150ish