Tubes For Automotive Tire Repair Not a Thing Anymore?

[zakthor]

I had a small nail in sidewall and had it repaired with a tube circa 1992. I drove/commuted on that wheel for at least 5 years.

Few days ago I found a big nail right in the corner of my rear tire. I took it to the used tire place that looked most likely to be able to fix it and guy said nope. I asked about tubes he said he hasn't put a tube in a tire for 20 years.

Whats the deal? Tubes aren't a thing anymore? Some sort of liability or something?

I'm not heartbroken because my tires were 15 years old but the tread was fine - I figured they were good for a few more years.

This is on my 84 diesel land cruiser that can't go more than 65mph. Tire pressure is 32psi.

So... liability? Giant conspiracy? Why couldn't I get someone to install a tube?

[Bugsinrugs]

I’ve put tubes in my tractor tires when they absorbed a nail. My latest screw in the truck tire incident I just plugged it myself. Didn’t ev n remove the tire from the truck.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by zakthor

II'm not heartbroken because my tires were 15 years old but the tread was fine - I figured they were good for a few more years.

You're killing me, Smalls.

Get some new tars.

You are way over the time limit and you and others could die based on your decision.



I drove a 78 XJ12L with original tires from Oil City PA (2013) to Akron. Pretty lumpy but with good tread.

[look 171]

You have a diesel LC from Canada?

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by look 171

You have a diesel LC from Canada?

I'll take it no questions!!

[Por_sha911]

The industry promotes 6-8 years max to replace tires regardless of the tread depth. I can't say I agree with those numbers on a regular passenger car but I can tell you that 15 years is too long. I had bought a car with like new looking tires but it handled badly (especially in the rain) so I was shocked to read the date code on them. The compound of the tire hardens and traction and handling goes down the drain.

[Zeke]

The inside of a tubeless tire is not suitable for the friction caused by deflection, especially radial tires. You will get heat build up due to a couple reasons, added mass and the rubbing.

[herr_oberst]

This you, Zak?

"With a four-barrel carb and a dual exhaust
With 4.11 gears, you can really get lost
It's got safety tubes, but I ain't scared
The brakes are good, tires fair"

[zakthor]

Originally Posted by Zeke

The inside of a tubeless tire is not suitable for the friction caused by deflection, especially radial tires. You will get heat build up due to a couple reasons, added mass and the rubbing.

So it was ok for my Volvo 240 in 1991 and tubes are not ok now?

Not saying you’re wrong I’m trying to understand.

The tires are stock 235/75r15..

[oldE]

I got a nail in one of my 3 year old Continentals. My guy vulcanized a patch on the inside of the tire. As Milt stated, tunes in modern tires are no Bueno. 15 year old tires are what I have on the old hay wagon. Rubber degrades over time.

[onewhippedpuppy]

I am shocked that anybody is running around on tires with tubes that isn’t on a bicycle. Tires are the most important piece of safety equipment on your car, time for an upgrade!

Also, pics of the Land Cruiser?

[GH85Carrera]

Back in the olden days when tubeless radial tires were new, I had my 914. I got deep into autocrossing. Three or four per month. I was at one when a competitor friend had his tubeless tire come off the rim in a corner.

Several of the competitors mentioned they all ran tubes in their tubeless tires to keep them on the rim. I was about to buy new hot tires, the Michelin XWX and had tubes installed. Only after a few years did I go truly tubeless.

I was buying new tires every few months. The salesmen at the tire shop were always amazed, and always said there is no mileage warranty for you.

[zakthor]

[911 Rod]

So why did you not just plug it?

[herr_oberst]

Beautiful Land Cruiser. It'd look great with some 31's.

[zakthor]

Originally Posted by 911 Rod

So why did you not just plug it?

Nail was right at the exact edge of the tread. Right in the corner.

[zakthor]

Originally Posted by herr_oberst

Beautiful Land Cruiser. It'd look great with some 31's.

It had them when I bought it. Motor is a 3b, has like 100hp. Awful to drive with all that extra leverage and mass. It’s still slow with stock wheels.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Love it, that’s awesome. I still miss my FJ80.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by zakthor

So it was ok for my Volvo 240 in 1991 and tubes are not ok now?

Not saying you’re wrong I’m trying to understand.

The tires are stock 235/75r15..

It's just an explanation. I can't say any more so call up technical services at your favorite tire manufacturer and I'm sure they will have the answer that backs up your tires shop's decision.

BTW, my tire shop would not repair a repairable hole in the center of the tread on a 5 YO tire. I'm looking for another tire shop as a result when it comes time to buy any tires. I can accept 7 years. The tire in question is definitely 5 years old but it has less than 8000 miles on it.

[Sooner or later]

Nail repairs in sidewall (or tread ahoulder) are a no no. Risk of damaged ply cords and catastrophic failure at speed.

Tubes don't correct the risk of ply damage.

They refused the repair due to liability, not because the repair may still leak air.