Bigcat44

After replacing my pass rear tire 3 months ago do to a blow out, I just noticed I have a nail in my drivers rear tire. I guess I can take it to Discount tire and they will plug it for free but according to the Mazda dealer you are not supposed to plug a tire??? Have you heard of this? A new tire from Mazda will run 275 installed. I need some better (cheaper) options!!

Sea Ray

The best way is to have it patched from the inside instead of a plug. Much cheaper than a new tire but just keep your speeds below 150 mph (LOL)

Omicron

Yeah, I agree patches rule. Plugs just make it easier for the tech to fix the tire, and they can be seen from the outside of the tire.

Anyway, to HECK with what Mazda says! They don't warranty the tires anyway. Of course they're rather you come straight to them and pay for a new tire.

Kewl

If you decide to have them remove the tire to patch it from the inside, I suggest you read the service bulletin on the pressure sensor first.
http://www.finishlineperformance.com...02-002-03.html

Landon_Starr

The only major problem patching or repairing a tire causes is, as Sea Ray put it, don't exceed 150 mph. =)

The reasoning for this is that the speed rating on the tire (I think it was W-rated on the stock RE040's) is compromised, and no longer holds up to the speed specifications.

I've patched high performance tires and didn't notice any difference, I've even ran 1/4mi drags with a patched tire, without noticeable difference. Since they're only W rated, I wouldn't be too worried.

It does always suck to lose the speed rating on a high performance tire, though. Sorry to hear.

--Landon

Bigcat44

Yaahhh more bad news, can't patch the hole because it's too close to the shoulder. New tire time, how wonderful. Ok where is the best place to get a tire? Discount Tire can get it but they have to order it and the tech said it looks like maybe 2 weeks to arrive. The hole is not leaking any air and I have driven it a little in the past few days but I am stuck driving my Pathfinder for a few weeks it now looks like!

Landon_Starr

I HATE sidewall punctures. It's illegal for a company to patch a sidewall due to the stress a tire will put on it, and they just don't hold up.

Kinda sux that you have to replace the tire.

The tire that I went with is the RE750, made from bridgestone. Similar performance characteristics to the RE040, but cheaper. The RE040 I believe is only manufactured for production vehicles(such as the RX8), hence the premium on the tire.

--Landon

ThomasR

Try tirerack.com - they seem to have pretty good deals on the Bridgestones. I also have two of mine for sale - they are genuine, have only about 40% wear. I changed them because they got slightly cupped but otherwise are fine. You can have one for $100 if you want. If you want m,ore details, call me on 734 604 2290.

Tom