Should I be worried? (tire) - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

fpage77 · 03-28-2009, 05:06 PM

I got a nail in my tire and at first the garage said they didn't know if they could fix it but they pulled the nail and plugged it. I have been driving for over a week now and TPMS hasn't gone off again yet so it sounds like patch is holding. I'm concerned my tire isn't safe now because of this since they said they didn't know if it could be repaired and I'm thinking for a safety reason. I found a picture of our stock tires and put a little red circle where my nail was and if anyone could give me some input.

Old smart · 03-28-2009, 05:29 PM

You should have the tire dis-mounted, the carcass cleaned, and an internal mushroom plug inserted

kwagar · 03-28-2009, 05:39 PM

At three different times in three different cars I've had a nail within the tread pattern but in the side rather than the bottom of the tire. In all three cases tire shops have refused a repair. The issue seems to be the integrity of the tire if the puncture is in the side.

That's only my experience, I am no expert on this sort of thing.

bcope01 · 03-28-2009, 05:44 PM

It should be fine. Don't worry.

fpage77 · 03-28-2009, 05:48 PM

It's literally on the edge of the tread before the sidewall. They did that tar stick plug thingy with the weird screwdriver. Old smart says I need repair done differently and I'm never heard of plugging holes with mushrooms before.

**JPaul** · 03-28-2009, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fpage77

... never heard of plugging holes with mushrooms before.

In the late 60's, while driving from Europe to Nepal and back (yes, I'm one of those!) I had to repair tires several times with "mushroom" plugs. No problem, even on really rough roads or lack of any road. I'm sure that today's plugs are even safer. You should be fine as long as you keep an eye on your TPMS. IMHO, of course.

jonnysan · 03-28-2009, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fpage77

It's literally on the edge of the tread before the sidewall. They did that tar stick plug thingy with the weird screwdriver. Old smart says I need repair done differently and I'm never heard of plugging holes with mushrooms before.

That is the correct way to repair a puncture in a tire. The tire will have to be re-balanced after this method of repair but it really is the only 100% reliable way to do a long term repair.
The plug is inserted from the inside and the term mushroom is used because the plug resembles a mushroom in appearance. They reach thru the puncture with the insertion tool from the outside in, attach it to the mushroom that already has the "goop" on it (sealant/adhesive) the then the mushroom "head" is pulled up against the inside surface of the tire, mushroom stem facing outward. Then the stem is shaved off flush with the tire tread and away you go.
VERY reliable method and it has worked successfully for decades...

fpage77 · 03-28-2009, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPaul

In the late 60's, while driving from Europe to Nepal and back (yes, I'm one of those!) I had to repair tires several times with "mushroom" plugs. No problem, even on really rough roads or lack of any road. I'm sure that today's plugs are even safer. You should be fine as long as you keep an eye on your TPMS. IMHO, of course.

I'm more like scared of the thread ejecting of the tire kind of thing because of the damage. Interestingly enough I read the date code on the tire and my tires were made 0109 and my car was built in January 09. They really have everything made to order with all the suppliers in one place everything is produced to go on the cars being built right then.

fpage77 · 03-28-2009, 06:35 PM

Tire tracks website says the plug is a proper repair job not the tar stick stuff.

Tire Tech Information - Puncture Repairs

smartHHO · 03-28-2009, 06:48 PM

It is pretty close to the side wall. Not sure what the safety specs are on how far into the sidewall makes it unsafe. I know I had a nail on my old jetta that was about 1/4 inch farther down to the rim and was told that I could not have it patched or plugged. It was a liability issue with them. Good luck. If it was tire warranty and Smart patched it, then it is on them. Not you. Either you have a blow out, or you don't. It sounds to me that it is holding, but there is some good input here in this thread.