Drove on flat tire for short distance. Should I consider replacing the tire?
Posted by ButterBeforeSunset@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 15 comments
Yesterday I hopped in the car to go get lunch. As soon as I pulled out of the driveway and started going straight it pulled hard to the right. I knew it had to be a flat so I pulled into the next driveway, turned around and came back to the house. I drove on it for about 800ft.
I filled the tire up and then drove it to the tire shop to get the nail removed and patch the tire. They didn’t ask me if I had drove on it flat, and at the time I didn’t think it was much of an issue. They patched it and sent me on my way.
However, I’ve done a little research on it out of boredom and have seen some people saying that if you drive on a flat for any amount of distance then the tire is compromised.
I’m just curious if this is true and whether I should consider looking for a replacement tire. The tire shop didn’t tell me anything was wrong with it but maybe they just didn’t notice any external damage? I don’t want to drive on it if there’s a real chance that it is compromised, especially because it’s a front tire right now.
TIA!
FrostyMission@reddit
How does it look? You can often see damage on the sidewall.
Big_Campaign_467@reddit
Second this. Also:
-If you can't see the tire's brand/model name on the sidewall anymore its definitely trash -if only a line (thin or thick) is going through the brand/model name on the tires sidewall, replace the tire.
-How old is the tire? You can find the four digit date stamped on the sidewall in smaller embossed type numbers: first two numbers are the week, second two the year. If older than 5 years technically shouldn't be patched. -How is the overall condition of the rubber? Is it cracking anywhere? On/IN the treads and on the sidewall? Usually have to look closely to see. If you see cracks but everything else is good (patch job, not too old) I would ride it for a while but keep in mind to replace.
ButterBeforeSunset@reddit (OP)
Here is a picture of the sidewall. Couldn’t get a super clear shot right now but this looks like visible damage, right?
Just bought the tires about 1 year, 9 months ago. I do have hazard protection on them though so should be able to get this one replaced if needed.
Talentless_Cooking@reddit
They look worn out, or it's a really bad picture. The sidewall looks like it has rubbing from driving on the flat.
ButterBeforeSunset@reddit (OP)
Yeah I went ahead and bought a tread depth gauge and all 4 tires are reading between 4/32 & 5/32. With winter coming I might as well just replace all four if I'm going to go ahead and replace this one.
FrostyMission@reddit
I'd replace them
Talentless_Cooking@reddit
Probably a good plan
InvestigatorCapable8@reddit
If you have les schwabb in your area just go get 2 used and they will treat you right forever after
autofan06@reddit
Depends on how flat it was, what profile the tire is, and how the tire is designed on if running on it a little flat is a death sentence or not.
As long as the tire shop had the tire off for an internal patch I wouldn’t stress it as it should be immediately apparent from the inside if damage was done and they likely wouldn’t have patched it. If they just bacon striped or external plugged it then I’d listen to the dude saying to look at the sidewall and possibly get it inspected by a better shop.
ButterBeforeSunset@reddit (OP)
Here is a picture of the sidewall. I’ll check tomorrow for the patch. I initially looked for it when I got home but couldn’t find it and assumed it might just be facing the ground.
autofan06@reddit
Yeah that ain’t lookin so hot… the rest of your tires don’t have that line on them right?
ButterBeforeSunset@reddit (OP)
No they do not :/
Might take it to another shop on Monday and have them take it off and give me their opinion on it. I’d rather fork out $200 for a new tire than take a chance on it. I do a lot of highway driving and would hate to have something happen then.
autofan06@reddit
With that line there I doubt they would even bother looking at the inside as I’m fairly sure the line means it’s dead. What shop did you go to that willingly patched that?
ButterBeforeSunset@reddit (OP)
Plaza Tire Service, a tire shop chain in the Midwest. I normally go to a local shop in town but I figured Plaza could get me in and out faster. Seems like that may have been a mistake though lol.
Old_Confidence3290@reddit
If the tire shop removed the tire from the wheel, inspected it and patch/plugged it from the inside, you should be okay. If it was not removed from the wheel and inspected, you need a better tire shop.