Slow Puncture

RichyRich

So last time we took the car in for a service we were advised we had a nail in one of the tyres. They didn't remove it for fear of deflating the tyre and advised it would probably be fine but to keep an eye on it. Well it was fine for a bit but now we've got a slow puncture. The tyre needs replacing.

We have 13,000 miles on the car (still with its original set of tyres). Advice requested: should we replace both rear tyres, or will it be ok just to replace the one? I appreciate there will be wear on the tyre, but how far through its life should it be? If less than 50%, is it worth just replacing one or would we be much better of doing both rear tyres?

Appreciate your input on this, as I have not been in this position before and am concious for both safety and expense!

Cheers
Rich

molerat

Why does the tyre need replacing, is the puncture not repairable. Leaving the nail in the tyre was a silly move and am surprised the garage suggested it as it has probably led to further tyre damage and risk of a sudden deflation at speed.

forgotmyname

Replace the one as long as there is enough tread on the other not to need doing soon.

You should have got tehtyre fixed right away. You could have had a blowout at speed.

Silly..

RichyRich

OK, thank you for the responses. We took the dealership's word regarding the nail in the tyre being OK. In hindsight we probably should have researched it, but took it on trust. Lessons well and truly learned. Thanks.

anotherbaldrick

Had a nail in my tyre a few weeks ago, the puncture icon came up on the dash. Stopped at Merit's our local tyre shop , they did it straight away while I had a coffee and that was it sorted.

gilbert_and_sullivan

Might still be worth repairing even now, won't know till the tyre is removed and examined properly, preferably by somone who specialises in repairs.

The bod who told you to leave it needs a good kick up the rear, that nail might be 1/2" long and might well stay in place for the life of the tyre..alternatively it might be 3" long and in at an angle, every revolution as the tyre flexes it might be slicing an arc through the inner sidewall beside the bead...i know because i saw things like this when i started my working life in an industrial tyre workshop.

RichyRich

Yes, needless to say am not very impressed with GO Chevrolet in Chislehurst and shall not be returning. Will heed the advice and call some local garages. Really appreciate the advice. Thank you.

gardner1

I take it your car hasn't got a full size spare

as long as the nail is in tread area and about 3/4 of an inch away from edge it should be repairable

RichyRich

Sadly not. The trend at Chevy is to have one of those ridiculous gunge kits.

daveyjp

For a garage to advise to leave a tyre with a fault on the car is foolish in the extreme. The tyre could have gone pop at anytime and with a can of goo you could have waited a long time for a pick up.

Get it to a tyre fitter, they will inspect and repair if the nail isn't close to the shoulder. No more than £20 for a repair. You can then run the tyre until it needs replacing.

At 13,000 on a front wheel drive car the rear should be hardly touched so if you need a new one just replace the one with the puncture.

RichyRich

Thanks everyone. Not only shall I not return to GO Chevrolet Chislehurst, but shall double check any advice we receive from any car place in future. Should have known better.