Puncture on Tire Shoulder, What are my options?

[ck_b2001]

Guys,

I got flat tire on my 2008 Sequoia SR5, 5.7, with stock tires P275/65 R18 114T M+S Michelin. I have about 25000 miles on it. I took it to tire repair shop and they say it is "not recommended" for repair as the patch will not hold on sidewall/shoulder. Should i take a chance and repair it. Does this pose any safety risk? Or i should change one, two or all 4 tires. Called toyota and they run 215$ each. so they are pretty expensive. If i really have to change the tire, i will prefer changing one and not bust my pocket. Do not have any road hazard or like warranty. I am taking a long road trip end of this month, please advice.

Thanks,
Asif

[kanielb1]

Patch the tire if they will patch it and use it as your spare tire.. Mount your spare tire. Cheap fix!

[srock]

I have the same issue x 2. Plus my spare is a different manufacturer.

[ck_b2001]

Originally Posted by srock

I have the same issue x 2. Plus my spare is a different manufacturer.

Yeah...spare is P255/75 R18 Michelin so it is a different size. Wierd. I am wondering why toyota did that. Any way using spare as primary is not an option.

[SE2000]

A lot of places will not patch a sidewall. And for good reason. If it were mine and the cords were not cut, then a round flat patch on the inside may be ok. MAY. but more than likely you cut a cord and there is not much holding the sidewall. a long trip and you are likely to have a blow out. Not a good thing on vacation.
What I would do is get 2 new tires and put on the front that match the originals. Save the 1 good tire.
Or get a whole new set and sell the remaining 3

[ck_b2001]

Originally Posted by SE2000

A lot of places will not patch a sidewall. And for good reason. If it were mine and the cords were not cut, then a round flat patch on the inside may be ok. MAY. but more than likely you cut a cord and there is not much holding the sidewall. a long trip and you are likely to have a blow out. Not a good thing on vacation.
What I would do is get 2 new tires and put on the front that match the originals. Save the 1 good tire.
Or get a whole new set and sell the remaining 3

The damaged tire is rear right. I remember reading somewhere that if changing two tires, it should always be rear, put the worn tire on front. However i know front tires take more load so it will make more sense to put new on front and have them wear more.
Is there a place i can sell old tire?

[SE2000]

That is the wisdom that some people hod for FWD vehicles as the rear tires do nothing but hold up the back and brake. There is no power or turning to compensate. I don't agree with that all the time.
But you are rwd or 4wd with rwd most of the time. So in that case, the front get the best tires. The front weight and turning cause the front to wear out sooner so if you do not rotate front to back, then they may wear out about the same time or your saved tire could replace the one that wore out quicker.

[Theohiomike]

Replace your tire and just suck it up as bad luck. 75mph blow outs suck especially in a big suv and while on Vacation and on the side of the road at dark time with a soft shoulder, 18 wheelers going by, Bears, snakes, and a screeming wife and crying kids with a Cops lights on behind you. Oh the preasure.. Yes been there done that.

[HOGWILD]

Have you called Michelin to see if they have any kinda warranty on this tire? Worth a free phone call! 1-866-866-6605 not sure if sidewall is covered but they can tell ya!
Warranty: Michelin Tires
Tire Tech Information - Where to Install New Pairs of Tires?

Best option will probably be to just buy 2 new tires and put them on the rear and move the other rear tire to spare and sell your spare since it does not fit anyway! Manufacturers normally do not have road hazard warranty but Sam's and Costco do and they pro rate your tire by tread depth and charge you by remaining tread depth on ruined tire!

[ck_b2001]

Originally Posted by Theohiomike

Replace your tire and just suck it up as bad luck. 75mph blow outs suck especially in a big suv and while on Vacation and on the side of the road at dark time with a soft shoulder, 18 wheelers going by, Bears, snakes, and a screeming wife and crying kids with a Cops lights on behind you. Oh the preasure.. Yes been there done that.

You are talking my biggest fear. I went to a tire shop and they fixed it. However i am leery of it. I discussed it with them and they were confident that since it is on upper shoulder it is not a big deal. Howver i do not want to compromise safety for 200$. Not sure but i may end up buying atleast one or two new tires.

[SE2000]

That tirerack explanation did not take into account what type of vehicle they were testing on. And do you want to understeer going around a corner? In a rwd, if your front tires don't turn or stop you, you are most likely going to have an accident. And they stated that the other two tires were severely worn which means you should have replaced them anyways

[KinKaid]

usually i would say get 1 new tire...unless the others are badly worn then get 2. Sams Club also may have the tire you are looking for

[mike552]

I have 2 kids. I don't mess around with these things. $200 is a cheap fix unless of course you are really tight on money. But honestly, if you are just trying to save money for no other reason than to save money, then don't. Don't think about it. Just go get a new tire (or two, or 4) and enjoy your vacation while driving confidently and worry-free.

[Hoot Owl]

I had the same thing happen to a newer tire. I had it plugged event though it was not recommeded. It has held up for over a year with no problems. I think plugs hold up better with this type of flat.

[SE2000]

Plugs in the tread are ok if the cords are not damaged. I've been plugging tires for decades. I have 5 types in my stock. If you cannot afford tires, you cannot afford a vacation.