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So I just got some BFG K02's 275 70 18 less than a 1000 miles ago, today I picked up a bolt in one! ugh! What are your guys thoughts on a patch/plug? Makes me sick to think of a $250 tire brand new being useless...
If it were me I'd take it to a reputable tire shop and have it patched. Most won't plug it anymore, if you want to do that you need to buy the plug kit and do it yourself.
I'd still patch it. Tire shouldn't be ruined unless it's on the sidewall.
I grew up in the 70's hanging out at my father's gas/service station (remember those?) helping the mechanics and pumping gas at the full service pumps. Those were the days before they had lawyers on every corner and the entire world wasn't in fear of lawsuits. My dad's shop used to plug tires for customers all the time. They were cheap and they worked.
Dad taught me that most cheap plug kits came with a reamer that was burred and would cut the steel belts in the tire, making it weaker. He used Safety Seal plugging kits where the reamer is smooth sided so it separates the steel belts without cutting them. The plugs are tough and durable, not just rubber plugs that will break. I remember once back in my 20's getting three roofing nails in a 1 month old Michelin tire on my truck. I pulled into a gas station with a free air pump, plugged all three holes, filled the tire with air and drove on that tire until it was bald without another leak.
These days nobody will plug a tire for you because of 'liability' (most don't know what that means) but they will gladly charge you for dismounting the tire, patching it from the inside, remounting and rebalancing. Thankfully you can still buy Safety Seal plug kits online. I've given mine away a dozen or more times over the years to friends and associates and just buy another. You can find them easily enough using Google. Just pick up a cheap pair of diagonal wire cutters to throw in the kit for pulling out nails.
I've had several done with the patch plug combo. As long as it isn't too close to the sidewall, you are OK. Based on what I see there, it shouldn't be a problem. It generally cost me less than $25 to get it done. Much cheaper than a new tire and I never had a leak or failure.
My own tires were junk. In 18k miles I had 12 different plugs. 2 times I had a small rock puncture the tread block while driving road hunting speeds. Anywho, had new tires put on and snagged a few roofing nails. Went to discount tire and they had these nifty plug/patch in one setup. Lasted around 60k until I got new tires. Im all for plugging on the side of the road. You have 3 options, plug/patch/leave the bolt in
Patch/Plug tire?
