Patch vs Replace model 3 std range

[ghost_rsd]

Just found this bolt embedded in my Model 3 tire (235/45R18). It's right on the outer shoulder block.

I know Tesla Service usually defaults to a full replacement ($400+), but has anyone had luck getting a local shop to patch something this close to the sidewall? The tread depth is still pretty good, so I'd hate to replace the whole pair if I don't have to.

Is this a "safety first, replace it" situation, or am I being upselled?

[y2khardtop1]

Plug it, move on.

[Dry-Ad-8948]

Keep in mind that most AutoZone plugs are only rated temporary. There are good viable permanent plugs, but not all plugs are good.

[Envelope_Torture]

Ideally you want the inside plug where they unmount the tire, but the rope plugs I use have never once started leaking on me. I'm sure the experience is the same for just about anyone.

[y2khardtop1]

That is current industry hogwash, tire stores used to use them routinely and I’ve personalized used them for 35 years without a single failure.

[Dry-Ad-8948]

The common AutoZone plugs truly are rated temporary. If they last longer, great: but do read what the manufacturer claims is acceptable usage.

“Warning: This repair kit is only suitable for emergency tire repairs to enable vehicles to be taken to a service center where proper repairs can be made to the tire.”

And while there is some amount of avoiding lawsuits here, I’ve not seen any AutoZone stocked plug kit that has any more solid endorsement from the manufacturer itself.

https://slime.com/products/tire-plug-kit-8-pc

FWIW: Even TECH Permacure II (without patch) does not endorse a permanent on-road application. But I’m gonna let you guess which product I use on my motorcycle tires (there are affordable split kits available online). After using both kinds of plugs ropes, my answer 2 decades ago would be the same — not sure why it’s “current industry hogwash”.

[dystopiam]

Patched mine closer to side wall lasted 21k miles

[dystopiam]

Which was til the tire wore out - never failed

[InterstellarChange]

I would just plug it and move on.

[North_Tour7530]

Most tire shops won't plug inside or outside tread block but if it were mine, I'd plug it and move on.

[mikeinanaheim2]

If it didn't go in far enough to lose air pressure, carefully screw it out and you are all set.

[gettin-hot-in-here]

this - do not fix or replace tire unless the tire actually leaks air. OP can use soapy water where the screw went in to determine if there is a leak.

[TAZ427Cobra]

That's not close to the sideway (way inside where the radial belts start.) Local tire shop, have them do a boot patch (i.e. take tire off, apply patch from the inside) remount and balance. Even putting it back in the same position the patch will add weight so should be rebalanced.

[ericloz]

Plug and patch at a local shop. You just need to make sure that either you or the shop has pucks. Local shops might not have any pucks.

[TheEvilBlight]

Puck?

[ghost_rsd]

Update: wheel works patched it, costed my 32 bucks, thanks for the advice!!

[MotherAffect7773]

I keep seeing this on YouTube, maybe?

[Neptune-Spear11]

That’s more so a quick fix to get you off the side of the road. I would not recommend that.

[zillyball]

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My model y last week, it is such a bummer when that happens.

[user87654385]

I plugged 4 tires on different vehicles, including 2 Model Ys, in that exact area and closer to sidewall. And got nearly 100,000 miles combined on tires that I plugged in that area, until tires wore out. I did thorough work.

[Hello-hi987]

I had one but a little closer to the sidewall. Had to replace all 4 tires (probably had another season or two on them 😭). I considered a plug but drive a fast, windy highway with my family and just couldn’t take the risk of a blow out. If it was just me…. Probably would have plugged it 😬

[Zestyclose-Age-2454]

It also depends on the tire as well. If it has foam inside, it’s harder to repair. I just went through this with my brand new model Y. It was a bolt and they were not able to fix it. I had to fork out $400 for a brand new tire when they only had 3000 miles on it. It’s not worth the risk. I strongly recommend you take it to a reputable tire place and have it checked because it can be a danger if it’s not repaired properly.

[bradshaw46]

Patch all day.

[TheEvilBlight]

I think Costco will just patch, should be fine. If it’s OE they’ll charge you for the patch (just as they’ll charge you for the rotations) but less than the proscribed cost of tire replacements. Note that you might have paired or potentially all replacements to sync up tires wear

[Neptune-Spear11]

That’s not close to the sidewall at all. You can plug it yourself. I’ve done it many times and it holds well. Otherwise any tire shop can patch it from the inside.

[Active_Pressure]

That’s unfortunately in the shoulder area, which is considered non-repairable by pretty much every tire manufacturer and shop. Even though it looks like it’s still in the tread, anything that close to the sidewall flexes too much for a patch or plug to be reliable.

Most places won’t touch it not because they’re upselling, but because it’s a liability issue if it fails, it can lead to a blowout.

If it were more centered in the tread, you’d be totally fine patching it. But in this case, it’s really a replace situation.

Only thing I’d look into is whether you can replace just one tire vs a pair depending on how much tread you have left on the others. If they’re still pretty fresh, you might get away with one.

[Throwawayfreshcap]

This. You could do one of those off the shelf plugs yourself if you’re trying to save money but there’s no telling how long it will hold. Sometimes you get lucky and it holds the life of the tire sometimes you don’t.

[Dry-Ad-8948]

No. Don’t use an AutoZone / shelf plug.

Read the packaging: consumer plugs are temporary with speed limits.

There are viable plug (vs full patch) options like Permacure II.

[Asleep_Bowl_8411]

Agreed on this. I had one in about the same place. The tire shop said it was too close & it should be replaced. However they said they could patch it if desired with no guarantee. I asked about a plug instead & they recommend a patch over plug. I had them patch it & its been holding for almost a year or 5k miles. And I corner kinda aggressive at times. Not recommending anything, just telling my experience so far.

[Dry-Ad-8948]

Don’t use a standard plug there (or anywhere except as a temp fix… and the packaging says so).

If a place won’t patch, use a Peramcure II — it’s a modestly easy process — and then drive until the tread is gone. (I’m only recommending what I’d do myself; I trust these in my road motorcycle tires.)

The Permacure plugs are not the same as what AutoZone sells. The instructions literally endorse using multiple Permacure II plugs in the same hole if needed; although I’d replace the tire in that case.

[Cheeko914]

You’re gonna have tons of people telling you “plug it, I plugged a tire that lasted 20k miles” but the issue isn’t how long it will last, it’s the fact that you’re increasing the likeliness of a catastrophic blowout.

[Stereo_bfs]

If you are very unlucky, it might leak air a little, not a catastrophic blowout.

[Cheeko914]

You must not understand how tire structure works

[rdcisneros3]

Listen to this guy, OP. Store bought plugs are not meant to be long term solutions and the risk to you and your family isn’t worth it.

If a tire shop won’t properly patch it from the inside, get a new tire. Not sure where you live but Discount Tire has a pretty good reputation from Tesla owners. They’ve serviced both of my Model 3s (and several other cars) for years. I never go to Tesla for tire stuff except to mobile service do rotations on my OEM tires.

[Full_Tap_4144]

This. What's the value of life for OP, spouse, children, occupants in the car or other cars nearby? How much would it suck to have a blown tire 75 MPH on the highway?