[Osbornsm]

Hey all,


I had a track day at road america, which was awesome. Until i started the car for the 2nd session and *DING 15 psi low on one tire.
So my track day was ruined... still got a PR in the 1st session!



Question

Can you track a tire that has been plugged/patched at center tread?




Thanks kindly,
~ The mgmt

[Slurpee]

I had a nail dead center in a slick first session during a 3 day weekend. Plugged it and ran the plug for the whole weekend. Held air until the last session of the day. Junked the tires after that event.

[VaporPressure]

I've run a few sessions on a plugged Pirelli. Didn't have any issues but didn't keep it after the weekend.

[kropscamaro16]

never had any issues lol just as long as its not on the sidewall

[RoaringV8]

Personally, I wouldn't trust running with a plugged tire. I've been running a tire that's been hot patched for a couple years and probably 6 or so track days. Never had an issue and tire has always held air very well. My two cents.

[nikerret]

This is a plug:



This is a patch:



This is a “patch ‘n plug” or a “plug patch”.




Plugs are for temporary situations where you just need to get to the next service department.

Patches are fine, but rely heavily on proper prep and application. This is okay, but not preferred and I have seen them fail.


The plug patch is the way to go. If it’s properly applied, that part of the tire is actually tougher than the areas around it. I worked over a decade in rural law enforcement. We ran a lot of gravel and a lot of interstates and everything in between. I’ve run tires with up to three of these at sustained speeds over 130 MPH and off-road. I’ve never seen or heard of one failing.

To properly apply, the foreign object is removed, then the hole is drilled out creating a clean break in the cords. The inside of the tire is burnished around the hole and scraped clean. Rubber cement is applied and lit of fire. When the fire goes out, the plug patch covers are removed and it’s pulled through. The adhesive on the plug patch connects with the hot, melted rubber cement on the scraped tire inner. It’s then rolled flat and the dome cover is removed. Sealant is then applied over the plug patch. Final step is to pull the plug side as far as you can on the tread side and cut as low as possible. The plug patch will then wear with the tread.

[5.M0NSTER]

Yessir. Send it!

[Spaceme1117]

Probably not a good idea to track a car on a tire that had been patched or plugged.

But likely won't cause a problem.

[sr71bb]

According to DISCOUNT TIRE, YES.

Originally Posted by Osbornsm

Hey all,


I had a track day at road america, which was awesome. Until i started the car for the 2nd session and *DING 15 psi low on one tire.
So my track day was ruined... still got a PR in the 1st session!



Question

Can you track a tire that has been plugged/patched at center tread?




Thanks kindly,
~ The mgmt

[SSEssence]

Properly applied patch, no issue on track.

[TransamGTA350]

Had this same scenario happen to me this past Saturday at Thompson Motorsports Park in Connecticut. 3rd lap of my 1st session, 0psi in the right rear tire. Made it in to pit and parked in the paddock without the tire coming off of the bead. Must have ran over some debris on the track, but it wasn't in the tire, just a hole. Pulled the wheel/tire off, one of the event staff brought it to a local tire shop where they dismounted the tire and did a patch/plug. Put it back on, adjusted air pressure and was back track for my next session. Ran 5 sessions with the patched tire, no issue and going to Palmer in MA on Monday for another track day with the same tires.

You should have no issue with a properly done patch/plug.

[Osbornsm]

General concensus: Do not send.

I've asked around and places and people say they do free repairs, but no guarantees in sight.

Bought a used tire from eBay and replacing the plugged one. 🛞

Thank you for the input,
- Sean