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PushedAround · 05-12-2025, 01:52 PM

Maybe I am over-thinking this. One of my tag tires has a screw right through the tread part of the tire. It leaks about 5 lbs a week. I am debating whether or not to plug it, have it patched or live with it until I get new tires next year. I prefer to get it patched but it is 6 years old and maybe it's not a good idea to unmount it at this point. If a plug will hold maybe that's the better option?

Tony Ramirez · 05-12-2025, 01:59 PM

You could always try a can of Fix a Flat, hoping for it to get you till next year.

Dutch Star Don · 05-12-2025, 02:17 PM

You're not going to have issue with removing it and patching it. It won't fall apart because it's dismounted.

Some places will patch and plug the same hole.

Plugging it would probably be okay for the year you expect it to last, but plugging the big RV/Truck tires would be my second choice.

Unless it's an emergency, I would never add fix a flat tire sealer. It can gum up the valve stem and when you do get ready to change the tire, they'll have a mess to clean.

Tony Ramirez · 05-12-2025, 02:29 PM

"Unless it's an emergency, I would never add fix a flat tire sealer."

I wouldn't either, especially on my RV, but it sounded like the OP was looking for a way to get out of doing it right.

wolfe10 · 05-12-2025, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

You're not going to have issue with removing it and patching it. It won't fall apart because it's dismounted.

Some places will patch and plug the same hole.

Plugging it would probably be okay for the year you expect it to last, but plugging the big RV/Truck tires would be my second choice.

Unless it's an emergency, I would never add fix a flat tire sealer. It can gum up the valve stem and when you do get ready to change the tire, they'll have a mess to clean.

Good answer.

PushedAround · 05-12-2025, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony Ramirez

"Unless it's an emergency, I would never add fix a flat tire sealer."

I wouldn't either, especially on my RV, but it sounded like the OP was looking for a way to get out of doing it right.

Thanks Tony, but I was not looking for a way to "not do it right". Just wondering what the right was given that it is not a severe issue and that potential damage can result from removing the tire vs plugging it vs leaving it be for 8~9 more months.

hastemaker · 05-12-2025, 03:03 PM

If it only leaks 5 pound's a week I would leave it alone, the screw is acting like a plug.

Tony Ramirez · 05-12-2025, 03:20 PM

You can plug it while still mounted, which is the minimum I would do.

To patch it, it will have to be unmounted & remounted, and since you only have a year left on them, I can see your hesitancy.

The Fix a Flat suggestion was made kind of jokingly, if you didn't want to do anything. Didn't mean to offend anyone.

Arch Hoagland · 05-12-2025, 04:10 PM

The saying "there's never enough money to do it right the first time, but always enough to do it over" highlights the common experience of facing unexpected costs or needing to rework projects due to initial budget constraints or poor planning.

This can lead to higher overall expenses and delays, emphasizes the importance of thorough planning and budgeting to avoid costly rework.

I'd go buy a new tire.

MRUSA14 · 05-12-2025, 04:19 PM

I had the same screw-in-the-tread problem 2 years ago. I had it plugged and it has gone thousands of miles with no issues and no leakage. Plug it.

bentjm · 05-12-2025, 04:41 PM

Tireman9 would tell you to plug it and patch it - especially if it is going to be a long term fix.

Jzack · 05-12-2025, 05:37 PM

It's not worth the hassle and expense to dismount and patch a 6-year-old tire IMO. Just plug it and be on your way. I've never had a plug give me a problem in 30 years of driving big rigs. IF the plug does give you issues, then patch or replace.

1stimerveer · 05-12-2025, 08:16 PM

Last summer we had a tire lose pressure on our way down to Maryland with our TT..
Stopped at a tire place to have it looked at they removed a drywall screw and $15 later we had a plugged tire that we could stop worrying about that is still holding pressure.

I would only consider that green goop in an extreme situation where there was no alternative.

Safe travels and all the best.

SafariBen · 05-12-2025, 09:28 PM

I've had plugs that wouldn't hold, but it never started later. If they held to start, they held for the life of the tire. That's what I'd try for this. If a plug doesn't hold, you can always get it patched, but not worth the hassle for this, in my opinion.