Flat Tire Today

Drove to the bank and noticed my tire was almost flat today. I was very impressed when I got out the jack and tools. The little plastic gloves (several pair), the foam insert to keep the tools from rattling around, and plastic bag for the takeoff. Very, very nice. Jack works really well too. Spectator comments: "Wow, I didn't know those cars could GET a flat tire" and "that's too nice a car to have to do that"... Found a hex wood screw in the center of the tread (lucky break!). Drove on the mini tire directly to Skip's Wheelwerks. Those guys are awesome. Back in business in about an hour, and everything stowed with no trouble. I didn't even get my khakis dirty.

Lee, just thought you might want to know that N-Spec tires (Porsche Approved) are NOT to be repaired or plugged. In effect, it loses its speed rating and all bets are off. This isn't my opinion but rather the words of Dr.F

I can understand that...If you drive with the tire flat for any length of time you destroy the sidewall/tread corner area. I went less than a mile and there was more than 20psi left in the tire. I am sure that Dr. F's attorneys would not approve, but I'm going to make a judgment call on this one. In previous instances where this happened and I didn't catch it in time Skip's refused to remount the tire.

Lee, it is language written as part of the N-Spec explanation that under no circumstances should a N-Spec rated tire ever be repaired or plugged. Even if it had 20psi left. With that said, I am sure it is just fine to get the screw hole plugged or patched. But, one word of caution though.....I wouldn't get thus sucker involved in any high speed runs or track days--just asking for trouble. WHen it comes to the tires, I don't mess around. The only thing between me and the road at triple digit speeds.

No plan for tracking this car. Do you think there is a difference between an N-rated tire and any other Z-rated tire?

Have to agree with Dell on this. I had a flat last year and it cost me �500 = $1000! for two tyres. But heck my life depends on them. No questions asked. Just in case you wonder: Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3s. 19". Not Porsche approved or N rated but damn good tyres.

Have 2500 miles on the car. Not likely to replace any more than 1 tire.

N-Spec=Porsche Approved Z rated is just a basic 149+MPH rating. What you are looking for is the Y rated tire (186MPH) is you are going to purchase a non N-Spec tire. But then again, there are many z rated tires that are quite nice. Remember, that Y has been introduced becasue Z was just 149+ and now with the greater technology in cars and the ever increasing top speed, Y had to be introduced b/c the delta b/t Z and the P-Car top speed (and other cars) is significant enough to add an new tire speed rating.

If you only have 2.5K on the tires then you should be just fine. Replace the single tire.

i believe as long its less than 30% tire wear, its ok to replace just one

Tom is exactly right on this one. The rule is <30% wear on the opposing tire for single matching tire replacement.

I had my left rear tire go flat last Friday. I just had my rear tires replaced and I guess the tire shop over tightened the nuts. I had a bitch of a time getting them off with the "socket and stick" that came with the toolkit! I just couldn't get enough leverage -- even tried jumping on the thing. I eventually got them off but I am still sore 2 days later. I'm buying a real tire iron for next time. I do love that the toolkit included a plastic gloves and heavy duty plastic bag for the tire. One last thing... make sure you buy the road hazzard/insurance for the new tire (get the other three tires insured too if you don't already). It is worth it considering these tires cost $250 - $300. Cheers,

The rule is going to be keep the tire, unless I can do better than $253

Hey Lee... By any chance have you found the hex wood screws I droped on 217?

Weren't they intended for the cop that pulled you over for clear side markers?

New tires on my wife's car...driving on 280 in the Bay Area a few years ago and got a flat. Big hole in side wall. Fixed the flat. Brought it over to Wheel Works or some such place for replacement...they pulled a spark plug out of the wheel!

I'll take an unpopular position here...but if I had a puncture and had it repaired and it was doing OK and I wasn't going to track the car, then I'd run it. I know what Porsche says, but ya know, you got to go with the fact that there are about 3 billion tires out there that get repaired and operate flawlessly for thousands of miles after repair. Porsche legal affairs probably has a direct line into the design dept. Make the car over steer because if it goes off a curve *** end first, its the driver's fault not the manufacturers. Specify a specific rated tire that is 'somewhat' different than common manufacture. If a tire blows at speed causing an accident and its not "N" rated, then its the driver's fault for using a non-recommended tire. RMS issues--don't acknowledge them, fix only under warranty if the customer gets loud...possible law suits maybe class action. Just my opinion...but I wouldn't just waste a tire like that.

Right on Brah...The net-net for me is I will NEVER buy N-rated tires again. I would replace the tire at $110 to $150. When I replace the set it will be with something that makes replacing just one affordable. If I was going to track the car it might be different.

Was it a front or rear? Just out of curiosity...did the flat tire fit in the front compartment OK.

If the tire shop fixes it and feels good about it, why wouldn't you? They will tell you if it's safe or not, they have liability at that point.

is there anything else special about the N-spec tire that makes them better than a normal Y rated tire like Pirelli Pzero's or Michelin Pilot Sport 2's apart from porsche approval (compound difference etc). Do r Compound tires also have N assignments?

Here is a great write-up that explains it really well: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...al/porsche.jsp

thanks LVdell..much obliged.

RF, fit just fine. Kinda laid it at an angle to make I didn't bend the lid.

No problem. Cheers, Dell

dallasboats...can you explain what you mean when you say: "they have liability at that point"?

uh oh. here comes an ex post facto, or maybe a writ of mandamus

That's why they won't remount the tire and tell you to purchase a new one. CYA.

But...can you explain what you mean when you say: "they have liability at that point"?

maybe just a motion to set aside judgement

How do I remove the glue from the old wheel weights?

I have used acetone, MEK, paint thinner, lighter fluid, Meguiars cleaner polish, brake cleaner, alcohol;just about anything with petroleum or a solvent in it. Rewax the area after as the remover will remove what one doesn't want removed.

3M adhesive remover. Can pick up at Pep Boys, etc.

Once again, I was wr..wrrr...wrrr...wrong. The repaired tire got replaced yesterday. After a few weeks I was unable to convince myself that the shimmy I felt at high speeds following the tire repair was the highway surface....got a good price from tire rack. All is well again. (for now anyway)