Flat Tire Repair... | FerrariChat

Flat Tire Repair...

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by Cali from CT, Sep 14, 2021.

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  1. Cali from CT

    Cali from CT Rookie

    Jun 27, 2018
    18
    Naples, FL
    Hi, Folks-
    I have a slow leak in my 488 rear tire. Given past experience at both Ferrari and non-Ferrari dealers, they will not plug a flat. Maybe it's a liability issue or simply a revenue opportunity to sell a new tire. Don't know. But, I have no sidewall damage and I suspect I simply picked up a nail. The tire has less than 2,000 miles so I prefer not to spring for a new tire. The car isn't tracked and is not driven aggressively.
    Grateful for any suggestions. I live in the Naples, FL.
     
  2. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 6, 2002
    79,379
    Houston, Texas
    Full Name:
    Bubba
    Well, I can give you a bigger view....

    On my Ducati collection, they advise: "Sir this bike will go 200MPH, we don't PLUG your tires"...

    It is also FACT, that a plug repair immediately VOIDS you tire Speed Rating....done...finished.

    So, (and I'm sponsored by Goodyear) while on the one hand you could balance the price of a new tire against the Net Worth of the 488, and put one on, I personally carry the "Emergency Patch Repair" tools you can get at any Parts Store.

    The drilling and insertion of the "gummy plug" to me, is certainly acceptable as "roadside repair" (I have an air tank too!), but from then on, the above comments should be filed in the dinosaur part of your brain, when driving!

    Recently, I also had problems with an "older patch" as the tread wore down, and had to repeat my "roadside fix".....
    At a Goodyear Store, the approach if possible would be different, if not "too close to the shoulder" they would dismount the tire, drill from inside out and pull a larger Mushroom Patch onto the hole, rolling the head down to the tire interior with a tool, looks like a Pizza cutter...BUT your Speed Rating has still been voided.

    That's why a Ferrari Dealer has advised you as they do....
    They are worried, you have a Low Threshold of Death....

    HTH
     
    Nembo1777 likes this.
  3. Viperjoe

    Viperjoe F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    At such low mileage, conservative driving style and given that the leak may be due to a small nail, I'd evaluate having it patched from the inside (I'm not a fan of enlarging the hole so that a plug can be inserted from the outside). I've successfully done this on my DD's. Thankfully none of my F cars have ever had a flat; I might feel differently if that were the case. First step, determine what's causing the leak, location and extent of damage. If it's more than just a small nail hole, I'd go with the advice offered by @BigTex
     
  4. Extreme1

    Extreme1 Formula 3

    Jun 27, 2017
    1,422
    Santa Clarita, CA
    Don’t do a plug. Plugs are for quick repairs, not for tire repairs on Ferraris or any other fast car. Have the tire removed from the rim and patched from the inside. It will last forever. If the nail hole is close to the sidewall, it can’t be patched.


    Sent from my iPad using FerrariChat.com mobile app
     
  5. EastMemphis

    EastMemphis Formula 3
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    May 25, 2019
    1,853
    Memphis, TN
    Full Name:
    John
    A slow leak without an obvious source can also indicate a cracked wheel. Far worse than a problem with the tire.
     
  6. Redneck Slim

    Redneck Slim Formula 3
    Rossa Subscribed Silver Subscribed

    Mar 10, 2011
    1,651
    Palo Alto,CA,USA
    Full Name:
    Walt Kimball
    Terminology is an issue here. A plug that is inserted from the inside to plug a hole in the tread is safe if a quality tire shop says so. Such plugs have a mushroom shape and can't blow through. They come z-rated and I have used them since the 1990s.
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    Extreme1 likes this.
  7. Supernaut

    Supernaut Karting

    Dec 3, 2019
    152
    Annapolis MD
    Full Name:
    John Panek
    Have you checked for a leaking valve stem core? Spray some soap solution on it with the cap removed. Could also be leaking between the stem and wheel. Hope its as simple as that!
     
  8. dRoger45

    dRoger45 Rookie

    Aug 17, 2017
    48
    Definitely have it fully checked first from the inside before you decide. It's a fast car.
     
    Supernaut likes this.
  9. TheMayor

    TheMayor Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Feb 11, 2008
    106,101
    Vegas baby
    So in the last 3 months I have replaced 2 Michelin run flat tires on my C8 vette costing me $1300. If the puncture is not in the centermost area, the manufacturers say it be repaired. You are correct its probably litigation but it is what it is. Anyone who does the repair would be liable so few will touch them. You could attempt to do it yourself.

    If its in the centermost tread area, it might be reparable. But in California even that is forbidden by law so YMMV

    Most likely you are out of luck but the way to check is go to an authorized tire dealer of that brand and have them check it.
     
  10. Redneck Slim

    Redneck Slim Formula 3
    Rossa Subscribed Silver Subscribed

    Mar 10, 2011
    1,651
    Palo Alto,CA,USA
    Full Name:
    Walt Kimball
    The best performance-oriented tire shop in the San Francisco area has been plugging holes for me since the 1990s. I had it done 2 weeks ago because of a screw in the tread.
     

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