Repairing patching tires will compromise its speed rating | FerrariChat
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Repairing patching tires will compromise its speed rating

Discussion in '360/430' started by Ky1e, Sep 17, 2011.

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  1. Ky1e

    Ky1e Formula 3

    Mar 4, 2011
    1,252
    FL
    #1 Ky1e, Sep 17, 2011
    Just wanted to share some info on what I have found...

    The tires on my car are in good shape (exc tread on front, 1/2 life left on rears). Michelin Pilot Sport ps2 (Y99). The drivers rear tire was low on air, after inspecting it I found a small screw going straight in the middle of the tread. Under most cases if this was on another car I would have just patched it and moved on. It's a $500+ tire. However I am not comfortable testing a tires structural integrity at extreme speeds knowing it has been compromised and patched. That was my gut, so even though just a small screw in the middle of a tread, I decided to order 2 new rear tires. While I am waiting for them to come in I did some online research to see if I was being overly cautious or not. Here's the summary of what I found (it may or not be true-- it's just what I found online from someone reportedly in the tire industry):

    -Any tire can be patched and repaired (including Z rated tires) however it will void it speed rating and should only be operated at normal highway speeds.

    In essence, even if you do a quality patch/plug from the inside it will hold fine and work fine, but you should NOT elect to do this if you ever plan on traveling at speeds that require V, Z and Y ratings. Although its pretty much common sense, if you do ever hit those extreme speeds it means you need to check your tires and any slight compromise means get a new tire.
     
  2. FerrariDublin

    FerrariDublin F1 Rookie

    Jun 14, 2009
    3,454
    Dublin, Ireland
    Full Name:
    Greg
    #2 FerrariDublin, Sep 17, 2011
    I'm sure that is sound "legal" / "disclaimer" type advice.

    Me? I'd happily use a pull-through plug with a 2" surround and get it back on the road.

    That said, my car never really sees the Z speeds anyway as I don't frequent any high
    speed race tracks and toying with the upper limits of speed on public roads would be inviting not only loss of licence but jail term also!
     
  3. arenared

    arenared Karting

    Dec 22, 2005
    211
    Silicon Valley
    #3 arenared, Sep 18, 2011
    I would doubt that a properly-patched tire from a "small screw" in the center of the tread would significantly compromise the structural integrity at sane street speeds. I'm not quite sure what you mean by extreme speeds.

    Here's what I would do. While I don't know the winter climate in FL, most places get colder and wetter. What that means for me is to tone it down quite a few notches during the winter. Then, you'd be driving slower and putting less loads on the tire anyway. Come spring, then put on the new set.

    It is very enlightening to get a G-meter and/or tire durometer and see how much your traction drops off with colder temperatures and/or wet tires. It is really surprising how much of a difference this can make as well as how much of a difference there is until your tires get warmed up as compared to cold.
     
  4. Ky1e

    Ky1e Formula 3

    Mar 4, 2011
    1,252
    FL
    #4 Ky1e, Sep 18, 2011
    Last edited: Sep 18, 2011
    I agree with both of you. Actually I stated what both of you have said -- if you are traveling at normal types of speeds there is no problem with patching. Personally I feel even if you occasionally go 100 mph or more there still is no problem with patching.

    I believe I mentioned in two places that I was referring to extreme high speeds and referenced V, Z and Y speed ratings. For reference: V is 149 mph, Z above 149 mph, Y is above 186 mph.

    I agree for most cars and even most cases on a 360, patching is fine. Post was intended for those who do a search in the future on tire speed ratings and patching and/or those who approach the V, Z speed ratings on their tires.
     

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