Tire makers and vendors alike agree that damage to the sidewall nixes a
tire for repair and further use.  They're the experts.  No road hazard
warranty?  I buy tires from Discount Tire and I pay the extra for that
coverage.  I realize that the likelihood of actually ever making a claim
is slim, but ...... I pay anyway.  My brother bought a tire from them in
Georgia, got a replacement in Texas, got a replacement for that tire in
Illinois, and finally another back in Texas -- all because of puncture
damage.  The personnel asked no questions, just replaced the tires.  My
only connection with Discount Tire is that of a satisfied customer.

I wouldn't try to use that tire.

David McNeely

On Thu, Oct 29, 2009 at 3:15 PM, John Rodgers wrote:

> Just a short time ago, I bought a set of General Altimax Heavy Load
> 205/70/R14 M.S tires for my 88 GL. Yesterday I picked up a 1/8 inch
> dia.
> nail through the tire just at the very edge of the tread of the tire -
> to the outside of that part that sits on the road. Around here - no
> one
> wants to touch it for a repair.
>
> What is the opinion of The List tire gurus about repairing such damage
> as a nail puncture at that location. I hate to give up this brand new
> tire. I pulled the tire - but not the nail. The tire never has gone
> flat, even as I write now - it's maybe lost a pound of pressure. I
> drove
> for 25 miles on that tire before finding the nail quite by accident.
>
> Thanks.
>
> --
> John Rodgers
> Clayartist and Moldmaker
> 88'GL VW Bus Driver
> Chelsea, AL
> Http://www.moldhaus.com