I had heard a clicking sound when coming home from visiting several area cemeteries yesterday but just figured it was a rock in between the treads of one of the tire. (it was a beautiful, top-down day here in southern Indiana yesterday)
So after the oil & filter, I took off the wheel, cleaned it up real good, and put it in the back of our Chevy service van (computer service). I didn't know who would be open today but I really hoped to find someone who would know if the tire could be fixed or had to be replaced. Pep Boys was open so I stopped in there. Fortunatly, there was a very helpful, knowledgable person who removed the screw, checked the hole, repaired it, and rebalanced the tire. He said this reduced the Z speed rating since the tire had been repaired. He said he could use the sticky-back weights since the wheel was so clean. This allowed him to pull the weight on the outside of the wheel. (this looks much better as far as I am concerned) Anyway, the repair and balance took about 15 minutes and they didn't charge me a thing.
I guess if I ever intend to do any fast driving I should get a new tire. I'm going to watch this one to see if it holds air properly. I only have 3200 miles on the car.
[ 27 May 2002: Message edited by: NATESS ]
Sorry to hear about the screw in the tire. The newer type plugs today bond to the tire so thoroughly that you'll likely wear the tire out before the repair fails. I wouldn't worry about it for regular driving or the occassional quick triple digit blast. If you plan on doing any sustained high-speed driving, I'd be more inclined to replace the tire.
Good luck,
Andy
A 'plug' is just inserted into the offending hole with glue.
A 'patch/plug' is a plug inserted into the offending hole with glue, but it is attached to a patch (usually the size of a silver dollar) that contacts the inside of the tire, as well.
First one's OK, your 'Z' rating is gone though.
Second one is best. 'Z' rating gone, but more piece of mind.
I had one tire that took all the nails and screws over the life of the original set of tires on the car. 4 in all.