Toyota RAV4 Forums banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

Tire nail close to sidewall ... replace all four?

Jump to Latest
21 - 29 of 29 Posts
#21 ·
RSK5 said:
... almost an inch from the sidewall, it's a very slow leak for now. One gas station shop I frequent says they “cannot” fix a hole so close to the sidewall, so, with only 16k on my 2023 Rav4H Ltd, I should replace all 4 tires -- because tires with uneven tread risk damage, like to the transmission, and uneven wear for other tires. And I could face warranty issues. I expect the dealer will tell me the same (I’m shopping around, maybe for someone that repairs but does not sell tires).

I’ve read some about this, a common predicament – but (way) back in the day, with friends in shops, we just put plugs in holes and drove our happy way. With old tires, sure, but with 16k on normal, good looking tread – am I just too cynical wondering how much Americans feed tire companies for new tires when repair, or just one new tire, would work?

Not knowing enough to take the risks, I’m price shopping, leaning toward replacing the Michelin Primacy A/S that came with, with the Primacy Tour A/S (all four). I’ve consulted threads here about best tires -- interesting though all over the map with driving styles, locations, etc. (for me it's more time in town, way more highway miles, rarely snow, some dirt in NC by-ways, love comfort and wish my Rav was quieter). Advice always welcome. Thx!
Click to expand...
Plug it, being an inch form the sidewall I can't imagine it will be a problem. I remember when I worked at a gas station in the early 1970s a guy that sold tire plugs came in and punched a hole in his sidewall and plugged it, there must have been 30 other plugs in it as that is how he showed that you can plug a sidewall. I know tires have changed over the years and I would not recommend putting a plug in the sidewall itself but I would sure try plugging the tread before I bought 2 new tires.
 
#22 ·
If it is not in the sidewall, find an independent tire repair shop who is not a retailer. They will usually repair any tire that does not have a sidewall damage. You can also put an inner tube in it. Done that several times
 
#23 ·
It doesn't matter how close the nail to the side wall. What is important that there is "meat" to put the plug in so it holds. Some places remove the tire, place a patch on the other side and also put a plug. Or you can buy these special tire screws. Use rubber cement to put them in. As long as you have a thick rubber "meat" in the area it can be fixed. Don't listen to people who want to sell you a new tire.
 
#24 ·
RSK5 said:
... almost an inch from the sidewall, it's a very slow leak for now. One gas station shop I frequent says they “cannot” fix a hole so close to the sidewall, so, with only 16k on my 2023 Rav4H Ltd, I should replace all 4 tires -- because tires with uneven tread risk damage, like to the transmission, and uneven wear for other tires. And I could face warranty issues. I expect the dealer will tell me the same (I’m shopping around, maybe for someone that repairs but does not sell tires).

I’ve read some about this, a common predicament – but (way) back in the day, with friends in shops, we just put plugs in holes and drove our happy way. With old tires, sure, but with 16k on normal, good looking tread – am I just too cynical wondering how much Americans feed tire companies for new tires when repair, or just one new tire, would work?

Not knowing enough to take the risks, I’m price shopping, leaning toward replacing the Michelin Primacy A/S that came with, with the Primacy Tour A/S (all four). I’ve consulted threads here about best tires -- interesting though all over the map with driving styles, locations, etc. (for me it's more time in town, way more highway miles, rarely snow, some dirt in NC by-ways, love comfort and wish my Rav was quieter). Advice always welcome. Thx!
Click to expand...
We had a similar situation and there was about 10K miles on this set of tires. ‘19 Rav 4 hybrid.
The tires are Michelin Primacy and Costco fixed the flat without hesitation. I personally have plugged tires in the past on other vehicles, but since Costco has such a good warranty and service, I let them repair it. They will replace as necessary.
 
#26 ·
I didn't read every post so my apology if this has already been mentioned. Our RAV4H took a screw at the edge of the tread 7K miles. Discount Tire had some take offs of the same tire that came on our car with the tread depth within 1/16th of the other 3 tires on our car. $70 out the door - slightly painful but much less than two or 4 new tires.
 
#28 ·
RSK5 said:
... almost an inch from the sidewall, it's a very slow leak for now. One gas station shop I frequent says they “cannot” fix a hole so close to the sidewall, so, with only 16k on my 2023 Rav4H Ltd, I should replace all 4 tires -- because tires with uneven tread risk damage, like to the transmission, and uneven wear for other tires.

Not knowing enough to take the risks, I’m price shopping, leaning toward replacing the Michelin Primacy A/S
Click to expand...
A car tire puncture located 1 inch from the sidewall is typically not recommended for repair using a patch. The area near the sidewall is considered a "no-repair zone" because it undergoes significant flexing and stress while driving, making repairs less reliable and potentially unsafe. In this case, it's usually advised to replace the tire to ensure your safety. Buy 2 new tires of the same brand and replaced both front. Move the other good tire to the back. You have one spare. Why 2 tires, to have an equal thread on the front.
 
#29 ·
I have plugged probably hundreds of tires since working in a gas station in the 70s and have plugged anywhere there is road contact on a flat surface. The worst that can happen is a slow leak that will normally show up within a few days. I have never had to replace a plugged tire that had a typical screw/nail puncture. When I was younger and more limber I was pretty good at pulling up to a gas station air pump and orienting the tire so I could plug it without taking it off the car. I feel it's always worth trying a plug. If it does end up leaking, then replace the tire. With tire pressure monitors and and cheap 12V portable air pumps you will never get stranded.
 
21 - 29 of 29 Posts
About this Discussion
28 Replies
20 Participants
Last post:
MrRGB
Toyota RAV4 Forums
posts
1.1M
members
174K
Since
2004
Rav 4 World is the internet's largest Toyota Rav4 SUV and EV online forum community. Discuss towing, modifications, and more.
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
4.3 General 4.3 Mechanical 4.5 RAV4 Hybrid (except Prime) 4.5 RAV4 Prime 4.3 Exterior