Running a plugged or patched tire for track use?

[Boost_lee]

Hey track folks, I'd like to hear some of your thoughts on this. I have a track day next Saturday, and I justremembered that one of my rear tires is running a plug style tire repair.


^ not my tire, but its that style of repair




I do not want to take a chance running just a plug, so I was thinking about getting a proper plug/patch repair, as shown below






^with the patch on the inside and the plug to prevent debris from entering the puncture hole and wearing down the patch




How do you guys feel about running a patch/plug repaired tire? Have any of you run repaired tires on the track? If it is properly done, will it hold up to track abuse? The track is a 1.8mi course, not sure what the top speed is, but the longest straight is 962ft. This is just a mini school event so I think we only get 2 runs of 25 minutes each. If it is too dangerous, I might have to buy an unexpected pair of rear tires before the event

Any constructive comments are welcome, I don't want the typical "if you have to ask, you already know the answer" type stuff.

[ResIpsa]

I just finished a track weekend at Summit Point running on three patched (not plugged) tires. Summit Point is a 2 mile circuit with an 880 m main straight. I reached top speeds right around 120 mph.

I must admit that I was a little bit worried, but I experienced no issues.

I suspect that most people would never recommend tracking a patched tire.

However, if you decide to run on the patched tire try and not think about it. If you have ever run on a track before you know that distractions can lead to disaster.

And don’t tell your instructor…

[cossie1600]

i have done it and i am not proud of it, but it was hard to throw away a brand new 300 dollars tire

it was on a plug near the sidewall too....

if you do, get it patched if you can. i mean usually if you have problems, they will leak and not blowout anyway

just be careful

[wh1te370z]

Yea i wouldnt really sweat it. Youll prob be fine

[Boost_lee]

Thanks, I'll take the tire to get a professional plug patch done this Saturday. I just can't remember if this tire has 1 or 2 plugs in it.

If there are 2 I might look into a replacement used tire (stock 275/35/19 RE050A)

[ResIpsa]

You are not going to have a hard time finding used RE 050A tires. They are all over the place.

A quick glance on Ebay shows one selling for $120. Not bad!

However, they are probably patched...

[spearfish25]

You'll be fine with plugs. I ran Road America up to 135mph on the straights with 4 plugs in my rear tires. If you're using the vulcanizing plugs, you'll be A-OK. Worst that could happen is the plug dislodges and you lose air pressure. But that won't happen if you plugged them correctly with vulcanizing plugs.

[Boost_lee]

Thanks, I've been reading up on the vulcanized patch/plugs and I think I'm going that route.

Does anyone know if Discount Tire does vulcanized patch plug repairs?

[sig11]

Interesting. I didn't think folks plugged tires at all anymore. I thought if it was bad enough to need more than a patch they would refuse to repair. 'em.

[spearfish25]

Blackjack tire plug kits. It'll be your best friend when you need it. I can plug my tires and be rolling again in under 10 minutes. The only reason service centers won't plug a puncture in the tread area is so they can sell you a new tire. Obviously these kits don't work for slices or sidewall damage.

BlackJack Tire Repair | The Leading Manufacturer and Worldwide Distributor of Tire Repair Products

[cossie1600]

I carry a plug kit in my car for emgerency

[Boost_lee]

Thanks all, I got my tire plug removed today and used a patch-plug to replace it.

Hope it holds up next weekend