Screw in tire - repair or replace?

Looks pretty fresh as it's still sticking out about a 1/4" or less. Driver side rear. Currently running 265/70R16 Wildpeak A/T3W's with 40k miles. The spare is the same size but OEM so likely 7 years old.

Was planning on a road trip and vacation this weekend. Is a plug not a good idea with how close to the edge the screw is? Ultimately looking for the cheapest long-term option that won't leave me stranded for the 1k miles I'm driving this weekend.

If I do need to buy new tires, I assume I need to replace two at a time? Will there be any issues if one axle's tires are 40k mi more worn than the other axles? I suppose if I buy 2, might as well buy a 3rd to be my new full size spare? Thanks for the help y'all.

 

Where it is and the type of screw it looks like I'm betting it's only in the tread block and hasn't reached the carcass or belts.

Either way you should take it out now.

If it does leak unfortunately it's outside the "repairable" zone per pretty much all tire shops though I have plugged ones near the shoulder and never had issues.

YMMV.

 

^This.

If you do end up needing to replace the tire I'd consider getting a full set. They may only have 40k and decent tread depth but there's a decent amount of cracking I can see so I'm guessing they're getting a bit long in the tooth and are near the recommended ~5-7yr replacement interval.

 

Take it out. If it leaks, plug it. If it doesn't, let it be.
I pulled a nail out of one of my tires a couple of weeks ago. It was a small nail and was between the tread blocks so I didn't want to hog out the hole for a plug. I found a short drywall screw, wrapped it liberally in Teflon tape and screwed it into the hole and snugged it down. It's been holding air fine.
You won't get away with that here because it's on a tread block but a plug, if needed, would be fine in my opinion.

 

Take it out and see if it's leaking. The tire per T.I.A. standards requires replacement if it is leaking, however if it was mine I'd ram a plug in and rock it. If it is leaking, 99% of shops won't repair it.

 

Get a good tire plug kit and learn how to use it. I just went though this earlier this year and learned how to plug a tire. Still running strong.

 

If you’re going to buy 3 you might as well buy 4 and use the best used tire as your spare (which hopefully you’ll never have to use.)I would not mix new tires with old tires that have 40,000 miles on them. You’ll have better handling on road if all 4 match and off road you’ll have better handling and traction, especially in 4wd if all 4 are the same. I think (not positive) braking is better if all 4 match. I also read that Toyota recommends all 4 replacement on 4wd where there is a large tread difference. (I’m talking 4wd. I know awd is a totally different discussion, you definitely replace all 4 on awd). So bite the bullet and get all 4.
That screw is so close to the sidewall I doubt a tire shop would plug it but you should take it to one or two and find out. If they say ok to plug I wouldn’t hesitate to plug it.

 

Pull the screw to see how long it is. If it's all the way through and leaks air, new tire time since it's too close to the sidewall and not safely repairable.

Cheers.

 

If it were me, I'd remove the screw and then use a plug kit (yes, it will be leaking). Fill back up with air and you're on your way in five minutes. I've been down this road 100 times, and the repair has always worked.

 

I agree. If you plug it and want to be “safer”. Keep it on the rear. The few times I’ve spit plugs was when they were on the front.

And again, like stated above. It is out side the “safe to patch” zone. So do so at your own risk.

 

Patch kit is cheap and easy fix. Happened to my old truck years ago. If you don't have enough money for all new tires then use patch instead for now... then you get new tires later whenever you are ready. I had no issues with them.... I mean no leaking from patch for about a year or two before getting new tires.

 

Plug and play

 

Very small/slow leak as indicated by soapy water. Thinking I might go with a plug. Just bought this Slime plug kit from Walmart.

 

Having 40,000 miles on the tires makes a difference to me. I'd say the chances of it leaking when the screw comes out are less than 50/50. It will probably not leak. If it were MY tire, with 40,000 miles on it I'd plug it myself if it does leak. But I'd probably go ahead and replace all 4 tires soon. After your weekend trip.

If it were a like new tire I might plug it as a temporary fix for a few days, but would replace that one tire.

 

Plugged! No leaks. Only time will tell if this works. Might do 50 highway miles on it before the weekend to make sure it's (somewhat) good. Thanks to all for the advice.

 

Make sure it's leaking

 

Just try to plug it. If the plug doesn't work you need a tire anyway.

After the plug goes in with the rubber cement, light it on fire so the glue will dry and set. Don't worry the whole tire won't go up in flames, the glue will sizzle for about 10-15 seconds and then the flame will go out

We repair a ton of tires at my shop and rarely use patches. If set properly the plug will last the life of the tire

 

I have that same kit.
It doesn’t ream the hole for $hit.

Good luck trying to get the hole big enough to press the plug through with that reamer.
I resorted to a drill bit

 

Had the same issue recently. The much dreaded and hated TPMS turned on the light and warned me of it on start up. It was a fresh looking screw that was leaking enough to set it off. Have them repair it with the plug and goo. If it still leaks, have them remove the tire and place a patch on the inside. It's worth it: I have lame "Acme" brand tires on mine: Ya: a new tire is $275 minimum + yada yada yada: NASA balancing, hazardous waste fee, "convenience fee", "old looking clueless guy fee" minimum on mine: Cranks it up to at least three-bills. If the shop refused to repair it I'd get the kit at Autozone and do it myself: right in the tire shops' parking lot that tried to scam me. YMMV, but it looks like you have another 40,000 miles left on those tires. If they are Michelin, make that 50,000.

 

Well there are reasons we don’t repair in that area and no shop that follows regulations is going to fix it so keep that in mind. A blowout on the freeway could cost you a hell of a lot more then tires. I know it’s not what you want to do but I say don’t risk it and just get yourself some new tires. Either way stay safe bud.