Merou

Yup, that'll make a tire flat...
<img src="http://www.cycokroko.com/images/misc/screw.jpg">
The stock tires (Bridgestone Potenza 225/45R17) are a special order and they're $250!!! So it makes me wonder...
- Can I only change one tire or do I need to change both rear tires? (I have a FWD)
- Can I get a set of 2 tires that are cheaper, possibly with a Z-rating instead of a Y-rating?
- Can I get winter tires for the front wheels and put the front tires in the back (I checked, they're the same size) or do I need 4 winter tires (again, I have a FWD).
- Does anyone have a suggestion while I'm buying tires, that will possibly be cheaper but also allow me not to have to wait 10 days for the tire to get in?
Thanks in advance guys... I'm pretty pi$$ed right now... Didn't expect to have to spend that much because of a stupid screw.

JustJeff

Someone must have a single tire for you. Don't mix types, get the right one.

Merou

so I don't have to change both rear tires for symmetry? (wear...)

JustJeff

Depends on how much wear you have vs. a "used" tire from a TT poster here.

JustJeff

Someone here must have a used tire for you.

Merou

how can I check if the wear is comparable? Anyone have a Bridgestone they want to get rid of?

Bluto

except I got 2 bubbles in the sidewall of a Pilot Alpin w/only 5k on it. Needless to say, I put on a new $150 alpin today.

If you need a blowtenza I have 3 w/15k on them. Email me at rkoeppl@hotmail.com.

I would sell 2 to you for $100.

R AVOIR

I've done this in the past, but not on a performance vehicle and had no problems for 20K when I replaced the entire set.

voughtt

Most tire places won't even put a tube in a radial anymore. Too great a liability when the thing squeezes out at 80 m.p.h. I won't even mention the hell on earth they are to balance. (on the authority of my upstairs neighbor, who used to manage a Winston tire shop here in CA.)

Sears used a patch and tire boot (thick rubber square) on my tires (195/60-14 on my Infiniti). Check with them about performance tire repair...but I wouldn't be optimistic.

Bahookie

It's uncanny, I could have taken that picture about 3 weeks ago. Admittedly on the old daily-driver BMW, not the TT, but still not your Dad's Olds....Phillips screw in the left rear, right at the intersection of tread and sidewall. Like you, I was looking at 2 new tires. Took it to my local tire shop, first guy said "No hope, can't be plugged, can't be patched, it's a throwaway". Second guy said "If it was my car and my tire, I'd plug it and see if it holds air for a few miles - if it does, it's probably OK". So he plugged it, after emphasizing that he would absolutely not guarantee it.

So far so good, it's still holding 40 psi.

Just another option until you opt to replace all 4....