944 punctured tire this morning and some related questions.

"Mathias Rios" (Mars478)
09/08/2014 at 15:49 • Filed to: None

So my 944 popped a tire today. It wasn't a "blowout" just a gradual de-inflation of the tire. I should've known for the fact that the car was making a ticking noise that was tire rotation sensitive but for some reason early-morning Mathias didn't think anything of it. Turned out to be a very large nail or screw in my tire that spelled it's death (visible in the picture below by the top).

I missed two of my classes at school because of it and I paid a shop like 13 bucks (I limped it there because I wasn't about to stop on the very tight two lane highway I was on in NYC to change it with no power tools) to swap the wheel out. Lesson learned always carry my impact wrench with me regardless of what car I'm in (I always have it in my ML).

So I have a few questions now, since I bought this set of wheels off craigslist with these nearly new tires, is it OK for me to just order one to replace the punctured one? Of course, same brand/model of tire. I really don't want to have to order 2 new or 4 new ones just because I punctured this one. I have another set of the same wheels but this set is staggered so this little incident gives me an incentive to swap the tires over to the staggered set. Question number two is, seeing this red spare made me really like how it looks in contrast to the blue color of the car. It sort of makes me want to paint my other (staggered) set of 7-slots this shade of red and paint the lettering on the tires to give it that old-school look. Thoughts?

Some more pics below. What's amazing to me that in my groggy morning-ness I started to feel the tire go gradually and I thought it was my steering or something up front that was failing, because it felt like I had to steer each of the front wheels individually somehow, and the car was sliding all over the place. It got to the point where I knew something was wrong and I pulled to the right lane and got off at the next exit and I am glad I did because I surely saved the rim that it was ob by stopping then.

DISCUSSION (22)

jkm7680 > Mathias Rios
09/08/2014 at 15:53

Love that sticker in the back window, where'd ya get it from?

offroadkarter > Mathias Rios
09/08/2014 at 15:55

if the tires are really nearly that new, then yeah just get one.

As far as the red, mmmmmmno

After you and Aaron getting punctured tires I better go check my car haha

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > jkm7680
09/08/2014 at 16:04

This.

JGrabowMSt > Mathias Rios
09/08/2014 at 16:08

replacing the single tire on a mostly new set is kosher, no problem with that, just put two matching tires on the rear, and run the new one down just a bit before putting it on the rear.

ttyymmnn > Mathias Rios
09/08/2014 at 16:08

Were you unable to have the tire patched? The puncture is pretty close to the sidewall, and that can preclude a patch repair. If it can be patched, patch it and go about your business. Otherwise, if the tires are new enough and not appreciably worn, I don't see why you couldn't just buy one new one. Disclaimer: I'm not a tire expert, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

Not so sure about the red, though.

Mathias Rios > ttyymmnn
09/08/2014 at 16:09

the tire disintegrated at the inner sidewall, I tried having it patched but it was a no go when I realized it wasn't holding air.

Mathias Rios > jkm7680
09/08/2014 at 16:10

Trackdecals.com

This one is technically a static cling but I don't know how I feel about having that there it's a bit poser-y

Mathias Rios > Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif
09/08/2014 at 16:11

Trackdecals.com

Mathias Rios > offroadkarter
09/08/2014 at 16:12

OK yeah I mean I don't know the exact mileage on them but the tread is pretty deep.

I appreciate the input about the red it's probably me not getting sleep

You probably should maybe somebody dumped some nails in that parking lot

ttyymmnn > Mathias Rios
09/08/2014 at 16:14

Well, so much for that idea! Since you bought the tires off ebay, you might inspect the others for signs of cracking or rot.

Alex B > Mathias Rios
09/08/2014 at 16:18

You have a nice 944. It looks to be in good condition. Is it?

Steve in Manhattan > Mathias Rios
09/08/2014 at 16:21

Exactly my thought when I saw the photo - too close to the sidewall to be patched. Blew a tire on a 300D like that - had to buy a new Conti.

As far as replacing more than one tire, I don't think you have to ... I know that the recommendation for AWDs like Subarus is replace all four. You might be able to find a used tire same make and model, but I think a new one is OK as well.

Mathias Rios > ttyymmnn
09/08/2014 at 16:22

I bought them off craigslist. The issue here was the large puncture

Mathias Rios > Steve in Manhattan
09/08/2014 at 16:23

Yeah even still by the time I got to the sketchy tire shop the tire had disintegrated so it was impossible. Good to know, my daily is AWD so that's why I'm asking

Mathias Rios > Alex B
09/08/2014 at 16:25

Thank you! It's not like mint condition or anything and the repaint (bought it like this) could be better but it's not that bad. Here's a picture including the biggest flaw the car has (fender dent)

Kinja'd!!!

Alex B > Mathias Rios
09/08/2014 at 16:33

Okay. This is in overall better condition than most Camry's. :)

Steve in Manhattan > Mathias Rios
09/08/2014 at 16:34

This is stuff I learned on Car Talk, but you can't call them because they retired. I'd make sure there's nothing about your differential that makes replacing both rears necessary. Maybe talk to several dealers, also, Tire Rack or similar might have a forum where you can post the question.

jkm7680 > Mathias Rios
09/08/2014 at 16:35

To me it looks pretty nice, do you track the 944 much?

offroadkarter > Mathias Rios
09/08/2014 at 16:42

you could always try to find the same tire but lightly used if you want to keep things more even. Or get 2 and keep 1 as a full size spare.

Mathias Rios > offroadkarter
09/08/2014 at 16:43

I feel like finding this tire and size would take some crazy luck.

Mathias Rios > jkm7680
09/08/2014 at 16:44

I've auto crossed it and put it on Pocono raceway on a pace lap that ended up being a lot hotter than a pace lap but not formally, no.

Mathias Rios > Alex B
09/08/2014 at 16:45

Hey I think that's a compliment! Thanks :) here it is from its good angle

Kinja'd!!!