[GAOLDGUY]

Every year I change to all weather tires for my 2018 SS 1LE. The tire in the picture is used for winter driving and sees very little stress. Mostly getting from point "A" to point "B". Not much aggressive driving. These were about the only available all season tires when I purchased the car. This year when putting on my Michelins and wheels for warm weather, I noticed this small piece of metal in my winter tires, Lexani 20s. I'm zipping up my flame suite but I'm telling you these have been great winter tires and have done everything I have needed them to do, which isn't much. You can see the metal piece at about 2 1/4 inches from the sidewall of the tire. The angle of the picture makes things look a little off center but standing directly over the tire, that tape measure runs from the sidewall. I wheeled it into the tire store today and while the guy behind the counter was explaining that it was too close to the sidewall for repair, the customer standing in the line beside me immediately said, "You have to do it yourself". It did make me think about the tire plug kits we sold when I worked at the parts store. I'm trying to decide what to do. Do you guys think this this is OK to repair and if so, what method? This tire will NOT be tracked. Another question is, with the e-diff, do you truly believe that both back tires should be replaced or can I just get a replacement for this tire?

[MT-SS1LE]

I have plugged a lot of tires with diy kits and never had an issue for the life of the tire. Strictly street driven, no tracking. I would plug that tire with no hesitation if it were mine.

[Dynamical]

I would plug and run until its death

[Val Walkinshaw]

Absolutely agree with the above posters here. Plug/patch it and run it. Track-no. Daily-yes.

[GAOLDGUY]

Many thanks for the responses above. On a side note, I took it to another tire store today and the counter guy pulled the metal screw out. it was short, at an angle and didn't go all the way through. Thanks again.

[Plasar]

Wow, and I was going to say “try another shop”!

For example, some shops refuse to plug run flats entirely - others have no issues as long as it didn’t damage the sidewall.

[Dynamical]

FWIW I have plugged/patched a Mickey Thompson drag radial in the past. Ran that tire on the street for and absurd amount of miles and a couple dozen track passes or so on the old 2001 camaro. No issues. The shop I deal with repairs with a plug AND patch.