Newbie Tyre advise

[dinner man]

I have just sent my elise in for its 1000 miles service. they have just called saying they have found a nail in one of the rear tyres.
Q
should i / could i repair the puncture
if replacing the tyre do it at dealers?
replace with potenza's or a different tyre?

[Bonce]

Depends where the nail is - if it's within an inch or so of the sidewall it will not be repairable. If it's in the middle, it will be repairable. But personally, I would not want to drive on a tyre I know to be damaged. I have replaced two tyres recently - one from a nail and one after I hit a pothole so badly it bent the rim. Not worth the risk in my opinion.

Seeing as your car has done so few miles, you can replace with a brand new tyre and you won't have much difference in tread depth. If you do replace, be sure to replace with EXACTLY the same make/model/dimensions of tyre.

[cuzza]

I would repair it if possible - the dealer won't do it if it's within a certain distance of the edge or in the sidewall. The repairs are good nowadays.

If you have to replace it, as Bonce says, make sure its the same make, model and size as the Elise is very sensitive to tyre variations and make sure the pressure is balanced even 1-2 psi can make it squirm under acceleration.

[nobbles]

I remember reading in autocar/car mag that there is a new technology of glue that repairs punctures and guarantees 150 mph rating. Problem is I can't remember who or where..... They actually repaired their tyres on a long term test car.

It depends how you use your car, I had a puncture within 2000 miles close to the sidewall and got it repaired - cash no receipt. I use the car everyday and haven't done any track days etc and it was fine. I have just replaced the rears at 20000. 230 quid for a pair of rear bridgestones (same as standard) fitted.

[dinner man]

can someone tell me the size of the rear tyres so i can get some quotes for a new tyre. and any recommenadtions for the best plaxe to get them in and around Leeds or Leicester
Cheers