Got a puncture that can't be repaired

[d50cyx]

Noticed one of the rears was low a week or so ago, so topped it up. Checked again today, and it's low again. Go to the nearest tyre place - they umm and ahh for a bit before saying "it's an old puncture repair that's gone wrong - can't be repaired".

First off, are they right?

If so, where can I get the best prices for a rear SO2? They're offering £125.65 fitted.

And then, do I replace just the one, or both rears together?

Help please - as a new owner, I want to get this right without spending the earth!
Mike.

[Trefor]

I'd trust them - the tyres are the only thing between you and the road.

SO2s are hard to get now and the price isn't too bad. You don't need to replace both tyres, but if the other is quite worn you might want to and keep the unpunctured one as a spare. Vastly unequal tread depths might give different handling characteristics ...

[PeterC]

I would definitely change both rear tyres. One big problem you will face if you don't, is that you may have unpredictable grip in the wet. (More grip turning one way than the other)

The differing tread depth on each side of the car between a part worn and a new tyre, will effect each tyres ability to clear away water on the road.

[Heath24]

PeterC said:

I would definitely change both rear tyres. One big problem you will face if you don't, is that you may have unpredictable grip in the wet. (More grip turning one way than the other) The differing tread depth on each side of the car between a part worn and a new tyre, will effect each tyres ability to clear away water on the road.

I agree. Tyre only contact to road, and would feel happier to replace both, unless the other is nearly new. Easier to say when its not my money, but as a personnel preference, also like to ensure axle sets have same tyres on to ensure same grip charateristics.

[ribol]

I would never re-repair a tyre, not worth it. Having said that, do repairs done properly go wrong - very rarely.

If it is a good tyre I would get a second opinion, tyre fitters are awful for this sort of thing. Most are on a sales related bonus.

Ivan

[d50cyx]

Both rear tyres would appear to be just over half way through their useful life. Thus, the consensus seems to be going for replacing the pair. Ouch. Currently have SO2s all round. SO3s are less expensive than SO2s. Can I safely replace the rear two with SO3s, and then leave the front SO2s until they need replacing? Or is this dangerous, and should I stick with the same type all the way round...

Confusing this, isn't it!

[funinthesun]

I have so2's on the back and s03's on the front, seems fine to me as long as you have a matching pair at each end. they are both prety good in the dry and less so in the wet so2's i would say are a little softer though..

[ribol]

I certainly would not worry about mixing SO2 front with SO3 rear. I would not consider mixing on same axle though.
You will have no problems finding a good home for the other SO2

Ivan

[simpo two]

Some years back I saw a Kwik-Fit advert offering free puncture repairs. My car had a slow puncture in one tyre at the time, so I went there for my free puncture repair (20 mile trip).

The bloke said 'Nah mate that's not a puncture, it's a tear, but tell you what, we can sell you this nice new tyre for only £125...'.

I stomped out and got the puncture fixed locally for £6. Then I realised I must have suckered by a Kwik-Fit sales campaign. Safety? Salesman? Only you can decide.

[d50cyx]

Decision made - SO3s ordered for the rear - £210 all in for the pair, and they should be able to do it today. Could be worse. Many thanks for all your help...

PS. this mild November weather is great - London to Bracknell with the roof off... yummm - still grinning...

PPS. is there genuinely a market for a half used rear SO2??? Is the classifieds the best place to sell it? In which case, I shall not bin it, and hang on to it!

[Voltaire53]

d50cyx said:

PPS. is there genuinely a market for a half used rear SO2???

Well there may be ... if you'd have bought one then probably someone else will

[trefor]

d50cyx said:

Decision made - SO3s ordered for the rear - £210 all in for the pair, and they should be able to do it today. Could be worse. Many thanks for all your help... PS. this mild November weather is great - London to Bracknell with the roof off... yummm - still grinning... PPS. is there genuinely a market for a half used rear SO2??? Is the classifieds the best place to sell it? In which case, I shall not bin it, and hang on to it!

Bracknell ... make sure you get the tyres done at Bracknell Tyres then, best prices - near the rubbish dump by Dell (appropriate? ).

[sjb22]

I've had a pair of SO3's fitted today to the rear of my chimaera today at the same place for £184!!