Maybe the wrong forum but I figured I would start it here... I have a track day (Carolina Motorsports Park) on Monday for a HPDE class. So last night, I found a small nail in my left rear tire. No big deal... off to the tire store to get it patched. Apparently, the tires are old enough that the tech said it could mess up the tire if he takes it off the wheel (side wall has cracks?). He said "breaking the bead" could destroy the tire. This was a Tire Kingdom so I don't think they were playing me - I have bought 6 sets of tires there.

So I ordered a new set of Michelin PSS's... for Wednesday. Until then, I can get a patch kit from AutoZone (no idea if they work), cancel my track day or run on a tire with a small nail. It is a very small nail, isn't losing air very fast and is in the middle of the tread.

What are y'all's thoughts? If I cancel the day, I lose $350. Unfortunately, like most things for the S2000, no one has the tires in stock and I can't get them installed before Monday.

Thoughts?

 

Moved to Wheels and Tires.

I wouldn't do it personally. Ive been going to CMP for 7 years now...you need to have your car in optimal condition with really good tires. This is a track where you will do well over 100mph and not an autocross where you dont get over 50mph. A tire blowout in turn 10 will put you into a tire wall and remember, your normal car insurance doesn't cover you on track! Don't take needless risks with your car or your life.

What kind of tires do you have on the car right now?

 

Agree with RedCelica---if the tire sidewalls are cracked so badly the tire tech wouldn't remove them from the rim for fear of them coming apart, there's no way I'd be driving on a track with them, plugged or not.......

I wouldn't risk injuring yourself or someone else.

 

Direzza Sport Z1's. Looks like they were replaced in Sept 2011 with about 25k miles. I just flipped 41k. Still decent tread - in fact perfect tread for the last week before they are replaced.

Dang - dilemma.

 

Very unusual to have cracking sidewalls after only 4 years--it's something that usually happens after 7-10 years. Do you live where its hot and sunny? The UV rays in sunshine is one of the things that accelerates the deteriation.

Maybe swing by another tire store today and get their opinion. Be sure to tell them you're thinking of doing a track day on them and see what they say. Hate to see you lose $350 but want you to be safe!

 

Unusual for a 4 yr old tire to have cracks in the sidewall. Especially if it's been on the car and not just sitting out in the sun.

Two possibilities, one that the tire itself is old. The manufacture date is stamped on the side. A long row of number and letters, but the last four indicate the week/year of manufacture.

Second possibility, more likely, is a stupid tire tech.

But, above all, do not go on the track with a nail in the tire. Don't risk your life or others.

Ask the organizers if you can credit the amount towards a future track day. Most organizers will do this.

 

i dont have any track day experience at the moment.. but i assume if your sidewalls are weather cracked the car wont pass tech inspection at the racetrack anyway...

 

If the tires are in good condition it would not be ideal to track on a plugged tire. when the tire heats up the plug can get pulled out causing a loss of air. A patch is the proper way to do it.

The tech was probably just trying to sell you new tires. if they didn't look dry rotted or cracked they are fine.