i know its minor but i got a flat today. dunno how it happened but it did. my only question is if someone intentionally let out the air or if theres a leak. however a) it was gradual and b) the hole isnt like a big gash on the side...

now my only dilemma is that i have to go home for thanksgiving! its a 4-5 hr drive so i HAVE to take care of it tomorrow. however, should i put more air in it and see if someone just let it out (parked on campus...covered garage under my apt but it is accessible to everyone)....or should i go to get it patched?

i haven't gotten a flat in a while but i remember they just take the tire of the rim, search for any possible holes, and patch them right? is it risky driving a long dist right after i get it patched? is there anyway to be sure...(i'd hate to be stranded...)

also....how many of you have driven on the spare? it seems SO small compared to the original rims and i'm afraid i'll bottom out or lose control or something. btw its the drivers side rear tire....

thanks in advance for any insight you can provide...

 

The spare is a full size regular F-150 wheel. You'll look stupid, but you can drive on it.

As for the leak, if you have time, take the truck to a tire place and have them check it for leaks. If it's a small leak, you'll need to dunk it in a wheel tank, or spary it with soapy water, and look for bubbles. It could be a puncture, or the bead area, or the valve itself.

 

hopefully i dont have to get it replaced
thanks for the info...got the chip...but i dont have time to test it til after thanksgiving

 

Yep I agree with Sal

I know all to well about driving on a spare.
I got a wheel stolen at the track and had to drive on the spare for a few days. It will drive OK, but you will look stupid

 

most tire places I know will check it for free, just go and see

 

too late

thanks guys. i will try to get them to check it for free. is it usually easy to check and find the leak? reliable solution to patch? sorry i havent done this in a while and last time it was a 245 series 17 inch...not this huge a$$ 295 18....

 

Yeah, any reputable tire store should be able to take care of you. It's not uncommon to pick up a nail or a screw driving, which can cause a slow leak. The tire shop will be able to tell real quick and for about $10.00 patch it up and make it as good as new. You might want to go back to where you bought the tires at, as they may do the whole thing for free. Good luck.

 

well they are stock f1s that came w/ the truck....

i will get it done tomorrow and drive/wait a day before i take the hike down home...

 

if it is a sidewall puncture or a shoulder puncture it is not reparable....i work at a reputable tire shop and youll be suprized at how many sidewall punctures i really do run across

 

ahhhhhhh i took it to a tire shop..it is a sidewall! cant patch so now i gotta cough up the dough for a new f1.

have a brand new tire and one w/ 5000 miles both in the rear wont effect anything will it?

 

It will actually. You need to measure the two tires and see what the size difference is. Easiest way to do that is use a tape measure and wrap it around the tire (inflated on the rim) and see what the total circumference is. If the two rear tires are more than a 1/2" difference, rotate them to the front and put your fronts on the rear.

Having two different height tires on the rear can wipe out the traction lock clutches.

 

sal: but upfront will they be a problem? would it be better to get 2 brand new tires? i'm thinking about the nitto 555 extremes now...207 to my door from discount tire...IF there is a need (ie i will measure and see)

 

My suggestion, if it's in your budget, is get two new tires, and just keep the old good one for a spare to save some $$ in the future.

 

right on...thanks!

have you had experience w/ nitto's 555 extremes? i want something that performs better than the f1s on the track but more wear than DRs...

 

okay i'm in the market for 2 new rear tires. i want to move up from the f1s since i'm swapping anyway and was wondering what i should get. i've done the searches and it seems the nt555 extreme performance is pretty good. but i am only seeing 295 as the widest? also i know the timing is bad w/ winter coming up but since my truck wont be a daily driver....i'm thinking about just getting the drag radials...the 555Rs...

so here are some quick q's:

1) what width and size if i get the 555 extremes...295 stock or 305...and if wider what profile? still 45 series? or lower? and will it clear completely? i have stock suspension and stock rims...

2) w/ drag radials how much is wear exactly? i drive on the street more than i go to the track by far....so if its something like 3000 miles for wear..forget it...

3) how is highway cruising and stability for a drag radial like the 555R? i'm talking highspeed cruising auto-bahn style (on closed circuit raceway w/ pro driver of course )