Sealants tend to be benign, so shop repair is no problem
Q: Can you please provide your views on the use of pressurized tire sealants for temporary repairs?
It seems that a $10 can of sealant could save a lot of time on a cold rainy night. I understand that sealants are only to be used for small punctures in the tread and not for the sidewall area. I have been told that once the sealant has been applied that tire shops will not repair the tire due to the extra work involved and possible safety issues.
A: Tire sealants in a can are a great idea. I've carried them for years. You are correct in that they only work with small punctures but it is better than having to change a tire under poor conditions or call a tow truck. Some high end cars no longer come with any sort of a spare, but instead supply the goo and an air compressor instead.
Having the air compressor is a good idea; it has been my experience that the compressed air in the can is not usually enough to properly inflate the tire.
It would be a rare tire shop that would not repair a tire with goo in it. Once upon a time it was quite nasty stuff, but the current generation is quite benign. The shop usually wants to know about the goo before starting the repair, so that it isn't a surprise when it comes oozing out.
If the tire is repairable, it just needs to be thoroughly cleaned before the fix, so expect a higher labour bill.
Q: I own a 2007 Lexus ES 350 with Michelin all-season Energy MXV4 tires, size P215/55R17. Would a set of Michelin all-season Pilot Sport A/S P235/50R17 fit this car? I understand gas mileage may vary.
A: The wider tires are no problem with overall diameter, but your wheel width will have to be at least 7 inches wide to properly seal the wider tire. Your OE tire size fits on a rim range of 6 to 7.5 inches and is best suited on a 7-inch width rim. The fatter Sport tire can be mounted on rims of 6.5 to 8.5 inches and its ideal rim width is 7.5 inches.
With the wider, stiffer sport tire, be prepared for heavier steering feel and a much stiffer ride.
Email tire questions to John Mahler
at thetireguy_1 @hotmail.com.
Please include vehicle's make, model and year, tire brand and size,
as well as your name, address and phone number.
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