Thank goodness for our wonderful TPMS system.

I found my left rear tire was losing about 10psi, and after I pumped it back up the second time I decided to do a close inspection and sure enough, I've got a large nail right in the middle. The tire goes from 44 to 35 over about 6 days, so it's kind of a slow leak. I have tire warranty over at my dealership, but it's 45 miles away. Do you guys think it'd be safe to drive out there?

 

If the dealer is going to give you new tire, I'd say head on over-heck, who knows how long the nail has been in there. You could call them (to make sure they have a replacement tire) and ask for a flatbed if you are too worried about the trip. another idea-what I'd probably do-stop in a nearby tire store and have them plug it (quick and cheap) and then make the trip at your convenience.....

 

I was cruising at 85 in my tts on I95 with 500 mi on my odo when all of a sudden red lights flashed on the dash display FLAT TYRE!

I immediately pulled off and I had picked up something in my tire that was causing a massive leak of air. I never could see what was causing it. The tire went completely flat in less than a minute after getting out of the car.

My point is that it appears that the system monitors the rate of psi loss as well as the actual psi, and it warned me of a flat tire before it was flat because of the rate of loss of psi.

I would see no issue driving to the dealer. If the nail pops out or you decide not to drive, either way you will need a flatbed, as I did.

 

You should be fine. I would inflate the tire and head on over.

Not a bad idea to call and make sure they have one in stock if needed...

And I would keep it under 100, lol.

Mike

 

IMHO: A few miles is ok, but 45 miles with a *large* nail in your tire, and not knowing how deep the nail is? Not a good idea as it could cause further damage to the tire, and worse the rim.

True you could get away with it - drive with the nail and everything will be fine, but the safest thing to do is to take the tire off and bring to dealer with your SUV if possible. Don't flat bed the car - the chance of something being scratched or damaged during transport is high, especially if you don't have control over who is doing the towing.

I know it's a pain, but think of the possible risks. If that tire for whatever reason loses more air *during* your drive, you now face flat bedding, or damage to rim. If you damage the tire, and even assume they will replace it, you now have two uneven tires in rear. etc.

 

As suggested, definitely call to make sure the tire is in stock. That'd be a b*tch!

I'd keep it under 45 and you should be ok, flat bed if something happens.

 

Okay, I've just received word that the dealership has just received my replacement tire in stock. They are replacing it for free per the warranty, so damage to the tire is not an issue. I only have 1700 non-track miles on the other tires, so I'm not too concerned with uneven wear.

I drove the car on a 60-mile roundtrip last week before I realized that there was a nail in the tire, and it didn't lose any pressure after being pumped to 44psi once warm.

I like Cannga's idea of taking the wheel by itself to the dealer, but I don't have a proper bar for taking off the centerlock. I think I'll just take it slow and bring a pump in case I need to fill up a little along the way.

I'll report back on Monday...

 

Happy to report that the trip out went without incident. Pumped tire up to 44 psi, and arrived at the dealership with hot (102F outside) tire showing 50 psi.