RSA's and Fix-a-Flat

[SRT8DRVR]

Slow leak in front right tire (SRT-8 with the RSA's) turns out to be caused by a 1/3" x 1/4" piece of seashell stuck in the tire right at the point where the tread surface stops and the sidewall begins. ( We're nowhere near the beach...). Sears tire guys ( Sunday, had to go there) said it can't be repaired because it's in the sidewall and fill it up with more air and send me on my way, still with 1lb per hour leak.

So I figure what the heck and I stop and get a can of fix-a-flat and fill it up with the full can when I get home and bring pressure back to 30. So far, since yesterday, the pressure is holding, so the fix-a-flat stuff seems to be working. At least I can drive around and get to work for the moment.

Question is how long can I drive on this tire with the fix-a-flat and under what driving conditions. I'm not racing it, I'll do 75-85 cruising on open highways, I'm not thrashing it around twisties but very occasionally will do a 0-100 mph sprint if the coast is clear.

So is this tire trash and should be immediately replaced or can I go with it for the remainder of tread life?

Appreciate any wisdom from the ranks.

Thanks!

[1bad4dr]

It will last until the glue decides to break away from the rubber... Also, be careful at high speeds as this stuff is notorious for throwing the balance out of wack....

Good luck.

[GoldNnasty]

This stuff is just one notch better than filling with air every couple of miles.
It is only to be used to get you to repair shop.

From what you have described, seems the tire is history, just because of the location on the tire. Of course this were the tire "sees" the most internal stress, it really does not matter how slow or fast you are going it is constantly being flexed.

Most shops won't touch this repair and if they do, they won't charge you. This way they can always claim they never saw you before. (liability!)

I know myself if Iam going to do 100+ MPH, I want the security in my mind that everything is 100% (ok 99%, nothing is 100%)

BE SAFE!
( I would just buy a new tire.)

["C"for me]

It is no longer a "speed rated" tire, even if you de-mount it and do a good patch on the inside. The fix-a-flat stuff just peels out, should you want to attempt that. As it is, the fix-a-flat is a temp repair and should never be left as the "fix". As was noted in a previous post, it is in a place that the only smart (but expensive) fix is a replacement tire.

[SRT8DRVR]

Thanks for the direction guys. Seems unanimous. I'll order up a new one today and limp along on Frankentire till it arrives.