Are plugged tires OK for track use?

[Pete K]

Within the past year I've gotten two flats and had both tires plugged. They've been fine, no leaks. In a couple of weeks I'm taking the car to a CCA driving school at NHIS. This is a pretty tight track with heavy braking and cornering areas and one long straightaway where I might hit 90mph.

Now that the track day is quickly approaching I'm just a bit worried whether the two plugged tires are up to it. The fact that someone hit the wall at the end of the straighaway and died last year doesn't help. But I don't want to shell out money for two Michelin Pilots when these still have 75% tread left. Any suggestions?

 

[Kirby]

Personally, I would NOT use these tires for a track day (autocross would be OK). Is it worth saving ~$300 for two new tires vs. wrecking your car or losing your life?

Remember the saying in racing "If you can't afford to lose it, you can't afford to race it."

If you drive aggressively, you'll take 2500 - 5000 miles off the tires at track day. Those tires are going to get hot, and who knows what will happen to the plugs and tire structure around the plugs when it gets hot and is under stress in corners.

If I were in this situation, I would consider buying some used/cheap wheels (who cares what they look like) and some used track tires, especially if track/autocross is something you plan on continuing to do. But it's easy for me to spend your money LOL!

 

[brahtw8]

I wouldn't risk it. I faced the same situation in 2002. My solution was to buy a new set of tires. How much is your safety worth?

 

[DSK]

For road use plugged tyres are fine under normal useage. But I would never drive hard on the road or a track personally knowing that one or more of my tyres has been 'repaired'. Plugs have now been ruled out in the UK for tyre repairs and the law here now insists on patches only.

An option for you would be to spend the money on some tyres for you to use on the track, and then when you have finished put your plugged tyre(s) back on for road use. At least that way you have peace of mind on the track and then you can still get your full use out of your current tyres afterwards.

 

[Pete K]

I suppose I'm gonna bite the bullet and get two new tires. This track day is going to be seriously expensive. My mechanic is installing new brake lines and replacing the belts in order to sign off on my inspection safety sheet. He says I'll need new brake pads soon too. Then the club requires a Snell2000 certified helmet so I had to order a new Shoei since my current helmet is only Snell95. Two new Michelins, and then the $180 track fee. WTF.