Ok, just saw this a few minutes ago and I need NAMs advice. I bought the tire insurance pkg from my dealer so great ! ....but I have limited time (1.5 hrs) before I have to leave out again. Do I
a) call the tire insurance people and have them replace it?
b) go to sts/ntb nearby and have them plug it?
c) continue riding since the tire indicator/pressure light did not come on while I was just driving?
...I am assuming I got this nail within the last 20 miles that I drove

 

call the dealer and see how long it would take to swap the tire... if they have it in stock, a tire change takes maybe 10 minutes by someone who knows what they are doing, that is if they are free to do it... im not sure about paper work but im assuming it wouldnt be that much.

 

ok, thx....just did that....unfortunately when he transferred me to the srvc dept i got their voicemail. So hopefully someone will call me back quickly!

 

You can drive on it, just don't go too fast. The nail is close enuf to the sidewall I bet they won't patch it anyway.

 

Definitely not patchable - too close to the sidewall. Good time for tire insurance...

 

It may only be in the tread, There may be no reason to worry at all.

 

Based on the size of the head I'd guess it's longer and did make it through to the other side. If you put a little soapy water or a good spit around it you'll likely find a small air leak. I vote for the new tire because no one wants to drive gingerly for any length of time nor cross your fingers a patch would hold that close to the sidewall.

 

I also would guess that it is only the tread. If I were you, I would get a pair of vise-grip pliers and work that screw out. You might even be able to unscrew it.

From the way the tread is bulged out, I am almost certain that it is only in the tread and is just a superficial flesh wound.

If it is short and removing it does not cause a leak then you are just fine. However, nobody will patch a tire with a hole right next to the sidewall.

 

I agree with Yucca - when you enlarge the photo and really look at it - it looks like a stubby screw not going into the carcass...

 

It may be too late, but get a new tire via your insurance.

 

I'd pull the screw. If your TPS goes off call roadside assistance, and plead ignorance as to the cause...

 

Replace it--that's why you paid that ungodly amount for tire ins.