Replacing a flat tire

[seth_js]

Ok, kind of an odd question. So I've been doing this whole offroad thing for about two years now, and I finally got my first flat that I don't think will be patchable. What do you guys do in that situation? Do you just buy one new tire? Let's say the other three tires are at about 45%. When those go bald, then I'll only buy 3 new ones and the other one will be at about 55%, so you will never have all 4 tires the same again? Does having one tire that has that much more tread on it create any sort of alignment or balancing problems?

 

[goodtimes]

At 45% tread remaining, I'd look for a used replacement.

I try to rotate my spare through, so all 5 wear evenly. If I get a non-repairable flat, I put the new tire on as the spare, and leave it there until I need a new set....at which time I only buy 4, and then begin rotating the spare through again.

 

[BajaXplorer]

At 45% tread remaining, I'd look for a used replacement.

I try to rotate my spare through, so all 5 wear evenly. If I get a non-repairable flat, I put the new tire on as the spare, and leave it there until I need a new set....at which time I only buy 4, and then begin rotating the spare through again.

......................................:iagree:

 

[chet]

if you have a fullsize spare I leave it new. That way if you wreck a tire that is at 45% you can buy one new and use the spare as a match to have 2 new tires on one axle

 

[seth_js]

At 45% tread remaining, I'd look for a used replacement.

I try to rotate my spare through, so all 5 wear evenly. If I get a non-repairable flat, I put the new tire on as the spare, and leave it there until I need a new set....at which time I only buy 4, and then begin rotating the spare through again.

Damn, that's a good idea. I'll have to do that next time I buy an entire new set.

 

[crawler#976]

Seth, I'm a firm believer in tire warrenties like those from Discount. Costs a bit more upfront, but I usually get 2 "free" tires per set as they get a bit thin on tread. I say "free", but you end up paying for a new warrentee and balance package, so it ends up costing me about $40.00 for a brand new tire.

I used to rotate the spare in with 5 new tires. Found it to be difficult to keep track of where the tires were on the rig. Finally used a steel stamp to mark the rims, and kept a chart of where the tires were supposed to be. I always put the spare on the right front, but it was a PITA to keep things straight...probably made things too complex.

I now keep a new spare on the rig, and if a tire is destroyed on the trail, put the new set on the rear.

The other thing you brought up is what happens with one new mixed with three well worn tires. Hard surfaces in 4x4, especially with a rear locker, can cause a pretty severe bind in the driveline. There is no issue with either alignment or balance.

Mark