Good Tire Shop in the South Bay?

[SupraTuRD]

Can anyone recommend a good tire shop in the South Bay? I need to get a tire patched by someone who has the right equipment and the know-how. I'm looking for a competent shop that won't eff-up the rim like so many shops do.

Thanks in advance!

[sbechtold]

I've been going to the Discount Tire on the corner of Brokaw and Junction in San Jose for years. They've done a good job for me, but I've never had them patch anything. The other place that is good is the Goodyear Tire on Los Gatos Blvd, next to the Jack in the Box. I know the owner and he's a great guy and their techs have been there forever.

[gon2srf]

Do tire shops still actually use patches? I was under the impression that if the hole can't be fixed with a standard plug then they won't fix it. Too much liability. If you have a puncture less than say 7/16" in diameter I would consider fixing it yourself. It's a 10 minute repair at most and you don't need to remove the tire from the rim. The good quality plugs have strands of steel in them and are made of vulcanized rubber. So far I have never had a repair go bad but I have discarded several tires because the puncture was more of a tear and was just too big.

For holes or tears larger than 7/16's to a 1/2", I don't know if I would want use that tire going 70-80 mph with my family in the rig any longer. Maybe use it for trail repair only and use it as an emergency spare from then on.

If you commute anywhere near Costa Mesa, I can repair it for you and at the same time show you how to do the repairs for future reference.

[sonof40]

gon2srf previously said:

Do tire shops still actually use patches? I was under the impression that if the hole can't be fixed with a standard plug then they won't fix it. Too much liability. If you have a puncture less than say 7/16" in diameter I would consider fixing it yourself. It's a 10 minute repair at most and you don't need to remove the tire from the rim. The good quality plugs have strands of steel in them and are made of vulcanized rubber. So far I have never had a repair go bad but I have discarded several tires because the puncture was more of a tear and was just too big.

Plugs seem to last a good while. But patches are superior. A good tire shop will patch, rebalance and install in your rotation scheme for under $20.

[SupraTuRD]

sbechtold previously said:

I've been going to the Discount Tire on the corner of Brokaw and Junction in San Jose for years. They've done a good job for me, but I've never had them patch anything. The other place that is good is the Goodyear Tire on Los Gatos Blvd, next to the Jack in the Box. I know the owner and he's a great guy and their techs have been there forever.

Ok... Goodyear in LG might work for me. I'll go check them out.

Thanks sol!

[SupraTuRD]

gon2srf previously said:

Do tire shops still actually use patches? I was under the impression that if the hole can't be fixed with a standard plug then they won't fix it. Too much liability. If you have a puncture less than say 7/16" in diameter I would consider fixing it yourself. It's a 10 minute repair at most and you don't need to remove the tire from the rim. The good quality plugs have strands of steel in them and are made of vulcanized rubber. So far I have never had a repair go bad but I have discarded several tires because the puncture was more of a tear and was just too big.

For holes or tears larger than 7/16's to a 1/2", I don't know if I would want use that tire going 70-80 mph with my family in the rig any longer. Maybe use it for trail repair only and use it as an emergency spare from then on.

If you commute anywhere near Costa Mesa, I can repair it for you and at the same time show you how to do the repairs for future reference.

Thanks for the offer, but unfortunately, I'm in norcal! I've actually been thinking about purchasing the ARB repair kit... looks similar to the one you have. I'll see what the goodyear place says about the 3/8" bolt stuck in the tread.

[SupraTuRD]

sonof40 previously said:

Plugs seem to last a good while. But patches are superior. A good tire shop will patch, rebalance and install in your rotation scheme for under $20.

I've always been a fan of patches over plugs as well... but a plug sure would come in handy when out in the boonies.