Tires: KIss of Death if Sidewall Punctured???, kiss of death, shoulder region

Question
Hey Barry -- just a quick question.

My Michellin Radial (tubeless) suffered a nail puncture in the shoulder region.  AAA informed me that it is classifed as the Sidewall region and thus cannot be repaired.  Must purchase a new tire.  Since this is costly for a fairly new tire -- is this the kiss of death?  Thanks, Bryce

Answer
Bryce,

The repairable area of a passenger and light truck tire is the tread area excluding the outermost rib and groove.

The sidewall is excluded because the complex movement of the sidewall as a tire flexes makes the patch difficult to premanently adhere.

The outermost ribs and shoulders of the tire are excluded because the belt edges are the most highly stressed area of the tire and repairs in this area may lead to tread separations.

Two other tidbits - the only proper repair is a plug/patch combination repair.  The plug to prevent outside contaminants from entering the structure of the tire, and the patch to seal the air chamber.

The injury can only be 1/4" long (or in diameter).  Anything larger can not be repaired.

Hope this helps.