[shuvc]

Originally Posted by rks

Bridgestone India does not recommend the patch method. Here is the appropriate link:

http://www.bridgestone.co.in/tyre/ty...less/patch.asp

Thanks rks - I guess I could then keep it as the spare tyre for some time, till I locate a dealer that gives me cheaper tyres ! The price diff is huuuuge.
Are there any online stores for tyres ?

[hydrashok]

Originally Posted by shuvc

Since I was in the shop - asked around for some prices.
Goodyear Eagle NCT5 185/65 R14 - 4300/-
Michelin Pilot Preceda 195/60 R14 - 6100/-
Bridgestone Potenza GIII 195/60 R14 - 5800/-

Are these prices ok ?

I don't know about the others, but I think the Michelins are priced a bit higher than normal. I bought 205/50 R15 Pilot Precedas 2 months back. I paid 5250.00 per tyre (I bought 4). I did buy alloy wheels with them, and I prolly got a combined discount (more money off the alloys than the tyres), but the dealer showed me a price list that he said was the dealer price. In that list, my Pilot Precedas were listed at 5600/- if I remember right.

Now, what I'm getting to is this: my tyres are wider, and have a lower profile than the config you've mentioned, so my tyres should be more expensive, right? But you have been quoted 6100/- (as against the 5250/- I paid) which I guess is real steep (or I got a sweeeeeeeeet deal). I think I was quoted 5100/- (first quote, before the bargaining) for Pilot Preceda 195/60 R14s (I went to the shop with a 14" upsize in mind), but I'm not too sure about that.

[Buffetfan]

I paid Rs 2950/tyre for 185/65R14 Goodyear Eagle NCT 5 tyres. I exchanged for my original 165/80R13 bridgestones . (Got Rs 1600/tyre back for them..so net net paid Rs 1350/tyre).
Of course this was june 2005 no dont know if the NCT5 prices have gone up since then.. Ihave done 22500kms and had one puncture yet (no air loss in that too..just noticed and got it repaired the next day)

[sreenidhibr]

Originally Posted by shuvc

I got my second puncture in 8500kms. This time there's a small puncture on the sidewall. The repair shop tells me it can't be done with the normal repair kit. They need to put a patch on the inside of the tyre.

I am facing the exact same problem. There is a 1-inch cut in the sidewall which cannot be repaired by the usual method. The repair shop guy told me to get a patch instead of a new tyre, since tyre has run 30k kms and still has more life / tread.

Any latest updates on the safety or other aspects of this patch method?

[Nikhilb2008]

No patch will work on the sidewall. There are some guys who do a heat patch thing, but it is not reliable.

Since your tyres ahve run 30k kms, think about changing them. Otherwise, keep this damaged tyre as a spare tyre and use the spare tyre on your car.