Quote:
Originally Posted by Galvatron1
I take that back, the patched tire is holding the same exact pressure as the other 3, at 47 PSI, so I left it alone. Unfortunately, I don't have a jack. Do OHTSU tires have a tendency to bulge? I believe they are made by Falken. If it's holding pressure normally, can I rely on it at 50 PSI, or at least 35 psi or should patched tires always be replaced? Not sure how to check monthly without a jack. Thanks in advance.
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The bulge check is to check for a separation. This is NOT tied to any particular brand. It is a typical failure mode for ALL tires.
You don't need to jack up the car to do it. Just rub your GLOVED hand around the circumference of the tire on the tread surface. Yes, you won't be able to do the part that is in contact with the ground, but there is only a small risk that a separation will be there.
The reason for the glove is to prevent damage to your hand due to sharp objects.
Also, be aware of any change in vibration. A vibration that gradually gets worse is likely a separation getting larger. The best information I have available says that it only takes a few hundred miles between the perception of a vibration caused by a separation, and a catastrophic failure - so this is something you need to act on immediately if you find it.
If you have one of those patches that don't hold higher pressure well, you will eventually know it. The patch either won't hold the pressure or the air will leak into the tire's casing causing a separation.
I think that a separation would be picked up by rubbing the tire sooner than the vibration would become apparent. So I recommend the bulge check monthly for 3 or 4 months. If after that time, you haven't felt anything, you're likely not to ever.