One of my Nokian snow tires damaged beyond repair - Options?

[tlm]

Back in April, just before I was going to take my snow tires off of my 1997 Outback for the summer, disaster struck. I heard a whine at highway speeds, and by the time I was stopped the front right tire was completely flat. Tire shop says it's unrepairable (sidewall damage).

It's a Nokian Hakkapeliitta RSI studless snow tire. I really, *really* loved having these tires through the winter. Just wondering if I have any options at this point besides trashing the other 3 and getting a whole new set.

The RSI is an older model that nobody even sells anymore. So buying new and shaving are out. I guess Nokian's studless model is just called the 'R' now. Not sure if it would be a good idea to mix the new model with the ones I have.

I know, the tires have given me several seasons of awesome performance and I should be happy. But the remaining tires are still performing great and have half their life left. I'm not in a terribly snowy place, so it's hard to justify 4 brand new Nokians. Especially on a 15 year old car..

By the way.. if anyone has a used 205-70-15 Nokian RSI for the right side they don't need, I would be *very* interested in helping you get rid of it. I've been watching eBay with no luck.

[1 Lucky Texan]

is it a small puncture in the sidewall? I ask because I was able to repair a tire rejected by Discount Tire using that 'Green Slime' stuff. It lasted. But it wasn't used on the highway a lot.



If the tires are old though - just get new ones.

[tibug]

Well, I know the Nokians are great, but you could go with cheaper General Altimax Arctics...77 apiece at Discount Tire...and try to sell the remaining 3 Nokians on Ebay, craigslist, or internet forums. People with 2WD cars and a small wallet will be happy to take them off your hands...


Good luck, at least you got good life out of the tires!