My tire had a very small nail in it that was on the outer tread about an inch from the sidewall. I got to the shop 10 minutes after they opened with 2 other people waiting. Before looking at my tire, the sales person insinuated I'd probably need a new one and that all my Continental Conitrac tires might last only 10, 000 miles (that I need 4 new tires). I checked on-line when I got home, and the mileage warranty for the tire is 50, 000. I just bought the car used, and it only has 38, 000 miles on it. After waiting 1 1/2 hours for them to check on it, I was told the nail was too close to the sidewall, and they could not patch it. I agreed although I was angry to get a new tire. I took a picture of my tire rather than keeping the old tire. Finally after two hours I got a new tire and left. Later when I checked the tread depth on my tires, I found the depth of the new tire was about the same as the 3 old tires.