Plugs for Run Flat Tires? Some Houston Hiking? the '27 Kia Telluride first look!
About this episode
Run-flat tire questions kick things off: how they keep supporting the car after a puncture, what the tire pressure monitoring system does, and why plug repairs depend on puncture location and sidewall condition. The hosts then detour into Houston-area hiking, highlighting routes like Spring Creek Greenway and Buffalo Bayou. The conversation shifts back to vehicles with a first look at the 2027 Kia Telluride—covering trim options, added rear legroom, a 2.5-liter turbo four, and an X-Pro drive impression.
Run-flat tires sound like a simple promise: keep driving after a puncture and skip the spare. The reality is more nuanced, and we dig into the details that actually matter when you’re stuck on the side of the road asking the big question: can a run-flat tire be plugged? We talk through why run-flats cost more, how the reinforced sidewall carries the load after pressure drops, and why the puncture location (tread vs sidewall) changes everything. We also get into the practical stuff most drivers never hear, like how long the tire was driven deflated, what a certified technician needs to inspect, and how different tire manufacturers handle plug or patch rules and warranty language.
Then we switch gears with a set of outdoorsy driving destinations around Houston for anyone who needs a quick nature reset without leaving town. We highlight spots where you can step off the main path and find dirt spurs, tree tunnels, boardwalk shade, birds and turtles, tall grasses in the wind, and even a long greenway that gives you real distance on foot.
We close with a car review of the redesigned 2027 Kia Telluride, including trim levels, the X-Pro SX Prestige experience, interior tech and comfort upgrades, and the honest pros and cons of the turbo four-cylinder and transmission tuning. If you’re shopping for a three-row SUV, we also talk pricing and competitors so you can cross-shop smarter. Subscribe for more, share this with a friend who loves cars or trails, and leave a review with your take: would you plug a run-flat or replace it?
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run flat tires
"Runflats. Cantheyrunwithplugs? ... Firstofall,runflattiresareanincreasinglycommontypeoftireonpassengercars. ... Runflattiresconstructionisbasedprimarilyontheideathatashort,thicksidewallcansupportthetire..."
Run flat tires are tires that can still support the car for a short time even if they get punctured. That means you may be able to drive to a shop instead of changing a spare right away.
Run flat tires are designed to keep supporting the car even after a puncture, so you can keep driving for a limited distance instead of immediately needing a spare. They rely on reinforced sidewalls so the tire can carry the vehicle’s weight when air pressure drops.
run flat tire puncture behavior
"Ifthereisapuncture,theairescapesfromthetire. Thetireisdesignednottocollapse,buttoridetheweightofthecaronthatsidewall... Aholeinthetreadsurfaceismorelikely... Aslashtothesidewallmaycompromisetheperformance."
When a run flat tire gets punctured, it’s designed not to instantly collapse. But the location of the puncture matters—damage to the sidewall can be worse than damage in the tread.
Run flat tires are engineered so they don’t fully collapse after a puncture, but they still behave differently depending on where the damage occurs. The episode explains that sidewall damage can compromise performance, while tread-area punctures are more in line with what the tire is designed to handle.
tire decompression
"Thetireisdesignednottocollapse,buttoridetheweightofthecaronthatsidewall,sosuddendecompressionwouldnotleadtothedriverlosingcontrol..."
Decompression here means the tire loses air quickly after it’s punctured. The point is that run flat tires are built to keep the car stable enough for a short drive.
Decompression is the rapid loss of air pressure after a puncture. The episode claims run flat tires are designed so sudden decompression doesn’t cause the driver to immediately lose control.
tire sidewall
"Thetireisdesignednottocollapse,buttoridetheweightofthecaronthatsidewall... Runflattiresconstructionisbasedprimarilyontheideathatashort,thicksidewallcansupportthetire... Isitinthesidewall? Isitinthetreadarea?"
The sidewall is the part of the tire on the outer edge. With run flat tires, that area is built to help support the car if the tire goes flat.
The tire sidewall is the reinforced outer wall of the tire that connects the tread to the bead. For run flat tires, the sidewall is engineered to carry some of the car’s weight if the tire loses air, which is why puncture location matters.
tire pressure monitor
"Moderncarshavetirepressuremonitorsthatwarnthedrivertoslowdownifapressuredrops. NowminedidthatwhenIhadmyflat,itthelightcameon..."
A tire pressure monitor is a system that checks your tire pressure. If a tire starts losing air, it warns you so you can drive more safely.
A tire pressure monitor system watches the tire’s pressure and alerts the driver when it drops. In the episode, it’s described as warning you to slow down if a tire loses pressure.
tire plug
"Ifanormaltireispuncturedandtheresultingholeisnottoolarge,thetirecanberepairedwithaplug. Runflattires,though,areadifferentstory."
A tire plug is a patch that gets pushed into a puncture to stop the leak. The hosts say regular tires can sometimes be repaired this way, but run flats are trickier.
A tire plug is a repair inserted into a puncture to seal the hole and restore air retention. The episode contrasts normal tires—where a plug may work for small punctures—with run flat tires, which have different internal construction and behavior after air loss.
tread area
"Isitinthesidewall? Isitinthetreadarea? Aholeinthetreadsurfaceismorelikely,andthatiswhatthetireisdesignedtohandle."
The tread area is the part of the tire that actually touches the road. The episode suggests run flat tires are better at dealing with punctures in the tread than in the sidewall.
The tread area is the portion of the tire that contacts the road and provides traction. The episode notes that a hole in the tread surface is more likely, and that run flat tires are designed to handle that kind of failure better than damage to the sidewall.
patch plug
"However, for civilian runflats, any decision to patch a tire needs to be taken up and reviewed with the condition of the sidewall and the person that's going to do the patch or patch plug."
A patch plug is a kind of tire repair where they seal the hole from the inside and fill the puncture. With run-flat tires, not every puncture is eligible for this kind of repair.
A patch plug is a repair method that combines a plug inserted into the puncture with a patch that seals the area from the inside. For run-flat tires, repair approval depends heavily on the tire’s construction and the puncture location.
BFGoodrich
"Sometiremakers, such as BFGoodrich, permit one plug or patch. Others, such as Bridgestone, mandate that the tire must have at least a 15 PSA while punctured..."
BFGoodrich is a tire brand. In this episode, it’s mentioned because the brand allows a limited number of repairs (like one plug or patch) on run-flat tires.
BFGoodrich is a tire brand mentioned for its run-flat repair policy. The speaker says some BFGoodrich tires allow one plug or patch, which affects how punctures should be handled.
Bridgestone
"Others, such as Bridgestone, mandate that the tire must have at least a 15 PSA while punctured, in other words, holding more air as it goes down."
Bridgestone is a tire brand. The episode says Bridgestone has specific rules about when a run-flat tire puncture can be plugged or repaired based on how the tire holds air.
Bridgestone is a tire brand referenced for its run-flat repair requirements. The speaker claims Bridgestone specifies conditions like a minimum PSA while punctured, meaning the tire must retain more air as it deflates for repair to be acceptable.
Pirelli
"Others such as Pirelli warn that plugging a tire under any circumstances will avoid the warranty. I call hogwash on that. As the conditions are subject to change..."
Pirelli is a tire brand mentioned here because of its policy on run-flat repairs. The speaker says Pirelli warns that plugging the tire can void the warranty.
Pirelli is a tire brand discussed in the context of run-flat repair and warranty stance. The speaker says Pirelli warns that plugging a run-flat tire under any circumstances will avoid the warranty.
PSA
"Others, such as Bridgestone, mandate that the tire must have at least a 15 PSA while punctured, in other words, holding more air as it goes down."
PSA here is a brand-specific measurement used to decide whether a puncture is in an area that can be repaired. The speaker’s point is that some brands require a minimum PSA before they’ll allow a plug/repair.
In tire repair guidance, PSA refers to the tire’s “purchased service area”/“patch service area” concept used to define the allowable repair zone. The key point in the episode is that some brands require a minimum PSA length of air loss/coverage after puncture before a repair is considered.
Michelin
"Michelin was the first on that that I know. Michelin and Goodyear were the first ones that I know that actually produced a runflat."
Michelin is a tire brand. The episode credits Michelin with being early to make run-flat tires, which are meant to let you drive for a short distance after a puncture.
Michelin is mentioned as one of the first tire makers to produce a run-flat tire. The speaker also ties Michelin’s early run-flat development to the idea of a limited-distance, limited-speed capability after a puncture.
Goodyear
"Michelin and Goodyear were the first ones that I know that actually produced a runflat. Yes, they could be driven 50 miles at 50 miles per hour..."
Goodyear is a tire brand. In the episode, it’s mentioned as one of the early companies that made run-flat tires.
Goodyear is mentioned alongside Michelin as an early producer of run-flat tires. The speaker uses this to support the broader point that run-flat technology has been around for a while and has specific post-puncture driving expectations.
Space Saver spare
"So what they did was they incorporated a Space Saverspare into the daily driver tire that you have in your car because they will run 50 miles an hour for 50 miles."
A “Space Saver spare” is a smaller spare tire that takes up less space in the trunk. The episode connects it to how run-flat tires can reduce how often you need to use a spare.
A “Space Saver spare” is a compact spare tire designed to take up less room than a full-size spare. The speaker suggests some run-flat strategies reduce the need for a full spare by enabling continued driving after a puncture.
aspect ratio tire
"So they can be done, they're a little bit more pricey, they are a harder, firmer ride. You're not gonna get the stickiness like a u h you know a large proportion aspect ratio tire on performance car."
Tire aspect ratio is how tall the sidewall is compared to the tire’s width. The episode suggests run-flat tires may not feel as grippy as certain performance tires with different sidewall proportions.
Tire aspect ratio is the height of the tire’s sidewall expressed as a percentage of the tire’s width. The speaker contrasts run-flat tires’ feel with the “stickiness” you’d expect from a performance tire with a different aspect ratio (often lower-profile tires).
highway tire
"Thesetiresaremadetorunontheroadandthey'remoreofahighwaytire. SouhIgotrunflatsontheCorvette."
A highway tire is made mainly for driving on pavement. It usually isn’t as good for dirt or rough trails as tires designed for off-road use.
A highway tire is optimized for paved-road traction, comfort, and tread life rather than off-road grip. That matters in the segment because the hosts are discussing whether run-flat tires are suitable for driving off the road.
run flats
"SouhIgotrunflatsontheCorvette. Youdo,youdo,andthat'sagoodthingbecauseyouhavenorealsparespare."
Run-flat tires are tires that can keep you moving even if you get a puncture. You can drive a bit longer instead of immediately needing a spare tire.
Run-flat tires are designed to keep supporting the car even after a puncture, so you can keep driving for a limited distance at reduced speed. The tradeoff is that they’re often heavier and more expensive than conventional tires.
Corvette
"SouhIgotrunflatsontheCorvette. Youdo,youdo,andthat'sagoodthing becauseyouhavenorealsparespare."
A Corvette is a high-performance sports car from Chevrolet. Here, it’s mentioned because it has run-flat tires, which help you keep driving after a puncture.
The Corvette is Chevrolet’s performance sports car, and it’s a common platform for enthusiasts who care about tire choice and ride/handling. In this segment, the host mentions a Corvette equipped with run-flat tires, which affects how you deal with punctures and whether you carry a spare.
2027 Kia Telluride
"Nowontheendwelet'sdothecarreviewfirst,okay? [617.8s] UmIhadanopportunitytodrivethe2027Kiatelluride. [662.4s] UmthisisconsideredastandardSUV."
The Kia Telluride is a family-sized SUV with three rows of seats. Here, they’re talking about the 2027 version and how the different versions (trim levels) change what you get.
The Kia Telluride is a midsize three-row SUV, and the 2027 model is being discussed here as a new “first look” drive. In this segment, the hosts focus on how Kia structures the lineup with different trim levels and what features you get as you move up the range.
trim levels
"Umavailabletrimlevels,theLX,theS,theEX,theSX,SXPrestige,X-Line,andXPro. [638.5s] IgottodrivetheXPro,SXPrestige,all-wheeldrive. [646.1s] Sothesearebasicallytrimpackages,iswhattheyare."
A “trim level” is basically a version of the same car with different included features. Higher trims usually add more equipment, while lower trims keep the price down.
“Trim levels” are the different versions of the same model that bundle specific features, equipment, and sometimes powertrain choices. Automakers use trims to let buyers choose between lower-cost basics and higher-cost packages with more standard equipment.
all-wheel drive
"[638.5s] IgottodrivetheXPro,SXPrestige,all-wheeldrive. [646.1s] Sothesearebasicallytrimpackages,iswhattheyare. [650.2s] Andtheynamethemdifferentthings,andtheybundleupallthesethingswithinthosetrimpackages,"
All-wheel drive means the car can send power to all four wheels. That can help it grip better on wet, snowy, or rough roads.
All-wheel drive (AWD) sends power to more than just the front or rear wheels, improving traction when roads are slippery or uneven. In this segment, the hosts mention driving the Telluride in AWD configurations, implying a focus on how it behaves and what’s included on those trims.
eight-speed automatic transmission
"Uhtorque,311poundfeet,eight-speedautomatictransmission,5,000poundtowrating. Can'timagineit,but17milespergalloninthecity,22onthehighwayforacombinedof19."
This is the car’s automatic gear box, with eight different gear ratios. It’s supposed to keep the engine in the right “sweet spot,” but sometimes the car can hesitate or shift slowly when you need quick response.
An eight-speed automatic transmission is an automatic gearbox with eight forward gears. More gears can help the engine stay in its best efficiency or power range, but shift speed and how it downshifts can still feel slow depending on tuning.
downshift
"Whatcoulduseimprovement? Thetransmissiondownshiftisslowuhtomeetourneeds. Itneedsmorerevsuhtobeabletodothataswell."
A downshift is when the car drops to a lower gear to give you more pull. If it happens slowly, the car may feel like it’s taking a moment to respond when you ask for acceleration.
A downshift is when the transmission selects a lower gear to increase engine speed (RPM) for stronger acceleration or passing. If the downshift is slow, the car can feel laggy when you press the accelerator or need to merge quickly.
revs
"Thetransmissiondownshiftisslowuhtomeetourneeds. Itneedsmorerevsuhtobeabletodothataswell. SoIthinkthattheyneedtodoalittlebitmoretweakingonthetransmission."
“Revs” means how fast the engine is spinning (RPM). Higher revs usually help the car feel more responsive when you need power.
“Revs” is shorthand for engine RPM (revolutions per minute). More revs can help the engine produce the response you want, especially when the transmission is slow to downshift.
off-road type tires
"Uhwedidn'tuhtakeitoff-road,buttheXProdoeshaveoff-roadtypetiresonitanduhthetellyourideheightforoff-roading,ifyou'reintothatsortofthing. Idon'tknowanybody."
These tires are built to grip better on rough or loose ground. They can make the ride feel a bit different than regular highway tires.
Off-road type tires are designed with more aggressive tread patterns and sidewall construction to grip on loose surfaces like dirt, gravel, or uneven trails. They can also change ride feel and noise compared with highway-focused tires.
ride height
"Uhwedidn'tuhtakeitoff-road,buttheXProdoeshaveoff-roadtypetiresonitanduhthetellyourideheightforoff-roading,ifyou'reintothatsortofthing. Idon'tknowanybody."
Ride height is how high the car sits off the ground. More ride height can help when driving over uneven terrain so you don’t hit the bottom as easily.
Ride height is the distance between the ground and the vehicle’s body/chassis. For off-roading, higher ride height can improve ground clearance so the car is less likely to scrape over rocks or ruts.
Hyundai Palisade
"Soyoucangetintooneofthesethingsforunder$40,000. Competitors? HyundaiPalisade,$39,435iswhereitstarts."
The Hyundai Palisade is a large family SUV with three rows of seats. Here it’s brought up as one of the Telluride’s main price competitors.
The Hyundai Palisade is a three-row family SUV that competes directly in the same “big, comfortable, practical” space as other midsize crossovers. In this segment, it’s mentioned as a starting-price alternative to the Kia Telluride.
Honda Pilot
"Goahead. HondaPilot,$42,500."
The Honda Pilot is a family SUV with three rows. The hosts mention it here as a competitor option, mainly comparing starting prices.
The Honda Pilot is a three-row family SUV known for practical packaging and a strong reputation in the mainstream crossover market. In this segment, it’s listed as another competitor to the Kia Telluride based on starting price.
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