[jmciver]

Check with Continental as you may be able to get the tire replaced since it is still new. Most tire manufacturers have some type of road hazard warranty on new tires within the first 6 to 12 months of purchase. Some caveats may apply since the tire was purchased on a new vehicle. But considering Continental "officially" does not recommend/support repairs to RFT's there is a good chance that they would honor a replacement under their standard 12 month road hazard warranty. It is worth a shot.

Oh, and I am "old school" like mitch57 above when it comes to spare tires and RFTs, too. When the time comes, I will replace the RFTs that came with my X7 with non-RFTs. And even though the X7 is only capable of a space saver spare (mine did not come with one unfortunately), I plan to retro-fit one in the not too distant future (and well before my current RFT need replacing)....