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I have run flat tires on my BMW. I ran over a nail and I am getting mixed feedback on whether you ran repair run flat tires. The dealer is telling me I cannot repair a run flat tire but a local tire shop is saying they repair run flat tires all the time. Let's settle this once and for all right here.
About this poster:
Posted by:
Bones
(male, late-30s)
(Posted 3/19/08)
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Can you repair run flat tires? Please share your experience.
Responses (37)
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Anonymous
(7/18):
I have a Lexus SC 430 with run flat tires. Yesterday I got a nail and was 50 miles from home. Canadian Tire repaired tire and we drove home at 110 K/h. Since this is only the second day I hope we did the right thing. Anyone outthere with same problem
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Rose
(7/31):
I have had run flats for years and have always repaired my tyres!! I had a mini cooper for 2 years and now have a bmw 130i. In fact repaired one yesterday!!!!????
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Anonymous
(11/13):
I have an Audi TT with run flat tires. I also got a nail and had trouble finding a shop that would fix my tire (I live in Mexico). I finally found one but was advised that I should change the tire especially if I drive at high speeds (which some times I do). Out of precaution I finally replaced the tire and kept the repaired one as it sometimes takes several days to get a replacement.
I am concerned with the issue that you need special equipment to mount-dismount these kind of tires and that replacements are not always available.
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Anonymous
(11/24):
I just got a rear goodyear run flat fixed on a 2007 corvette. So far no problems but had to got to three different tire dealers to get it done. $20.00 got it done.
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Anonymous
(12/10):
Absolutely, you can repair them. I have repaired a flat GoodYear Eafle F1 that had a huge spike in the tread. A bit more costly than normal tires ($50)
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martesayt
(5/30):
My X3 warning lights indicated a flat tire last night around 10:00 pm while it is raining heavily. As I don't want to run flat so that I can save the tire, I stop to the nearest Gas station which is about one Kilometer away. there I replace the wheel with the conventional spare provided on my X3 then continued my driving until I reach our place. searching the internet today, I was surprised that RFT cannot be repaired. If this is the case, I still prefer the convetional over RFT. on the positive note, with RFT's i was able to reach the gas station while driving on expressway on a heavy rain at night with my family.
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PLO335i
(9/15):
I have 2010 BMW 335i on order and asked the dealer this question. His reply that if you don't drive to far on a flat causing damage to the side wall you can repair. If side wall has been crushed at all then should be replaced. I don't understand the reduced safety aspect of repairing a tire that has not been damaged. The stiff sidewall gives the RF characteristic. As long as this has not been compromised makes sense that you can repair and drive on it with confidence. Am I wrong?
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bmwrocks
(9/30):
I have a BNW 128i and yesterday had a nail in the right rear tire, took the car to the BMW dealer and they said they can be repaired as long as the tire was not driven a long distance while flat and they do not "plug" the tires they will only remove the tire and patch it from the inside. I feel this is a better repair than plugging anyway so I has very happy with that. Also the tire only had 1200 miles on it so I was glad they could and would do the repair!
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whosbm
(1/29):
My 2008 328i with {RFT}got a nail at the rear right 2 months ago,I repaired myself fr outside,its been 2 months sofar..so I say they can be repair!!!
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Anonymous
(2/23):
Yes you can. I've had it done twice. Both times it worked just fine. Many tire stores say you can't. Bottom line is if the nail/screw is in the tread, it works fine. They cannot patch the tire if it's too close to the side wall (outside of the tred pattern)
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Anonymous
(3/20):
I have 335i and had a flat rear tire. The BMW dealer wanted to replace the tire for 900 so I went to OK TIRE for a second opinion and they repaired the puncture for 30 dollars using extra cohesive repair kits used for high end run flat tires. Ever since the repair, the car and the tire is completely fine. However, it is also important to remember where the puncture is. If the puncture is on the sidewall, it is probably not a good idea to repair it but luckly the puncture on my tire was in the thread which was repairable.
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Anonymous
(3/31):
Repair is OK on run flats as long as you didn't ride with no air pressure for some time. This will definitely stress the walls and effect the performance and safety. Most cars with run flats should be equipped with a low pressure sensory system to avoid getting down to extremely low pressures. Do not purchase the insurance plan from the dealer...they may replace the tire for the $600 policy you paid to cover the tire for 3 years but they are going to tell you that you need to purchase the other 3 to support the same wear to avoid damage to your AWD system.
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JohnnyG
(4/8):
OK. Here I go!
2006 330i Sports Package+++++ you guessed it! RFTs
March 22 >>> On highway & heard "ticking" from back wheel. Found nail in tread.
Pulled nail. Plugged tire > plug kit carried all the time. Have put 900+ miles on since. NO PROBLEMS.
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Anonymous
(5/23):
K first of all lamo. it dosent matter what car you have!!! its the brand,size and type. You need to make sure the inside wall wont be compromised by a nail rubbing on it or just plain friction. distance and weight does the difference. if the inside wall or worse the steel or nylon belts in the tire are severely damaged, then yes you need a new tire!!! the truth of the matter is, if you notice you are losing air fast, or if you already have a flat, get off your luxurious ass and change it to your spare. don't worry its a no brainer.
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Anonymous
(6/12):
only got 18000 on my rear stock RFTs on 2009 135i M sport... nearly bald! i got flat on one of them but had the tire replacement package... they patched it for a couple of days until a new tire came in... now i have one half worn and one bald
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Anonymous
(6/12):
to anonymous 5/23 there are no spares to change to... that's why we have the run flats in the first place, duh.
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oldgringo
(7/18):
Coincidentally spoke with my tire store yesterday about the pros and cons of RFTs. After he kidded me a bit about my wanting to feel every little rock in the road via the RFTs, he did say that some dealers are and some dealers are not 'qualified' or 'approved' to repair them. (He, of course, said he was one of the 'approved' tire stores).
It would seem logical that if this is true, that the tire manufacturers (such as Bridgestone for my 135i BMW) would be able to verify this. Anyone know if this is true? I live in the southwest and more often than not I could easily find myself way out between cities that are a helluva lot forther apart than the recommended 50 miles range to run a flat RFT.
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Anonymous
(7/25):
Just to let you know you can repair Run Flats I have a Mini Cooper and have had three nails in my tires Discount tires will repair for free and I have not had any problems with my tires and I drive the free ways alot.
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Anonymous
(7/28):
I have succesfully repaired two tires. This set is running on 32K miles.
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Anonymous
(9/12):
Had a screw in my right rear RFT (BMW 328xi). Tire was slowly leaking air. The pressure dropped from 36 to 26 psi w/in 3 days, then the TPM sensed the pressure drop and I added air again. Repeated this procedure 4 times (~ 400 miles), during which time I was trying to find someone to repair the tire. The screw was well away from the sidewall, but Mavis and other tire shops in the area refused to repair (wanted to sell me at least 2 new tires, ridiculous). Finally the gas station across the street (I trust them from previous services on various cars) took a look, noticed the screw was far away enough from the side wall and plugged the tire, using a rubber plug (not a stiff plug which would not work). The tire holds air and runs just fine. Don't belive the BS that tire shops and OEs tell you, but assess critically if puncture is away from side wall. Then decide on the course of action. If puncture is close to side wall, replacement may be the only option.
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bigboy
(10/5):
i have a 22 inch rim, can i buy a 22 inch run flat tire
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newbimmer
(11/1):
Since I know I won't get a good answer from BMW, hopefully someone here has had this experience.
The "free" BMW Roadside Assistance will come and replace a tire with a puncture. But, you have no spare to replace it with. They must supply a wheel and tire. Is this where the "free" stops? I would assume you have to pay for the wheel and tire that they put on. What is the cost? How can they stock all the wheel/tire combinations so that the exact wheel and tire that you have on the car is put back on?
Any insight as to how this process works would be appreciated.
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Anonymous
(11/24):
I have experience 3 nail/screw punctures of my ML350 RFT's. Replaced 1 due to sidewall puncture. The other 3 were repaired, 15,000 miles ago, currently have 34,000 miles on the 3 OEM set of tires. Dealer stated there is only one acceptable repair method, successful so far.
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Anonymous
(11/24):
Definition of Run Flat Tire is a tire with capabilities to run on under pressure or totally flat conditions, till finding a store to repair it; depending on the brand, they set max speed (of course much slower than inflated tire), and a max distance to run in this status. So, if the "Run Flat" feature of the tire is to be used till repaired, there is nothing to add. Daniel - Uruguay, South America.
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Anonymous
(12/6):
Had a nail in a tire in Spain with a slow leak that got progressively worse over a few days. Drove it pobably 50 miles in that time, then finally 20 miles to Sevilla to get it repaired. They fixed it and I've been driving on it ever since, fast as ever. It's been 8 months, with plenty of hard corners on 130 degree hot Spanish pavement, a road trip from Seattle to Denver, and some skidding around on 15 degree cold Colorado snow, and I haven't had another problem since. Repair them.
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Anonymous
(12/14):
Fixed twice already about to fix the same tire for a third puncture not issues tire has just about run its whole life now
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Shikester
(12/23):
A nail between grooves is a minor issue if you catch it right away. This is why you need to carry a plug kit and a small commpressor a more portable alternative to a spare. This way you do not need to run on the flat and you repair on the spot. You will run futher and longer on the plugged tire than a run flat. When and if the TPM comes on again after the plug consider a new tire. Check the pressure of the plugged tire every time you fill up. Regardless this $8 solution will buy you some time and distance until you can replace the rubber correctly.
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bruce
(1/9):
i'm not positive but i have an 05 viper thats had a nail in the rear tire for 3 years, i've been at speeds of 140+. i decided to have the tire patched (rear 19") and the shop said no but i said patch it anyway. i figure i've been driving with a nail in it so what difference does a patch make??
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Anonymous
(1/12):
yes, I have - many times, with no problems at all
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Anonymous
(2/16):
Folks, please listen to me. This just happened to me TODAY. I am an owner of a BMW 545i and have RFTs. You can fix a RFT tire. They need to be PATCHED from the inside, not PLUGGED. Although my run flat was plugged, it did last, but temporarily. Eventually, my tire began to wear out (driving high speeds) ended up slow leaking. The patch thrives off the heat. I reco patch. I just replaced the tire only because it was plugged. I've heard this from many folks. If there is a next time, i will go to shops that invest in the material to Patch, not plug.
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Anonymous
(3/17):
RUN FLATS ARE A SCAM, plain and simple.
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Anonymous
(3/17):
Got a nail in right front tread in my 2011 BMW X5 35d.
BMW said to replace it .. they don't repair run flats.
Called "America's Tire Store" (Cathedral City, CA)to see if they would patch it .. they said yes ...I said how much? .. they said FREE!! Went in (only 2 blocks away) They said they were "authorized" to repair run flat tires. They repaired it , aired up all tires, reset the FTA .. and even dressed all the tires .. all for free!! I got a sales pitch (about 20 seconds long) about free air checks, free rotation and that they will beat anyone else's price.
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Anonymous
(5/17):
yes
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Anonymous
(5/26):
I have 2 plugs (had to do it myself since shops would not repair the tires) for 8 months, and a 3rd one for 5 months. No problems. I am replacing them because worn out.
And if the plug fails, guess what? tire goes flat and I can still get to work. Such a risk!
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Anonymous
(6/28):
I have had to repair a RFT on each of the last 3 BMW's I have owned. I usually notice the warning light and head straight to the dealership. One of my cars indicated a flat on the second day I owned it. It was repaired and all was fine. No Problems!!
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Anonymous
(8/1):
I just plugged my tire, I figured worst case it would need to be replaced anyway so I had nothing to loose.
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Anonymous
(9/21):
I plugged a nail leak in middle of tread. No problems a month later at highway speeds...80mph
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Responses (21)
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bucjames2004
(12/11):
Run flat tires are engineered differently, and no longer meet engineering designs once punctured and repaired. Most informed facilities decline to repair do to liability reasons and safety issues. Most manufactures mandate replacement over repair. Reason, safety.
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Anonymous
(11/22):
I have a 2009 128i cab--bmw and I bought the bmw road hazard package as bmw said that you cannot patch a run flat tire- other facilities may do it but a lot of them wont-- because of safety reasons- so its up to you. I wouldn't take the chance-- until I hear more about it.
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Anonymous
(2/19):
absolutely not repair them, air is in tires to keep them running cool,, if you lost air,, the tires will run very hot,, on conventional tires, you can see this on the outside of the sidewall, the side will wear down and get very soft,beause of underinflation, on runflat tires, the sidewalls will become very soft, and deteriate on the inside . When you dismount this wheel and tire, you will see how much of the side well has become dust. I work at a BMW dearler,, and everyone says , they did not go far,, but the tires only need to be approx. 10 lbs low to do the damage. A patch or a plug is not safe for runflat tires, period. Why would you put yourself or anyone else in danger for 300-500 dollars.
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JUMPER9919
(3/5):
OF COURSE BMW SAYS NO, THE WANT THAT 300-500 DOLLARS. WOULDN'T YOU, MR. BMW WORKER
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Anonymous
(3/16):
I recently bought a 2010 BMW, had a flat tire a few months ago. Dealer told me I could go somewhere and get it repaired, but he did not recommend it. RFT tires are not designed to be patched up. I got a new tire. I agree with the person who wrote,"why endanger yourself for at the expense of saving a buck." If you can't afford to drive a certain car, then don't buy it!
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Anonymous
(4/11):
It's interesting that all the 'Yes' posts are just that. 'Yes, I've had one repaired so their reparable. I dont think anyone is denying that it is technically possible to repair a runflat tyre but that is not the point here. When a runflat tyre gets a puncture the tyres sidewalls go through whats known as a abnormal stress situation. With no pressure in the tyre the sidewalls basicall support the weight of the car and as a consequence the interior of the sidewalls are irreparably damaged and get small tears that are bearly visable.
This is effectivally the same as pinching the sidewall on a normal tyre wwhich if done I hope you would replace.
The risk of thread seperation or a blowout is dramatically increased endangering not only the cheap ass driver but also the innocent preson driving/walking the other way.
THINK SAFETY AND REPLACE!!!
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Anonymous
(5/23):
K first of all lamo. it dosent matter what car you have!!! its the brand,size and type. You need to make sure the inside wall wont be compromised by a nail rubbing on it or just plain friction. distance and weight does the difference. if the inside wall or worse the steel or nylon belts in the tire are severely damaged, then yes you need a new tire!!! the truth of the matter is, if you notice you are losing air fast, or if you already have a flat, get off your luxurious ass and change it to your spare. don't worry its a no brainer
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Anonymous
(6/13):
Ok there is no spare tire! what would be the point?
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Anonymous
(6/27):
RUN FLAT TIRES CAN BE REPAIRED. THERE IS NOTHING DONE IN A PROFESSIONAL REPAIR THAT WILL DAMAGE THE TIRE. THE SIDEWALL DAMAGE IS SITUATIONAL AND DOES NOT ALWAYS HAPPEN. IN FACT, SIDEWALL DAMAGE IS COMMONLY KNOWN AS "RUN-FLAT". SINCE RUN FLAT TIRES ARE DESIGNED TO WITHSTAND THIS, ITS LESS COMMON. SO YES, A RUN FLAT TIRE CAN BE REPAIRED SAFELY.
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gaynor07
(9/23):
technically you arent supposed to get them patched or plugged.. kinda ruins main design and purpose of the tire. its better to just get a new one to make the life of the tire run longer.. rather than have more issuses with that same tire
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gaynor07
(9/23):
technically you are supposed to just change the tire.. plugs and patches arent really recommended and finding a place to do them is pretty tough also. most tire places stay with recommendations of replacement rather than repair
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Anonymous
(9/29):
Q: Can I repair a punctured Bridgestone Runflat tyre?
A: Bridgestone RFT tyres marked "Do Not Repair" must be replaced if punctured, and cannot be repaired.
bridgestone . com
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Anonymous
(11/15):
The ONLY 2 advantages to runflats is that they "buy" you time to get to a facility or to a safe area where you can do your TEMPORARY fix; and saves you the space meant for the spare tire. THAT's IT.
Bottom line, purely from a safety issue when the tire gets a puncture. All the rest- cost, wear, availability of facilities to "repair" them- are all disadvantages.
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Anonymous
(11/19):
these RF tires are the biggest consumer rip off there is, unless you are a female and get a flat in downtown detroit, ok, but for the average guy, it really sucks to pay 300 to replace the almost new tire. I told my relative to junk these tires and go back to the regular tires. Already has replaced the tires two times, DO NOT GET RF TIRES PERIOD UNLESS YOU ARE A FEMALE DRIVER.
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snapshot
(1/13):
Can you fix a simple nail hole IF you have not driven on a flat? Yes. Can you SAFELY repair a tire that has been driven "flat"? NO! These tires are sacrificial. They are designed to get you to a nearby repair facility to have it REPLACED.
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Anonymous
(1/28):
a chip in windshield spreds. so a small hole will eventually spreaad air between cords and will blow out eventually.
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Anonymous
(3/19):
I had Michelin run-flat tires on my Nissan Quest..A word to the wise.. Stay away from these tires..You will be much better off with regular tires. My run flates cost me over $2M within a 1 1/2 year nightmare to replace with conventional, wonderful tires.
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Kafra
(4/1):
I was told today by a tyre shop that some run flats can be repaired and some can't depending on their brand. This particular place only deal in one brand of tyre and they told me the ones that weren't there brand were the ones that couldn't be fixed and had to be replaced. Can anyone tell me if this is just a sales pitch to buy their tyre brand or if it really does depend on the tyre brand? Thanks!
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Anonymous
(4/20):
WOULD YOU REUSE A DEPLOYED AIR BAG FOR YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONES?
I DON'T THINK SO.
JUST AS AN AIRBAG SERVES ITS PURPOSE AND ITS DONE AFTER BEYING DEPLOYED;
A RUNFLAT TIRE IS A ONE TIME USE COMPONENT THAT PERHAPS IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT ON A VEHICLE. WHEELS AND TIRES ARE A MAJOR DESIGN ON ANY CAR PRODUCED. THE IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS OF TIRES: SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE, ABSORB ROAD SHOCKS, TRANSMIT TRACTION AND BRAKING FORCES, CHANGE AND MAINTAIN DIRECTION OF TRAVEL. IT CANNOT BE OVEREMPHASIZED THAT TIRES ARE THE ONLY CONTACTS BETWEEN YOUR CAR AND THE GROUND SURFACE. IS IT REALLY WORTH GAMBLING ON THIS?
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DaveF
(11/7):
I have 120i petrol with run-flats. Garage refued to repair minor puncture, saying that when the tyre deflates the side-walls take the weight instead of deforming, but in doing so suffer major structural damage. Sounds plausible to me, but then I know nothing about tyre structure.
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Anonymous
(1/24):
repairing runflats voids and speed rating. the reason they are not repaired by reputable dealers is because once you drive on it to get somewhere to repair it you have damaged the rubber in the bead areas of the sidewalls. (No you can't see it, internally) it will probably work for a while, but could lead to it blowing out totally under strain and causing loss of control
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Repair Run Flat Tires - The Verdict
