Are run flats repairable?

migueloc97 · 01-02-2014, 12:44 AM

im asking this beacuase ive heard there not but i had a screw in one of mine and took it to les shwab and they patched it, is the tire safe?

goblue30093 · 01-02-2014, 08:33 AM

No they are not repairable as far as i know. I had nails in mine and they had to be replaced. I promptly replaced them with standard tires lol.

Delta0311 · 01-02-2014, 08:55 AM

Yes they 100% are. My old 07 328 had run flats and I had a nail in one tire causing a slow leak. Took it to a shop and they patched it like any other tire. After it was patched I drove about 10k miles on it before getting new rims.

floydarogers · 01-02-2014, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by migueloc97

im asking this beacuase ive heard there not but i had a screw in one of mine and took it to les shwab and they patched it, is the tire safe?

Quote:

Originally Posted by goblue30093

No they are not repairable as far as i know. I had nails in mine and they had to be replaced. ....

Yes, they are repairable, same as any go-flat. However, BMW service won't (generally - there have been a couple exceptions noted) repair them. Pretty much any independent tire shop, Discount Tire, Pep Boys, Firestone, Les Schwab, etc. will repair them (usually at no cost IME).

Note that the tire needs to be broken from the rim so that the sidewall can be inspected for damage.

A couple manufacturers forbid it: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...jsp?techid=226

mashimarho · 01-02-2014, 10:14 AM

You can repair them, in some cases.
Although, I would say they might not be worth repairing.

Jase 320d · 01-02-2014, 10:17 AM

My garage wont repair them as they cannot say how long its been run on flat for

Its a liability and legal issue!

Say you got a RFT patched and a week later you had a blowout on the motorway and it resulted in a fatality (worst case) the garage would be liable and not many want to take the chance

If i was a tyre place i wouldnt fix them either, all about covering your arse nowadays

David1 · 01-02-2014, 11:44 AM

Yes they are unless the tire was driven flat for an extended period. Any black powder in the wheel when going to patch it and it is not reusable.

David1 · 01-02-2014, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jase 320d

My garage wont repair them as they cannot say how long its been run on flat for

Its a liability and legal issue!

Say you got a RFT patched and a week later you had a blowout on the motorway and it resulted in a fatality (worst case) the garage would be liable and not many want to take the chance

If i was a tyre place i wouldnt fix them either, all about covering your arse nowadays

If the shop dismounts the tire, they can tell and liability is the same no matter the style of tire. Patching a tire is patching a tire. This is why a good shop will look inside the tire and not use a "plug"

VMRWheels · 01-02-2014, 12:59 PM

They are repairable for sure.

mjrin2it · 05-15-2014, 03:50 PM

I just took my 335xi into JMK BMW today, here in New Jersey and my rft passenger rear, was losing air slowly...thought it was stem valve leak. Dealer/service tech called to tell me a nail hole was found in the middle. They said they could patch it. Tire is only 7 months old with less than 3,000 miles on it. I am surprised they said they would patch it but I'm glad they did.

El Cheapo Loco · 05-15-2014, 04:44 PM

America's Tire will patch them for FREE. Truth.

AceOnShake · 05-15-2014, 04:45 PM

dealer did it on a 2011 x5 3.5.

NEFARIOUS · 05-15-2014, 06:20 PM

Had a scare last week:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...9&l=8d62de25d2

THANK GOD that it was a short screw and just got caught in the treads and I caught it as it make a clicking noise backing out of the driveway...

But actually, if there's some notoriety to the shop's name chances are they won't patch it, but a mom-and-pop shop won't give you much BS... But it's all at the discretion of the shop either way, and from what I read on the subject matter last week, it's safe as long as it's not in the sidewall.

tmarts · 05-15-2014, 10:19 PM

I had my '06 325xi right rear SSR tire patched after I found a nail In my tire. Fortunately it was not in the side wall, and the local BMW/Mercedes auto sales shop patched my tire for free! I have just reached 500 miles on the tire and no problems, no deflation, and no sensors going off! I'm waiting until summers over to get new tires (mostly because my tread is low) And who doesn't love a new pair of tires?

E90_831 · 05-15-2014, 11:24 PM

Yes they are repairable.

Gary@TireRack · 05-16-2014, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David1

Yes they are unless the tire was driven flat for an extended period.

This.

Although I would change the wording a bit to include them being unrepairable when driven in a low pressure situation.

driverman · 05-17-2014, 09:55 AM

The answer is IT DEPENDS.

A RFT can be repaired if it hasn't been run with low pressure for a long time. What is low pressure and a long time? Not sure. But the bottom line is that the lower the pressure and longer the length of time driven, the more the tire gives up its life to get you from point A to point B. The tire deteriorates. That's why manufacturers set limits to how long you can drive on a flat RFT.

So, if you have a slow leak and keep the pressure near normal and the nail or screw is in the center of the tread, it CAN be repaired. But the key question is: "Will someone repair it?" As others have said, some shops will refuse because of liability reasons. Although there are some signs of deterioration if run at low or no pressure for long periods, some shops fear that some damage may have occurred that they can't see.

None of the BMW dealers I checked with would patch them. I had to go to Indy shops.

Here's what Bridgestone says: (http://www.bridgestone.com/sc/runflat-system/qa/)

"It depends on how far and at what speed the car was driven after the puncture was sustained. Repair is possible only if deemed so by the tire sales store.
Preconditions include a puncture of less than 6mm for both side-reinforced type and support-ring type Run-Flat Technology tires, plus minimal damage to the support ring in case of the latter.
However, it is strongly recommended that the tire is replaced as its durability will have been weakened after being repaired."

Mr&Mrs323i · 05-18-2014, 03:31 PM

I was at Costco this morning and the guy there showed me a chart of the name brand tires that they sell. For Michelin they only allow one patch fix for RFTs and Bridgestone allows maximum of 2 patches for their RFTs. Regarding the Bridgestones he also mentioned that the distance between patches has to be more than 15". I figure that had to do with wheel balance?

driverman · 05-18-2014, 03:47 PM

My guess: 15" distance between patches has to do with tire structure and integrity.

Mr&Mrs323i · 05-25-2014, 09:46 AM

Discovered a screw on my drivers side rear tire.
Also found out that no one will patch my oem Turanzas due to liability issue.
After 82,000kms it's time for PSS's.

Dark_Knight_335 · 05-25-2014, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delta0311

Yes they 100% are. My old 07 328 had run flats and I had a nail in one tire causing a slow leak. Took it to a shop and they patched it like any other tire. After it was patched I drove about 10k miles on it before getting new rims.

Conditionally yes.

Anything in the tread, no problem- treat as any other tire.

Damage in the sidewall, as with any of her tire, get the hell rid of it and get a new one ASAP.

The significant differences between run flats and regular rubbers are primarily in the sidewall anyway- they're not some super sophisticated form of tire beyond that difference

01-02-2014, 12:44 AM	#1
migueloc97 Registered 1 Rep 4 Posts Drives: 2008 328i sedan Join Date: May 2013 Location: california iTrader: (0)	Are run flats repairable? im asking this beacuase ive heard there not but i had a screw in one of mine and took it to les shwab and they patched it, is the tire safe?
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01-02-2014, 08:33 AM	#2
goblue30093 First Lieutenant 42 Rep 367 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW 335i - Purple Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Duluth, GA iTrader: (0)	No they are not repairable as far as i know. I had nails in mine and they had to be replaced. I promptly replaced them with standard tires lol.
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01-02-2014, 08:55 AM	#3
Delta0311 Banned 7478 Rep 10,120 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 335xi E92 2016 228xi Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NJ iTrader: (1)	Yes they 100% are. My old 07 328 had run flats and I had a nail in one tire causing a slow leak. Took it to a shop and they patched it like any other tire. After it was patched I drove about 10k miles on it before getting new rims.
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01-02-2014, 10:14 AM	#5
mashimarho BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 2111 Rep 13,877 Posts Drives: E92 M3 & F80 M3 & G82 M4 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Lynnwood, WA iTrader: (45) Garage List 2021 BMW G82 M4 [0.00] 2011 BMW E92 M3 [0.00] 2015 BMW F80 M3 [0.00] 2012 BMW 335i xDrive [9.78]	You can repair them, in some cases. Although, I would say they might not be worth repairing. __________________ Mashimarho.com /// Instagram /// Facebook /// Youtube /// sales@mashimarho.com /// (425) 582-7939
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01-02-2014, 10:17 AM	#6
Jase 320d Wheelbarrow Edition 60 Rep 1,608 Posts Drives: Arctic 320d Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Dumfries and Galloway iTrader: (1)	My garage wont repair them as they cannot say how long its been run on flat for Its a liability and legal issue! Say you got a RFT patched and a week later you had a blowout on the motorway and it resulted in a fatality (worst case) the garage would be liable and not many want to take the chance If i was a tyre place i wouldnt fix them either, all about covering your arse nowadays
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01-02-2014, 11:44 AM	#7
David1 Brigadier General 814 Rep 3,955 Posts Drives: 09 E92 09 X5 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Columbus, OH iTrader: (1)	Yes they are unless the tire was driven flat for an extended period. Any black powder in the wheel when going to patch it and it is not reusable. __________________ 2021 M2 Comp Sunset Orange \|Black with orange Stitching Dakota Leather\|Executive Pkg\|DCT
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01-02-2014, 12:59 PM	#9
VMRWheels BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 2050 Rep 25,989 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Anaheim, CA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 [10.00] 2015 BMW M4 [0.00] 2013 BMW F30 [0.00] 2014 BMW F22 [0.00] 2013 BMW F06 [0.00]	They are repairable for sure. __________________ VMR\|Wheels \| 714.442.7916 \| sales@velocitymotoring.com \| www.velocitymotoring.com \| facebook \| flickr \| Instagram
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05-15-2014, 03:50 PM	#10
mjrin2it New Member 0 Rep 9 Posts Drives: 19' Z4 30i SanFran Red/White Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW Z4 [7.00]	I just took my 335xi into JMK BMW today, here in New Jersey and my rft passenger rear, was losing air slowly...thought it was stem valve leak. Dealer/service tech called to tell me a nail hole was found in the middle. They said they could patch it. Tire is only 7 months old with less than 3,000 miles on it. I am surprised they said they would patch it but I'm glad they did.
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05-15-2014, 04:44 PM	#11
El Cheapo Loco douchebaggo 186 Rep 972 Posts Drives: stick Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: CA iTrader: (1)	America's Tire will patch them for FREE. Truth.
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05-15-2014, 04:45 PM	#12
AceOnShake Lieutenant 39 Rep 592 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Windy City iTrader: (0)	dealer did it on a 2011 x5 3.5.
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05-15-2014, 10:19 PM	#14
tmarts Enlisted Member 3 Rep 26 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 325xi Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Upstate New York iTrader: (0)	I had my '06 325xi right rear SSR tire patched after I found a nail In my tire. Fortunately it was not in the side wall, and the local BMW/Mercedes auto sales shop patched my tire for free! I have just reached 500 miles on the tire and no problems, no deflation, and no sensors going off! I'm waiting until summers over to get new tires (mostly because my tread is low) And who doesn't love a new pair of tires?
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05-15-2014, 11:24 PM	#15
E90_831 Lieutenant 23 Rep 448 Posts Drives: 335i Msport Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Monterey, Ca iTrader: (4) Garage List 2014 GMC Sierra Denali [0.00] 2006 Lancer Evo Rs [0.00]	Yes they are repairable.
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05-17-2014, 09:55 AM	#17
driverman Captain 38 Rep 715 Posts Drives: 2008 328i 6MT - SOLD Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: El Dorado Hills, CA iTrader: (0)	The answer is IT DEPENDS. A RFT can be repaired if it hasn't been run with low pressure for a long time. What is low pressure and a long time? Not sure. But the bottom line is that the lower the pressure and longer the length of time driven, the more the tire gives up its life to get you from point A to point B. The tire deteriorates. That's why manufacturers set limits to how long you can drive on a flat RFT. So, if you have a slow leak and keep the pressure near normal and the nail or screw is in the center of the tread, it CAN be repaired. But the key question is: "Will someone repair it?" As others have said, some shops will refuse because of liability reasons. Although there are some signs of deterioration if run at low or no pressure for long periods, some shops fear that some damage may have occurred that they can't see. None of the BMW dealers I checked with would patch them. I had to go to Indy shops. Here's what Bridgestone says: (http://www.bridgestone.com/sc/runflat-system/qa/) "It depends on how far and at what speed the car was driven after the puncture was sustained. Repair is possible only if deemed so by the tire sales store. Preconditions include a puncture of less than 6mm for both side-reinforced type and support-ring type Run-Flat Technology tires, plus minimal damage to the support ring in case of the latter. However, it is strongly recommended that the tire is replaced as its durability will have been weakened after being repaired."
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05-18-2014, 03:31 PM	#18
Mr&Mrs323i Lieutenant 20 Rep 555 Posts Drives: 2007 323i TiAg Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Canada iTrader: (1)	I was at Costco this morning and the guy there showed me a chart of the name brand tires that they sell. For Michelin they only allow one patch fix for RFTs and Bridgestone allows maximum of 2 patches for their RFTs. Regarding the Bridgestones he also mentioned that the distance between patches has to be more than 15". I figure that had to do with wheel balance?
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05-18-2014, 03:47 PM	#19
driverman Captain 38 Rep 715 Posts Drives: 2008 328i 6MT - SOLD Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: El Dorado Hills, CA iTrader: (0)	My guess: 15" distance between patches has to do with tire structure and integrity.
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05-25-2014, 09:46 AM	#20
Mr&Mrs323i Lieutenant 20 Rep 555 Posts Drives: 2007 323i TiAg Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Canada iTrader: (1)	Discovered a screw on my drivers side rear tire. Also found out that no one will patch my oem Turanzas due to liability issue. After 82,000kms it's time for PSS's.
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