My Flat-Tire indicator light came on a solid yellow in color. I returned home and checked the tire pressures on all tires. The rear right tire registered about 20psi twice. The tire was not holding air. I took the car (05 MCS) to a tire shop and confirmed the low pressure. I had the tire removed and discovered that it had a screw imbedded in the tire. I took my spare run-flat tire that I keep in my garage and replaced the tire on the car. I was told the run-flats are not to be repaired. Is this true? I have tried to reset the tire pressure indicator in order to turn off the yellow light. Nothing happens. Can anyone help???
By the way, I did purchase another spare run-flat at a cost of approx. $300. I was told that the run-flats are on backorder. Good idea to keep one in your garage.

 

Hi Adele,
Same exact thing happened to me a few months after I first got my MINI - the dreaded Flat-tire warning light came on. It was a nail, and not knowing any better (and since it was the weekend) - ended up calling all over town and finally finding and getting a new tire put on asap - almost $400!!! Made me sick!

Discovered a screw in another tire a few weeks ago - this time I got online and started talking to everyone in the local mini club regarding run-flat repairs. Turns out that depending on where the damage is (in the tread - not on the side) it is possible to have it repaired at almost any local tire shop, and usually very reasonably. So I took it in to Discount Tires - they told me the same thing - no problem depending where the nail/screw is. Well, I got lucky - it was a small screw and did not go all the way thru the tread - in fact, it was wasn't even there any more when they checked - just a little hole. But they said they could have repaired it.

Not sure exactly how to reset the light - check your manual or just ask your local dealer. Or it could be that the indicator is defective or malfunctioning, like I said - doesn't hurt to ask the dealer. Good luck to you!

 

To fix the light issue, fist inflate all you tires to the proper pressure then ypu need to reinitalized the system per manual instructions. the light will turn on again if the pressures aren't close enough.

 

I had the same exact problem...it's not that they absolutely can't be repaired... they can't be repaired if the puncture is too close to or if the puncture is to the side wall of the tire. It is because of the tire's specific design and construction....a plug or patch will either not take, will not stay in place or will effect the performance/safety of the tire and may cause a "dramatic" blowout altogether because it is in an area of the tire that normally flexes as the tire rotates.

If the tire was punctured squarley on the tread, it could be repaired without a problem. If a certified tire dealer repairs a run-flat that has been damaged in the "do not repair zone" they can loose their franchise license. They are protecting themselves and in a left handed way, you too.

Keep an extra run flat on hand "just in case"...and get road hazard insurance. I bought another tire to replace the one that could not be repaired (nail too close to the tire wall...) and was refunded, no questions asked.

My first MC was an '04, my second is an '06 and the reset for the warning light is different...check your owners manual. Sorry, not much help on resetting it. Mick

 

I noticed that Tirerack has the stock Dunlop SP 5000A DSST 195/55/16 in stock for $156 Is this a good price?