Brand new R56 with run flats. Just went to get something out of the Mini and noticed a nice slotted screw in my left rear tire. Pressure is good. Can I get this fixed or do I need a new tire? Suggestions?

 

Tire dealers will tell you need to replace it.

However, if you can find a person to patch it, as long as you didn't drive anywhere with low pressure you are relatively safe. I'd recommend removing the wheel at home and bringing it to be patched, instead of driving on it.

 

My friend, Lynn, got a screw on her run-flat at about 7,000 miles. Pepboys and Firestone would not patch it. It would have cost her like $225 for a new run-flat. If you get a screw on another tire before the end of the useful life of the tire, then you have to spend another $225.

She ended up biting the bullet and buying four brand new non-runflats and lifetime alignment at Firestone at about $600 (buy-three-get-one-free). From what I was told, you can repair a non-runflat a maximum of three times before it is unrepairable.

You have think hard and do what is best for you.

 

It depends on where the screw is- sidewall vs. tread, straight in vs. angled. Don't run on it if it is under 20 psi. I had a good experience with this at Americas Tire. Patched it free. No harm done. Good luck.

 

It's right in the middle and appears to be straight in

 

Perfect spot for a patch, take it to a local tire center, should not cost more than 10-15 bucks to fix

 

I had a nail just like that recently but I lost pressure. I drove home and plugged it and moved it to the back and went along my merry way. Tire salesmen will say you need to replace the tire, but if in a normal spot on the tire (middle of tread, not sidewall) it can be repaired just like normal.

 

Thank you all very much! Where else can you get support like this. I'll try to get it patched in the morning. Happy Motoring!

 

Yes, you can patch run flats if the affected area is not on the edge or sidewall and you have less than 50mi on it (meaning after the foreign object mated with your tire). Do a search for Dynaplug on this forum for a lot of positive feedback. I for one carry a Dynaplug kit & a slime kit in my boot. I also have the MINI tire and wheel insurance ($1K) that covers both tire and wheel replacements. You may want to consider adding it to your new MINI as well.

 

Bite the bullet and get rid of your runflats.

 

Sounds like you got the word, PATCH IT!

 

That no patching business is bs. As was said. I patched mine several times.

 

Good luck running around town trying to find a place willing to patch it while knowing the clock is ticking down.

 

Amen.

 

If you can't find anyone to patch it, see if they will take the tire off, bring it home, patch it yourself, then get it remounted, it's worth a shot, good luck.

 

Have a tire store put a hot-plug in it... You will never know the difference...

 

Had it patched inside and plugged outside.
Thank you all!