My stock set of runflats picked up a screw. Of course, like a kid near a hot stove, I had to put my hand on it....

I pulled the screw and obviously I was left with the idea of putting the screw back in or plug the tire.

I put a plug in it for now.

If I remember correctly, aren't you suppose to replace a runflat if you get a hole in it? (and NOT put a plug in it?)

Can anyone verify this?

I've got free replacements but I can't see the downside of putting a plug in a hole so I wanted to ask before I waste a tire.

Thanks,

Mark

 

yes. had a plug in my Stock Dunlop SP9000.

 

I plugged one of mine about 3 months ago. No problem.

 

The "don't repair a runflat" myth, in my opinion, is based on the fact that, if you drive on a runflat while it's actually flat (or very low on pressure) the heat and stress can degrade the structural integrity of the tire.

But, if you have a case like yours, where the tire was never actually driven "flat", there's no issue that I'm aware of. I personally would plug it and not worry about it.

Some tire shops refuse to do any repairs on runflats, probably partially for liability reasons since they can't tell whether you've driven the tire flat or not... and partially because they want to sell you a new $300 tire...

 

I agree with you. Tire shops may also fear liability if they repair a runflat and it fails. There are bizzillions of lawyers out there looking for a way to make more money.

 

Honda plugs runflats daily, on the mini vans....

 

was the screw in the tread or sidewall?

You can't repair a tire with sidewall damage.

 

Thanks guys (and apple girls...)

Then the plug it is.... The screw btw was in the tread, not the sidewall.

Thanks,

Mark

 

A plug is not a good fix for any tire. For those who carry a plug kit to fix their non-runflats on the side of the road. Yep do it, then take your tire to a competent tire place & have the tire dismounted & patched from the inside. I've been told by the local tire guys who I trust that a plug compromises the speed rating of a tire.

Here is what Tire Rack says...

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete....jsp?techid=77

 

If my tires lasted longer than 9 months, I might worry about it. But since they don't, I don't.

 

Haven't actually looked but a few years ago I had a nail in a non-run flat tire tread. Went to a tire shop and asked them to plug it and they said California law does not allow plugs anymore, has to be a patch on the inside. Confirmed it at a couple gas stations and another tire shop. Patch job was only $20 to patch and balance the tire and put it back on. Think this was about 2005

 

Actually Crashton, that's a good point. Since I frequently hit triple digits, I don't want to rely on a plug at those speeds.

Guess I'm taking my tire to get patched tomorrow.

Thanks all.

Mark

 

I am not sure of that as before 2000 everyone plugged tires, calling bS!

 

I've plugged MANY tires... and never had any adverse side effects... though I don't doubt that out of the tens of millions of plugged tires, a few had problems... which is all it takes these days for the lawyers to get busy.... I understand the theory behind everything in the tire rack article... and it's all logical.... but it's also logical that, if you don't eat hamburger, you're less likely to get E. Coli... but I do... and I haven't...

 

Do as you like. I was just putting forth what I thought was some useful information.

PS: If you've ever lost a tire to a catastrophic failure at speed, you'd spend some time making sure they are safe.

Now go get a Krusty burger. MMmm burger...

 

Thanks for caring!

Mmmmm. Rare Krusty Burger tasteeeee.......

 

 

I am a dare taker, sushi

 

Yeah, baby....

 

Should you patch or plug your sushi to maintain it's speed rating?

 

Nigiri = patch
Roll = plug

Sashimi = eat the patch and call it a day

 

And I thought I was up early. Time to go get some Mcsushi muffins & coffee.... MMmm coffee...

 

I had a flat about one week after taking delivery on my new MCS.... picked up a screw in the tire. The local tire store fixed it by putting a patch on the inside of the tire....told me that they couldn't insure that a plug would be a permanent fix. That was 6500 miles ago and no problems since then with the tire.

 

Ya know....lawyers are gonna kill us....as if you didn't know that. "Tire Stores" may well have to abide by corporate direction...or use it as an excuse for refusing low profit work

A few years back I bought a DYNAPLUG kit and I already had a compressor.

I've plugged my MINI supplied runflats at least a dozen times since 2002, right now 'tween the 02 & 07, the Hondas and the 79 Mini I gots at least 6 DYNAPLUG plugs in there. Most for over 12 months.....

'course, silly me, I don't EVER drive a 3 digit speed.

IF the puncture is (#1) not within 1/2 inch of the sidewall, AND (#2) you did not exploit the 'runflat feature' meaning you did not drive on the flat tire.....you are repairable.

Inability to verify #2 leaves most accountable places dubious....


Plug vs patch....well I heard and respected that one for years too. But there IS something to be said for experience, isn't there? Since owning the Mini with 10 inch wheels I've had several shops (afraid to unmount them?) say "a plug is FINE."

 

Oh that's just cause they think they're plugging a garden tractor tire.