Yesterday, the left-front tire was punctuated by a bolt/screw at the center of the tread. I drove my Clubman to the nearby Wheelworks. They said the Run-flat tire could not be repaired. I was surprised that such an expensive tire could not be repaired

It just ran 5000 miles and just swapped from back. It's still very new.

Does anybody here know whether a run flat tire can be repaired?

If not, can I only install one new tire or I need to install pair of new tires?

 

As long as a runflat has not run more than the max number of flat miles (50 or so depending on speed and weight) they can be repared in the normal way...the puncture must be in the same area of the tread (the flat center portion) as with a regular tire...a patch from the inside, usually with a plug is used...plug only is not a good option, especially on a high performance tire. Many places just don't deal with runflats much...and there are many miss conseptions about them....but the repair shop do
Some auto cross, high performance driving schools etc do prohibit the use of a repared tire for their events/classes...

 

I had a run flat repaired at 2,000 miles and now have 16,000 on it. Many shops refuse to repair them because of the liability issue and their lack of experience. They can be repaired like any other tire and retain their safety.

 

It depends...

Some manufactures allow a repair but they require the tire to be removed and inspected internally before the repair can be made. Because of this and liability issues many tire shops won't do it.

Run Flats are designed to be run with no air in them and when this happens it destroys the inside of the tire thus the need to replace it after a puncture.

So, it is a combination between the posts above. If it is properly checked and it doesn't have any internal damage, you might be able to get it plugged but you will still have to find a place to do it.

As for your last question, you can replace only one tire if your tread is not too worn on the other side.

 

I was stuck with a bolt in my run flat. luckily I was by a Target. I bought a bottle of Slime and a plug kit. It took me about 15miniutes to repair the tire and back on the road. It has been about 4 mos now and I haven't lost an ounce of air. I now store a bottle of slime, portable air compressor and plug kit in my Boot. I am sure it will come in handy when I switch to regular tires.. I brought it to tires plus and the mechanic said my tire should be fine, no need to patch it..

 

Slime is good, but messy to clean up when you need to replace the tire. I carry this in my car...

http://dynaplug.com/

 

Me, too. I used to carry a more generic plug kit (reamer, inserter, plugs and rubber cement) before dynaplug came out.

 

I'd have to see the tire, but did you lose all the air? If you didn't run it "flat" too long and there is no damage to the tire, just plug it and fill it with air and you will be fine. We do it all the time here at the shop and never have any problems. Good Luck

Chad
Detroit Tuned

 

Repair problems is one reason (along with noise and rough ride) that I have a brand new set of non-RF's sitting in my garage right now waiting for my MCS to arrive.

 

I had a tire shop tell me they couldn't repair a tire with a screw on my old 350z because of liability reasons, I drove to Walmart bought a plug kit and drove it another 20K miles...

 

Dynaplug it! But if your car is leased, be ready to buy a new tire.

 

That Dynaplug looks interesting. Other than the website, where did you guys get it?

 

Harbor Freight had it at one time - dunno if they still do. When they did, it was in an odd place as I recall. Not near automotive but where the plug kits were which was NOT automotive.

quick google says that WalMart carries . . .

according to the current FAQ:
At this time, Dynaplug® is sold exclusively through our website and select dealers across the United States.
Please contact your favorite retail outlet to ask them to carry Dynaplug®.

(p.s. FAQ addresses runflat tires . . . )

 

Just do a quick web search on "Dynaplug", $15 on Amazon and other places...

 

Yeah, I think that I got mine on Amazon.

 

I bought mine at Amazon as well last week. I also keep a container of Tire Slime in the trunk just in case from a previous purchase.

 

Thanks for the answers on where YOU bought it, guys...Yea, I guess I could have searched it, but then what's the point of being here?

 

Thank you for all the suggestions on run flat tire repair!

I missed one message about "dynaplug". I think it's very easy to fix the tire.

Today, I went to Walmart and spend $3 to purchase a Slime Plugger Kits. Spent 15 minutes and fixed it. I think it will be OK cos' it was punctuated just by 1.5" screw at the center of the tread. Easy to move it and the hole is small. I even didn't remove the wheel. After resetting the TPM, I drove it for 2 - 3 miles around my home. The pressure was is normal. Before parking, I test it with soapy water and no bubble was found.

Anyway, I will purchase dynaplug and keep it at my car. It's comparatively easier to repair tire and on the web site it claim for all tires.

Thanks again for all helpful suggestion!