Can I Repair A Run Flat Tyre? Dealing With Punctured Run Flats
Run flat tyres are designed so you can continue driving after getting
a puncture. But many wonder, "Can I repair a run flat tyre?
Or must it be replaced?"
In normal tyres, getting a puncture often means pulling over and immediately changing the tyre or calling for roadside assistance. Run flat tyres, however, are made with reinforced sidewalls, so they do not warp themselves or the wheel well after losing air pressure.
This means that, even when they are punctured, you can carry on driving for a limited number of miles and at a reduced speed. This is usually a maximum of 50 miles at a top speed of 50 mph. That allows you to reach a tyre centre or garage, so you can assess the damage and buy a replacement. It does not mean you can drive on the tyres indefinitely.
Run flats cost between 50-200% more than a standard tyre, however. That provides incentive for most drivers to try and repair their run flats, instead of replacing them entirely. Is this possible, and is it safe?
Can Run Flat Tyres Be Repaired?
According to manufacturers and auto mechanics alike, run flat tyres should not be repaired. While applying a patch is physically possible, it's not possible to repair a run flat tyre:
- Safely
- Thoroughly
- Reliably
As such, most technicians won't agree to repair a run flat. They will only offer to replace it.
This is because of a run flat's reinforced design. Unlike a standard tyre, a run flat will not warp or lose its structure when punctured – at least, not right away. Because of this, it can be difficult to spot any secondary damage. Broader harm to the tyre wall can be masked by the added strength of the design.
Why Should Run Flats Be Replaced?
Since a mechanic will be unable to tell how much of the overall structure and safety of the tyre is compromised, it's dangerous to apply repairs to the visible damage alone and send the driver off. Doing so could lead to:
- Small, unseen damage spreading across the tyre once it's subjected to higher speeds or more mileage
- Ruptures at the sidewalls, leading to damaged wheel wells or suspension
- Collapse or warping of the overall tyre
- An ineffective patch that comes away and causes deflation
- Blowouts or lost control of the vehicle
Even if it were allowed, these factors mean that carrying out minor repairs on run flats is:
- Dangerous
- Expensive
- A waste of time
Future replacement would still be necessary, and it could bring with it a host of additional costs. Most importantly, it could lead to hazardous conditions on the road.
At Autofusion, we don't offer to repair run flat tyres for this reason. In order to comply with manufacturer guidance and to help keep our customers safe, we replace punctured run flats instead.
What To Do With A Punctured Run Flat Tyre
If your run flat tyre is punctured, modern cars will alert you of this with the tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS). The TPMS will provide an alert to indicate that your run flat has lost pressure and is likely punctured.
At this point, it's vital that you stick to the speed limit and mileage specified by the manufacturer and head to a garage. Once there, you can get the damaged tyre changed.
At Autofusion, our technicians are on hand to provide a free tyre safety check and can tell you if you need a replacement. If it's convenient for you and you can reach your nearest fitting centre without exceeding the mileage limit on a punctured run flat, simply pop in with your car to speak to our experts.
If you can't reach us, though, don't worry. We also offer a mobile fitting service, so we can come out to your home, workplace, or another location of your choosing at a time that suits you.
Replacing a run flat tyre may not cost you as much as you think. We offer a wide range of cheap run flat tyres with options to suit all budgets. Autofusion should have exactly what you're looking for.