Run flat tyres, can they be repaired ?

[Redeem]

There is an article in a car magazine that says that run flat tyres can be repaired if the tyre puncture is not too serious. Apparently BMW is now advising BMW owners that run flat tyres do not need to be changed in these circumstances. Has anyone experienced this ? I changed three of my run flat tyres a few months ago because of minor punctures.

[gizlaroc]

You can repair them as long as they have not been driven on while flat, however, because they are run flats this is hard for a tyre repair place to tell, hence why so many play it safe.


Good relationship with local tyre fitter pays dividends here.

[MidlandDan84]

I had Etyres repair both rear RFTs on my E90, i had used them previously for tyres about 12 months earlier and were more than happy to repair the punctures.

[Webber3]

ATS put a statement on their website about RFT repairs over 4 years ago http://www.car-tyres.org.uk/articles/run_flat_tyre... , yet it is still hard to find a tyre centre that will openly admit to repairing a RFT.

I've found that Micheldever tyres will repair these, but so far I've had 2 RFT punctures and each time the hole was too near the edge to be repaired.

[Jobbo]

I had a run-flat repaired by Stratford Tyres (Warwickshire, not East London). Only one other place within a dozen miles of me would do it, and they claimed to need a run-flat repair kit which they would have to order in at extortionate cost, so I didn't go to them.

Most places say no, but the Goodyear website states that RFTs can be repaired so I am glad I rang around.

[Vladimir]

A good excuse to replace them with non RFTs. Best thing I did on my 335d.

[Redeem]

MidlandDan84 said:

I had Etyres repair both rear RFTs on my E90, i had used them previously for tyres about 12 months earlier and were more than happy to repair the punctures.

Thanks - I thought that Etyres were only selling tyres, do they also repair them ?

[Sortie 10]

Kwik Fit in Watford repaired one of mine a few years ago - they had a new tyre in stock and could have sold me it, but repaired it gratis on a Sunday morning. I gave a tip and later wrote to the manager - sadly I doubt I'll use this branch again as it is 140 miles from base. The repaired tyre did not lose pressure over thousands of miles including some full-on enthusiastic driving in France.

[pattyg]

Just had mine repaired at my local garage and I'm sure they don't have any specialist run flat repair kit.

[MidlandDan84]

Redeem said:

Thanks - I thought that Etyres were only selling tyres, do they also repair them ?

If you are a previous customer they will do it for free. How it works is that they agree to come out to you, however they need to bring a replcement tyre / tyres if they cannot repair them. However, you are still not obliged to take the new tyres and pay for them.

Ive had Etyres repair both my rear RFTs (no i dont work for them), ive just had both rear tyres replaced and used them as they were previously very good and repairing puncutres for free point them in my good books.

Plus, i dont actually mind RFT's

[Jobbo]

pattyg said:

Just had mine repaired at my local garage and I'm sure they don't have any specialist run flat repair kit.

You're right - I mentioned that only to illustrate that it's another tactic to put you off, or charge you more.