 |
 |
 |
 |
 
 PLEASE HELP SUPPORT E90POST BY DOING YOUR TIRERACK SHOPPING FROM THIS BANNER, THANKS! |
 |
BMW Garage | BMW Meets | Register | Today's Posts | Search |
 |
|
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum
>
Can you patch a run-flat-tire?
|
 |
|
Wheels and Tires forum Sponsored by The Tire Rack
Please help to directly support e90post by doing your tirerack shopping from the above link. For every sale made through the link, e90post gets sponsor support to keep the site alive. Disclaimer |
 |
|
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
| 10-02-2012, 10:31 PM | #2 |
|
Banned
51
Rep 420
Posts
Drives: 2009 E90 N54 TiAg
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: South Florida
|
I have used a plug in the past.
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 10-02-2012, 10:38 PM | #5 | |
|
Banned
51
Rep 420
Posts
Drives: 2009 E90 N54 TiAg
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: South Florida
|
Quote:
|
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 10-02-2012, 10:58 PM | #6 |
|
Captain
38
Rep 715
Posts |
It depends....
If the RFT has a nail or screw that is not close to the sidewall AND the tire has not been driven on with low pressure, it can be repaired. BUT... Most dealers and some independents won't touch them because of liability issues. A normal tire that's been driven on with low pressure will show signs of failure. A RFT may or may not. I've had nails and screws in my RFT's that never dropped below 28 psi. They were slow leaks. As long as I nursed them along and kept bringing the pressure up to normal, I was fine. The key question is: "How low is too low tire pressure and how long is too long to drive on them with low pressure?" I don't know. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 10-03-2012, 12:17 AM | #9 |
|
Brigadier General
 
819
Rep 3,341
Posts
Drives: 2022 M3, 2022 X5 40i;
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Northeast
|
Can it physically be patched - YES
Is it recommended by the tire manufacturer - NO Is it recommended by BMW - NO. Should you take that risk - NO. RFTs need to be replaced in order to maintain their structural integrity to work as a RFT. With that being said, I patched one and drove on it for 5,000 before I knew any of this information. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 10-03-2012, 12:29 AM | #10 |
|
Some say...
239
Rep 4,296
Posts
Drives: Fresh
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Baton Rouge n NOLA
|
I don't see any risk involved at all. Of course BMW, indy shops, and the manufacturer won't recommend it because they are in it to make money. They can make more money by selling you a new tire than patching/plugging you old tire while doing less work. RFTs are just like any other tire except the side wall has a stiffing composite in it, so I would replace it if the hole is too close to the side wall.
I've used patches an plugs for years (I've actually had better luck with plugs). As long as the hole isn't too close to the side wall and you didn't drive on it when it was flat, try it. You have TPMs so you will know if it is leaking. If it starts to leak, oh well it was was worth the shot. If it doesn't, great you saved yourself some money.
__________________
 I have exhaust and an intake... |
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 10-03-2012, 12:44 AM | #11 | |
|
Private
30
Rep 94
Posts |
Quote:
Did you patch or plug RFT or just regular? |
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 10-03-2012, 01:18 AM | #13 | |
|
Private
30
Rep 94
Posts |
Quote:
I've been reluctant to buy cars without a spare and I guess I just found my solution. I will put a tire repair kit with compressor in the X1 when it arrives. |
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 10-03-2012, 01:23 AM | #14 |
|
Private First Class
 167
Rep 191
Posts |
I vote get a new tire... but I plugged my RFT with the Slime Tire Plug Kit at wallyworld. $5 vs $300?
Nobody would touch it - especially with the puncture along the side wall. The plug was absolutely fine and stayed on until the tread was done. Left the kit in my glove box and I'd use it again. Use your best judgement. Last edited by INFURNO; 10-03-2012 at 01:28 AM.. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 10-03-2012, 04:23 AM | #15 |
|
Lieutenant Colonel
 
99
Rep 1,597
Posts |
RFT's are ironically very fragile...
I wouldn't do it out of safety reasons... Got mine replaced when i drove a flat one... But that's up to you! I'm not going to recommened something wich i'm not sure it's safe...
__________________
BEFORE: 130i N52 (2006-2011)
 NOW: 335xi N55 (2011- )  |
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 10-03-2012, 07:46 AM | #17 |
|
Captain
27
Rep 600
Posts |
Yes. Done it three times. Just like any other tire, if the puncture isn't too close to the sidewall, you can. Trouble is, finding a place to do it and accept the liability. Run flat manufacturers claim they cannot be patched thus a lot of places refuse. Kinda sick when you think about it. What a friggin' waste.
__________________
Jay (in San Antonio, TX)
2014 428i coupe, mineral gray metallic with black interior, black ash trim, luxury edition. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 10-03-2012, 08:22 AM | #19 |
|
Lieutenant
36
Rep 433
Posts |
As long as you haven't driven on a totally deflated run flat, potentially causing hidden sidewall damage, it can be repaired like any other tire. The problem is finding a tire shop willing to do this since they can't be sure it wasn't driven flat and they are legitimately concerned about liability issues, and they would rather sell you a new tire at full price!
Best shot is finding a local gas station willing to plug a simple nail or screw puncture. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
| 10-03-2012, 08:37 AM | #21 |
|
Private First Class
19
Rep 182
Posts |
I would just plug it on your own and go from there if it is away from the sidewall. I have done this on other cars with runflats and they have all been fine. (I have done it about 3-4 times). Its all up to you, I would say if your tires are shot just replace them all, if they are brand new replace that one, and if they only have a few k left in them plug it and wait until you need new tires to replace.
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
|
| Bookmarks |
|
|
