Can you patch a run-flat-tire? - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

Humble_Bear · 10-02-2012, 10:29 PM

Can you patch a run-flat-tire?

LivnLife31 · 10-02-2012, 10:31 PM

I have used a plug in the past.

michaelalex17 · 10-02-2012, 10:32 PM

nope

Humble_Bear · 10-02-2012, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LivnLife31

I have used a plug in the past.

How long did the plug last?

LivnLife31 · 10-02-2012, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Humble_Bear

How long did the plug last?

At least 7k miles. I was sick of going back to the dealer with flats. I got rid of the RF's at this point.

driverman · 10-02-2012, 10:58 PM

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.

Humble_Bear · 10-03-2012, 12:00 AM

You can either plug or patch?

driverman · 10-03-2012, 12:14 AM

Patch yes; I don't know about plugs.

Maybe a tire expert can chime in.

PAMidge · 10-03-2012, 12:17 AM

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.

Bakeme521 · 10-03-2012, 12:29 AM

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.

Humble_Bear · 10-03-2012, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bakeme521

I don't see any risk involved at all.

I've used patches an plugs for years (I've actually had better luck with plugs). ...

Did you patch or plug RFT or just regular?

CharlieBear · 10-03-2012, 01:12 AM

plug it. I did recently. it's fine.

Humble_Bear · 10-03-2012, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlieBear

plug it. I did recently. it's fine.

Keep us updated.

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.

INFURNO · 10-03-2012, 01:23 AM

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.

BMW_Belgier · 10-03-2012, 04:23 AM

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...

Sara504 · 10-03-2012, 07:31 AM

I had a nail in my runflat last week.. Dealership said its highly unsafe to patch it, they gave me a new tire free of charge.

JRJ1970 · 10-03-2012, 07:46 AM

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.

point665 · 10-03-2012, 08:07 AM

Knock on wood but I've plugged a screw that was in one of my runflats - its lasted at least 5k miles without any signs of leaking.

xG35c · 10-03-2012, 08:22 AM

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.

StoneCold · 10-03-2012, 08:25 AM

Not on the sidewall & do not take to the dealer. AT did plugged and patched on my rear with out issues until now. GL

KMEddy · 10-03-2012, 08:37 AM

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.

luv135i · 10-03-2012, 11:57 AM

Yes if you havent run it flat. No if you did.

10-02-2012, 10:29 PM	#1
Humble_Bear Private Drives: 01 530i,10 Golf,11 Sorento V6 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: LA Posts: 94 iTrader: (0)	Can you patch a run-flat-tire? Can you patch a run-flat-tire?
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10-03-2012, 12:29 AM	#10
Bakeme521 Some say... Drives: Fresh Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Baton Rouge n NOLA Posts: 4,183 iTrader: (12) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i [4.39]	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...

10-03-2012, 01:23 AM	#14
INFURNO Private Drives: e46 330i / e90 330i Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma Posts: 77 iTrader: (0)	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.

10-03-2012, 04:23 AM	#15
BMW_Belgier Major Drives: E92 335xi n55 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Switzerland Posts: 1,353 iTrader: (0)	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- )

10-03-2012, 07:31 AM	#16
Sara504 ///Miss E92 Drives: 2013 335is Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Newport Beach, CA Posts: 17,093 iTrader: (5)	I had a nail in my runflat last week.. Dealership said its highly unsafe to patch it, they gave me a new tire free of charge. __________________ 2013 335is-Current 2011 335i -Sold 4/13 2006 325i-Sold 7/11

10-02-2012, 10:31 PM	#2
LivnLife31 Banned Drives: 2009 E90 N54 TiAg Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: South Florida Posts: 421 iTrader: (2) Garage List 2009 335i Sedan [0.50]	I have used a plug in the past.

10-02-2012, 10:32 PM	#3
michaelalex17 Colonel Drives: 335xi E92 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: NY Posts: 2,137 iTrader: (3)	nope

10-02-2012, 10:58 PM	#6
driverman Lieutenant Drives: 2008 E90 328i 6MT Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 517 iTrader: (0)	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.

10-03-2012, 12:00 AM	#7
Humble_Bear Private Drives: 01 530i,10 Golf,11 Sorento V6 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: LA Posts: 94 iTrader: (0)	You can either plug or patch?

10-03-2012, 12:14 AM	#8
driverman Lieutenant Drives: 2008 E90 328i 6MT Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 517 iTrader: (0)	Patch yes; I don't know about plugs. Maybe a tire expert can chime in.

10-03-2012, 12:17 AM	#9
PAMidge Saving Lives Since 2000 Drives: 2011 335xi & 2013 X3 28i Join Date: May 2007 Location: Northeast Posts: 1,876 iTrader: (2) Garage List 2011 e90 335xi [3.57] 2013 X3 28i [0.00]	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.

10-03-2012, 01:12 AM	#12
CharlieBear Private First Class Drives: white on red e92 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Dallas Posts: 175 iTrader: (2)	plug it. I did recently. it's fine.

10-03-2012, 07:46 AM	#17
JRJ1970 Lieutenant Drives: 2011 328i E93-lci Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 577 iTrader: (0)	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) 2011 328i hard top convertible (E93), titanium silver with black interior, bamboo anthracite trim, iDrive, Navigation, Comfort Access.

10-03-2012, 08:07 AM	#18
point665 Enlisted Member Drives: 2008 335i Sedan Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: S. FL Posts: 38 iTrader: (0)	Knock on wood but I've plugged a screw that was in one of my runflats - its lasted at least 5k miles without any signs of leaking.

10-03-2012, 08:22 AM	#19
xG35c Second Lieutenant Drives: 330i Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: NJ Posts: 287 iTrader: (0)	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.

10-03-2012, 08:25 AM	#20
StoneCold Lieutenant Drives: BMW 2008 328i Coupe, Pro 02/08 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 592 iTrader: (0)	Not on the sidewall & do not take to the dealer. AT did plugged and patched on my rear with out issues until now. GL

10-03-2012, 08:37 AM	#21
KMEddy Private First Class Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Vermont Posts: 138 iTrader: (0)	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.

10-03-2012, 11:57 AM	#22
luv135i Captain Drives: White Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: GA Posts: 757 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 Suzuki Hayabusa [0.50] 1994 Honda Del Sol [0.50] 2004 Cadillac CTS [0.50] 2011 BMW 328I [1.50] 2010 BMW 135I [2.75]	Yes if you havent run it flat. No if you did. __________________ 2010 135i AW 2011 328i AW

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