Is it possible to repair a run flat tire? Yes… and no. While some manufacturers claim that it is possible to repair a run flat tire—under certain conditions—the vast majority of them recommend replacing the tire in question. Blackcircles Canada has looked into the subject of these Run-on-Flat tires.
First of all, what is a Run Flat tire? A run flat tire is one that allows you to drive at a maximum speed of 80 km/h for up to 80 kilometres despite a flat. This gives you plenty of time to find a garage! However, once you get there, chances are that the garage will tell you that you need to change your tire. Why would they tell you to change your tire?
Damage to the internal structure
Although it is designed to run in spite of a puncture, driving with an under-inflated run flat tire puts high stress on its internal structure, which can damage it irreversibly by creating a break between the tire sidewall and the rim. For this reason, in most cases it must be replaced with a new tire.
But do all run flat tires have to be replaced after a puncture?
Depending on the type of technology used in the tire design and the damage sustained, some of them may be preserved. This is the case, for example, if it is only under-inflated and has not suffered a puncture, but only a specialist will be able to tell you whether or not your tire is salvageable.
In addition, the tread on run flat tires can be repaired under certain conditions, for example if it has been punctured by a nail or other small object. But even in this case, the tire must not have travelled a long distance under the pressure recommended by the manufacturer. Finally, if your tire can be repaired, it can only be repaired once!
But how do I know if my run flat tire is flat?
This type of tire can only be installed on vehicles equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), so you will know if there’s a problem with one of your tires (or more than one, if you’re unlucky). Check with the specialists at blackcircles Canada to find out if this type of tire is right for your vehicle!
