[blackminione]

On Saturday my run flat indicator light came on and I checked my tyre pressures. One of my tyres was completely flat. I took it to a tyre centre who repaired it but said that it really needed replacing because the tread had worn completely. He reckoned I'd been driving with a flat for about a month. The car is only 6 months old yet the pressure indicator did not come on until the tyre was completley flat. Surely this is not right? Do you think I could get a new tyre out of Mini or am I wasting my time. My point is that if the indicator had come on eatlier, the tread would not have worn and the tyre would have been repairable.

Thanks for any help guys.

[metsub]

hello....

im pretty sure that the rfi only detects sudden changes in loss of pressure...if it was slowly deflating it wouldnt have been detected,,,thats what it says in the manual anyway...

[king me]

My R56 from the factory had a slow leak in all tires. Found the trouble to be the valve stem itself was not bolted tight enough to the wheel. 11mm deep socket and tighten the valve stem. Solved my trouble.

[Randall Raines]

Quote: Originally Posted by metsub (original)

hello....

I'm pretty sure that the rfi only detects sudden changes in loss of pressure...if it was slowly deflating it wouldnt have been detected,,,thats what it says in the manual anyway...

Correct it is harder for the system to pick up on a slow deflation, but saying that once a tyre goes below a certain pressure the system should still pick up on it as one wheel would be totally out eventually (dragging, going slow, rotating slower).

I'm not being cynical or anything but did you not notice, driving etc... etc... because for the tyre to have worn out that quick, it must have been very low for some time as the tyre fitter stated .

Although they are run-flats you can still notice deflation if totally deflated IMO (In My Opinion) through sight & driving although it is a lot harder to notice .

Did you actually see the tread of the tyre removed, because once run-flats have been driven on (for a while while deflated), it can damage the side-wall which is what keeps a run-flat up when deflated (very strong side-walls compared to normal tyres) once this is damaged it should be renewed, It's up-to the fitter at the time to decide whether it's repairable or not (dependant on damage puncture & running on flat damage )

Have you not just got your wires crossed with the fitter (this is only a suggestion) .

Also your case is another reason why you shouldn't just rely on the system (technology) and you should also check the pressures manually from time-to-time, you actually need to do so for the system to work properly (remembering to reset the system should you need to alter any pressures ).

There is no harm in having a word with your Main Dealer if it's only to have the system checked .