[jriden]

OK, what is the rational and cost-effective solution to the run-flat tire dilemma? If one gets punctured by a screw or nail, do you take it in to a tire shop and get it fixed? Is that even possible? Or do you have to pay for a new tire every time one picks up something on the road? The Pirellis cost $212 each at Tire Rack. Mini dealers say the tires are NOT to be repaired, but MUST be replaced, at their price of $436 each. Ouch says my wallet! I can't believe you couldn't plug these tires just like regular tubeless, so long as you didn't run them in flat condition too long.

[djafactor]

I have a few 17" pirellis left for sale. around 2000 miles on them. $120 plus shipping. I had them replaced with the yokohama es100 to prepare for my track day coming up. drop me a line if you are interested. It would be best to keep one in the garage just in case.

Amit

[jriden]

I might want one of your tires. Let me think about it and hear back from Pirelli about repairability. How are you facing the spare tire issue? Or is your MCS just a track car?

[kxl]

I had a Dunlop run-flat repaired 4000 miles ago with no problems since. Independent Tyre place said they could do it no problem. Mine was just a slow so there was no problem with the side walls. I'd check elsewhere before parting with that kind of cash.

[Bilbo Baggins]

Quote:

Originally posted by kxl
I had a Dunlop run-flat repaired 4000 miles ago with no problems since. Independent Tyre place said they could do it no problem. Mine was just a slow so there was no problem with the side walls. I'd check elsewhere before parting with that kind of cash.

Did they just 'plug' the tire, or did they patch it from the inside?

[mini-is-4-me]

My car's rear tire had a screw in it at about 60 miles and I picked the car up at only 38.... Had the car for 2 days with a slow leak that was loosing about 2-5lbs every 24 hours. On day two, the tire read 15 psi.

Called the dealer and they helped me get it fixed since in all liklihood the screw was there when I got the car unless then never inflated the tires to 35-43 psi in the first place.

Was going to have it repaired at a local tire repair but they were going to plug-it. The place the dealer recommended took the tire off and patched it from inside. Plugging is not as good. They make the hole bigger with a plug because they don't know the angle of attack of the foreign object. The result is like a gun shot entrance with the base of the triangle exit hole inside being one side of the triangle.

I think the run-flat tires just have a better sidewall with more stiffier rubber and support...so as long as the hole isn't in the sidewall, its just like repairing any other tubeless tire. If the hole is in the side like a blow-out, you done no matter what.

{I wish they would have done both though....its crazy....99% of it is labor. How much does the rubber and glue cost to do both for goodness sakes}

[jriden]

The tire "experts" are telling me no way are you supposed to repair a Pirelli run-flat. They say that repairing by patching the inside or by plugging compromises the speed rating of the tire. But I haven't heard it from the horse's mouth yet -- query in to Pirelli. Here's hoping they don't give out statements from the other end of the horse. Will advise when I know more. It doesn't make sense yet. Many opinions are based on assumptions and prejudice. Few based on science. Stay tuned.

[Big Al]

I have been offered a tyre protection insurance policy by the dealer . It covers cost of repair or replacement for 24 months from purchase , as long as the tyre has legal tread depth . It includes kerbed and malicious damage as well as
"normal" punctures . The cost is £100 (approx £1 per week)
I shall probably go for it .

Had my tire plugged and patched for the same hole.

Trying to be extra sure, that I will able to drive without it leaking again.
Robert

[X2Board]

I have the same dilema, i picked up my Cooper S last Friday and with less than 200 miles on the odo, I picked up a screw in the left rear tire, @212 from the rack, I'm going with an inside patch first, I just need to find a quality shop that won't damage the wheel during the dismount and remount of the tire.

X2

[CoopeR]

It is a problem, It looks like we are not supposed to fix them but if I can find somone who does then I will get it done.

There is no way I am going to run the gauntlet if I have to replace the RF every time it gets a puncture. If that is the case when I replace my tyres I will be putting on Non Runflats.

[Lorenzo D'Martini]

Have had my C-5 run-flats repaired by both pluging or a patch applied to the inside of the tires. I don't think I will repair a tire more than once though. I would also take into consideration of the amount of tread wear of the damaged tire. A tire with a damaged sidewall probably should be replaced, but a tire with only a couple of thousand of miles with a hole in the tread portion of the tire should be repairable by a "competent" tire store. Keep in mind these guys are in the business of selling tires and $100 car alignments. Thats my take on the subject.

[DavidB]

From what I understand it's the amount of miles and speed you do that damages the tyre, they say you can do upto 150 miles (I think can’t remember ) at 50mph, now if do drive a long distance or high speed when the tyre is flat you can generate a lot of heat in the side walls which will permanently damage the tyre. If I get a puncture I will get it repaired ONLY of I have covered a few miles at low speed.

Dave

[X2Board]

I purchased one of his takeoff Pirelli's to replace my screwed tire, very smooth transaction, and the tire was just as described, I'm happily motoring again. So if anyone else is thinking of getting one, do so with confidence.

X2

[dsc68]

Quote:

Originally posted by DavidB
From what I understand it's the amount of miles and speed you do that damages the tyre, they say you can do upto 150 miles (I think can’t remember ) at 50mph, now if do drive a long distance or high speed when the tyre is flat you can generate a lot of heat in the side walls which will permanently damage the tyre. If I get a puncture I will get it repaired ONLY of I have covered a few miles at low speed.

Dave

This is my understanding also. Tyre repair places are reluctant to repair run flats because they cannot check that you haven't driven on them excessively when flat and don't want to repair a potentially defective tyre.

The plug type tyre repair kits are available from most auto parts places. A tyre repair person demonstrated how to do it at my local Mini club meeting some time back and the 4wd people use them when they are out bush. The repair can be carried out without unmounting the tyre.

I was thinking about carrying a repair kit and a small air compressor in my MCS and repairing a puncture as soon as possible.

[djafactor]

I still have two Pirelli Euphoria's left 205/45/17. $120 each plus shipping 3000 miles on them. If you are interested email me thanks

Amit

[TJS]

Just had to replace a punctured 17 inch Pirelli run flat tyre after 900 miles from new. Dealer recomended new tyre rather than repair. The fitters had trouble getting the tyre off the rim due to the run flat beading. The pressure sensor picked up the problem, therefore didn't need to drive on a flat tyre. A replacement tyre took 3 days to source.... no wonder you can travel 200 miles plus when punctured !

TJS

[CurtP]

Take a look at this webpage:

http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/D...irerepair.html

This is the proper way to repair a tire, and he gives an explanation as to why plugs alone are not a good repair method. I tend to believe him too, since this is part of his area of study for the Federal Government.

I will e-mail him and ask if there is anything specific about repairing run-flat tires.

[CurtP]

Quote:

Originally posted by obehave
I think the sites been flooded

Sometimes it works, sometimes it reports back as exceeding his download limit. I just tried it again and it worked, but earlier this morning it didn't. Stupid Geocities!

I'll see if I can snatch that page from his website tonight and throw it up on my server. I've tried it with a friend's Geocities website before, but it didn't work.

[CurtP]

I e-mailed Ken, and he recommended that we ask the tire manufacturer, so I e-mailed Pirelli. I do no like what they wrote back:

Quote:

We thank you for your recent inquiry. The Euphoria Run-flat tires should not be repaired. The Run-flat technology provides a way to get you to a safe place in the event of a tire emergency. Our dealer locator (along with technical specifications on Pirelli tires) and a fitment guide is located on www.us.pirelli.com.

Kindest regards,

PIRELLI TIRE NORTH AMERICA
CONSUMER AFFAIRS

So every time I get a nail in my tire, I'm supposed to replace the tire? That makes for an expensive repair