Can a "run flat" tire be repaired or do you have to replace the tire everytime you have a puncture?

Answer 1

If you run a tire flat, there is a chance that permanent damage will be done on the tire that cannot be repaired. Normally tires can be repaired repetitively as long as it has puncture holes (not slices).

So better if you replace it with a spare or get one of those temporary fillers and get that hole patched up and not run flat. This will lengthen your tire life significantly and save you money.

Answer 2

The point is that a small hole shouldn't be an issue, as most "run flat" tires have either self-sealing features and/or are extra rigid, so all you'd need to do is put some air back in to replace whatever was lost, and you're good to go. Larger holes will also be self-sealing, to a point, but, even with ordinary tires, there is a point of complete failure that cannot be repaired.

Here's a quote from the second link below
"The (specific model) Run-Flat tire for passenger cars is designed to be driven with no air pressure for up to 50 miles at 55 mph and still be fully repairable."

IMHO, they are a gimmick, which, according to the first link below, wear very quickly and, thus, are more expensive in the long run, even if you never get a flat.

Answer 3

These tires contain an extra lining within the tire that self-seals in the event of a small hole due to a nail or screw. In this way, the loss of air is prevented from the outset such that the tire is either permanently self-repairing or at least loses air very slowly.

There are also a number of retro-fitted tire sealants which act in a similar way to self-sealing tires. These compounds are normally injected through the tire valve. The rotating force then distributes the compound onto the inner surface of the tire to act as a self-sealing lining within the tire.[3]

Answer 4

"Run Flat" tires - meaning tires designed to allow the vehicle to be driven for short periods un-inflated - can be repaired under certain very strict conditions and repairs must only be done by a service technician certified in servicing Run Flat tires. Most tecnicians are not. Run Flat tires have very different construction and very different servicing requirements compared to standard passenger and light truck tires.

Therefore, if this situation occurs make sure you go to a Run-Flat certified shop to have the tire inspected. The tire manufacturer will be able to refer you to one.

Answer 5

No way! Take the tire to an auto or tire shop. Ofteb enough, they can find the hole (using a spray with water, that will show bubbles where the hole is) and put a plug in it. The tire will last a lot longer than you think! I had this same thing happen!

Forget paying a crap-load for a new tire... for $20 bucks you can get it plugged!