12-08-2013, 07:37 PM | #1 |
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Screw in Run Flat: Patch, Plug or Replace (1 or 2)?
I noticed a screw in my OEM run flat tire. The tire has 11k miles on it. There hasn't been any pressure loss yet.
I've read that it isn't a good idea to patch a run flat -- but is that only after they have lost pressure? Also, if I need to replace the damaged tire, do I need to replace the other side too? I have the CNA Road Hazzard insurance - it says it will only pay for the damaged tire... Thoughts?? UPDATE: Neither BMW nor GoodYear say they will fix it if the screw went through. Also, neither has the tire in stock... Thanks!! Last edited by SwiftCloud; 12-09-2013 at 11:51 AM.. |
12-08-2013, 08:45 PM | #2 |
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Are you sure the screw has punctured the tire? A few years back I had one in my tire that looked very similar to yours, and when I brought it into the tire shop and they removed it, it ends up it looked similar to this and was just wedged between the tread:
If the tire is indeed damaged, then the damage is obviously in between the tread, so I would think it can be plugged without a problem. |
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12-08-2013, 09:15 PM | #3 |
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I've toyed with the notion of getting a plug kit and small compressor (likely I'd need a jack and wrench as well) as a means of patching by the side of the road.
I've carried such things for years in our donut-equipped cars; is it any kind of practical idea with the runflats? Can they, indeed, not be patched? Moon |
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12-09-2013, 06:12 AM | #5 |
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A T-patch is worth doing now, before you drive on it with low pressure or flat.
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12-09-2013, 09:09 AM | #6 |
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I don't see any reason they cannot be plugged or patched. The only difference between rft and nrft is a stiffer side wall. If the sidewall is not damaged, I say plug away.
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12-09-2013, 09:49 AM | #7 | |
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Thanks, Moon |
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12-09-2013, 10:26 AM | #8 |
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I'd remove the screw and see how deeply it penetrated the tire. A close look at the threads suggest a pointed screw. It is perfectly positioned for the tread to keep it from entering completely. If not too deep the tire itself probably can be used without repair. If uncertain, perhaps have it repaired, even if you have insurance. Despite BMW dealer ideology it seems that a repair of this kind of well-placed simple puncture is straightforward.
New to planet BMW, I was traumatized by the idea of riding around without a spare. Ditto for the daft idea of replacing a tire because it has a straightforward puncture in it. So I did get a high portable power compressor, patch kit and Slime, and carry them around in a tool bag in the back. Takes half the space of a spare. Daft BMW. |
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12-09-2013, 12:58 PM | #9 |
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A run flat can be plugged or patched like any other tire. Manufacturers and dealers shy away from patching/plugging because the integrity of the tire can be lost if it has been run deflated a certain distance. You should have no issues if you repair before running it with no pressure
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12-09-2013, 01:01 PM | #10 |
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12-09-2013, 02:42 PM | #11 |
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So if you actually use the tire (while flat) for any significant distance, it simply has to be replaced? Yikes. Donuts are sounding better all the time.
I'll be giving some serious thought to a plug kit... Moon |
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12-09-2013, 03:02 PM | #12 |
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Yup...the Catch 22 to runflats...if used flat, they're toast. The inner sidewall will degrade quickly. I had a flat on the oem tires in our 2009 135i Coupe and drove 1mile and it was a throw-away.
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12-09-2013, 06:39 PM | #13 |
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Chances are BMW and Goodyear are trying to sell you a tire. My Pirelli warranty page specifically said it could be patched on my previous Mini Clubman run flat. It happened at 800 miles and I put 18,000 miles on it after the repair.
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12-10-2013, 06:03 PM | #14 |
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I've had RFTs patched without a problem. As long as the puncture is far enough away from the sidewall so the patch will fit, you should be fine.
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12-11-2013, 11:26 PM | #15 | |
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Run flats have a certified distance that they can be used in a deflated state. Once you exceed this distance the tire is no longer safe. There is no way to track the number of miles your car was driven with the run flat deflated. Sure, you can track it yourself. But are you really gonna risk it? Either way, bmw and the run flat manufacturer are not willing to risk it. That's why you need insurance. This way, every flat you get a new tire, |
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12-12-2013, 08:45 AM | #16 |
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And how expensive is that insurance? What period of time does it cover?
I recall it being discussed while working out our deal, but not the specifics. Thnx, Moon |
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12-12-2013, 09:33 AM | #17 |
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The above is entirely indicative of why you should ditch the run-flats as soon as possible (when worn out) and revert back to regular tires. Just keep a Dynaplug kit (and a pair of pliers) plus a compressor in the vehicle and you're way better off. No harsh ride, less unsprung weight (increases fuel mileage, acceleration, cornering, and braking), no uber-expensive tires, no inability to have them patched, and cheaper to replace when they are worn out.
No ///M car comes with run flats...and there's a reason!
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12-12-2013, 09:58 AM | #18 |
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One important difference though:
Any M series vehicle that does not come with a spare is covered in full for towing to the nearest BMW center. This is a LIFETIME benefit that comes with all M models. Wheel and tire specifications are subject to change. Further, note that by the letter of what they say, you can only be towed to the nearest BMW dealer, where tires are priced obscenely. However I had good luck talking them into taking me to Discount/America's Tire a few times with my previous M Coupe. Of course BMW Roadside is just AAA by a fancier name, so it's not hard to replace. I agree though, regular tires, a plug kit, pliers, an inflator and gloves are a great solution for people looking to ditch runflats. |
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12-12-2013, 01:25 PM | #19 | |
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Driving on a completely deflated RFT would most certainly destroy the tire, just like a regular non-RFT. However, the claim that RFTs are not patchable (in the case where a puncture was caught in time) is baloney. |
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12-12-2013, 01:47 PM | #20 |
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Had the tire replaced today at the BMW Dealer - using the CNA insurance to pay 100%. The all-in price to replace the tire was listed at $320.
I'm lucky it wasn't leaking (noticeably) b/c they had to order the tire (1 day). That is the part that has me concerned for next time... |
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12-12-2013, 06:11 PM | #21 | |
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12-12-2013, 09:19 PM | #22 |
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I'll do my homework here; perhaps when the runflats are worn, I'll think about conventional tires and plugs/compressor.
BTW, is there a jack available that the group likes? It always seemed to me that tires were bunches easier to plug off the car. Moon |
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