Run-Flat Tires and Subsitutes

I just purchased a 2009 JCW Hardtop, which came with Dunlop run-flat tires and I have a question that I would welcome informed opinions on.
1. Can a run-flat tire be safely and adequately repaired using a standard radial tire plug kit that can be purchased at an auto parts store?

Thank you.

PS: I intend to switch to non run flats as soon as the current tires wear out, so I am curious about the repair-ability.

As I've been told and experienced, tire shops are reluctant to repair runflats, if at all. I've heard of a few being repaired, depending on where they are damaged, but I would not try to do it with a basic radial tire plug.

Since it is assumed one would drive on a "flat" runflat for some considerable miles, it is also likely the tire could sustain severe wear on its sidewalls, even though they might look fine.

Talk to a trusted tire shop for the best advise.

Hello yelrsub -
I called Discount Tire and they said they repair "run flats" as long as the damage isn't too close to the sidewall, but that criteria doesn't differ much from regular radial rules of repair.

I understand the concept of a "run flat" is to run it for miles after it is flat, but my first impulse would be to repair it with a plug on site and then pump it up with a portable compressor. I have done that quickly on standard radials with little trouble so that is why I wanted to know if I could do the same with a "run flat" and avoid the side wall damage. I can actually pull the nail, ream out the hole, and slide in a plug on a standard radial tire before all the air leaks out so for me this would not be a problem.

Hi Mac,

Being run flats, I guess it should be worth a try, since worst case it goes back to its safe "flat" state if it doesn't work. Good to know they'll fix the tires -- it's a whole heck of a lot cheaper than replacement!

Let us know how it goes.

Discount Tire said $20 to fix a run flat, and he sounded like it was pretty normal to fix one. Not unusual at all.

yelrsub wrote:Hi Mac,

Being run flats, I guess it should be worth a try, since worst case it goes back to its safe "flat" state if it doesn't work. Good to know they'll fix the tires -- it's a whole heck of a lot cheaper than replacement!

Let us know how it goes.

Following up on this-
I spoke with the service manager at Sandia Mini and he said that my thought of using the radial tire plug as a temporary patch would work until it can be fixed permanently. If you get a flat just pull over in a safe place, pull the nail, jam in a plug, inflate the tire and drive off to get it fixed permanently later on. The benefit to this is that you avoid sidewall damage, which is why you might have to replace the run-flat even if it runs flat.

I just replaced the tires on my Mini so now I've got 2 kinda okay shape 17in. Runflats for sale to anyone who might need them... call me at 1-505-504-6663 and I'll be happy to hook you up with a great deal.

Regards,
Mike Burke