Can A Run Flat Tyre Be Repaired

In most cases, we can say ‘YES’. However, it is a bit complicated, and we need to examine the question in detail for a better understanding. Some tire manufacturers have said yes to repairing a run-flat tyre repair. But they have also mentioned that the tyres can only be fixed under specific guidelines. Some tyre manufacturers have just said ‘NO’. Any repair work will void the warranty. This blog post will highlight the repair policies of various tire manufacturers related to run-flat tires.

Bridgestone

The company says that the first thing to check is the bridgestone tyre's inner liner. If there are cracks on the rubber or crumples, you should not go ahead with the repair. The reason is that this damage results from driving at extremely low pressure for a longer duration of time, which leads to irreparable damage. However, you may repair the tire if there is no such damage.

Continental

The Continental tire manufacturer does not recommend repairing a run-flat tyre that has sustained damage on the hard inserts in the tyre’s sidewall. This damage is due to driving under low pressure for a long time. Since this damage is on the inside part of the tyre, it is challenging to detect it.

Dunlop & Goodyear

Dunlop and Goodyear state that their tyres are subject to repair unless otherwise mentioned. If the condition is uncertain, you should not opt for repair. If there is damage to the treading or the sidewall, avoid repairing it. Also, the manufacturer prohibits repair if it has been driven under low pressure for a long distance.

Yokohama

This tire manufacturer has categorically stated that its run-flat tires cannot be repaired.

Hankook

This tire manufacturer allows run-flat tires to be repaired with only a few exceptions. Hankook suggests that their run-flat tyres are unrepairable if:

• Driven under less than 15 PSI
• Damage on the outer treading or sidewalls

Michelin

Michelin brand's run-flat tyres are unrepairable if the object in the tyre is stuck at a 30-degree angle on its treading. Michelin run-flat tyres are subject to repair only once, adhering to standard rules and procedures of an inspection.

Pirelli

Pirelli has straightforwardly said that their run-flat tires are unrepairable. The reason is that the damage caused to a tyre is not visible, and there is no way of finding out how much damage has been sustained to the construction of the tyre when it has been driven for a distance while being flat.

Conclusion

The below table summarises the entire blog post. When repairing a run-flat tire, ensure that the workshop is qualified to work on it. Also, every tire manufacturer states that repair work must be done only after thorough testing and inspection.