Run-Flat Tires

TimboSlice619 · 11-04-2013, 07:22 PM

Hey guys, I have two nails in my front passenger tire on my C7. The nail that's leaking is in the middle of the tire and the one that's not leaking is near the side wall. I called my dealer and they told me that when run flats get a nail, they don't patch them, and said I'll have to get a new tire. I don't know too much about these tires, but what my dealer said kind of sounded like bs. Do you guys think I could just go to Discount Tire and get it patched, or are there really some good reasons behind not patching run-flats? Thanks

louloumax · 11-08-2013, 05:50 PM

patch and plug the leaker. drive for a week and see if any air is lost and have the tire shop spray the plug area with soapy water. since they are run flat tires, even if the plug fails, you can still get home safely. if you lose air, change the tire.
there is a real good chance the plug will be all you need. the run flats are sidewall-stress tires. the tread is stressed mainly over bumps, not on hard cornering.

GCC · 11-09-2013, 08:23 AM

You can't repair a sidewall but even according to Michelin you can properly repair, not plug, a run flat PAX tire when the damage is in the thread of the tire and less than 1/4" in size.

Hgar99 · 01-03-2014, 11:45 AM

I have had the same experience with continentals on a Mercedes. If you go to a PEP BOYS, they will plug it if it in the tread area and not charge you. Most tire shops will try to sell you another tire.

C7Driver · 03-21-2014, 01:40 AM

The correct way to "fix" a run flat is to dismount the tire and patch it from the inside. You can try a plug but it isn't recommended. Punctures to the sidewall can't be repaired, you'll need a new tire.
I've seen posts showing a charge of $25 to repair a run flat and all the way up to $75 for the same repair. Call around and ask the shop if they have the right equipment to handle run flats.

GeoC · 07-12-2014, 05:52 PM

Owned a tire store don't even consider
Plugging a tire. Had Discount patch a rear
Run flat no problem at all.

11-04-2013, 07:22 PM	#1
TimboSlice619 Drives: 2014 2LT LBT Stingray Z51 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Detroit, MI Posts: 13	Run-Flat Tires Hey guys, I have two nails in my front passenger tire on my C7. The nail that's leaking is in the middle of the tire and the one that's not leaking is near the side wall. I called my dealer and they told me that when run flats get a nail, they don't patch them, and said I'll have to get a new tire. I don't know too much about these tires, but what my dealer said kind of sounded like bs. Do you guys think I could just go to Discount Tire and get it patched, or are there really some good reasons behind not patching run-flats? Thanks

11-08-2013, 05:50 PM	#2
louloumax Drives: 2014 corvette coupe Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: SE PA USA Posts: 31	patch and plug the leaker. drive for a week and see if any air is lost and have the tire shop spray the plug area with soapy water. since they are run flat tires, even if the plug fails, you can still get home safely. if you lose air, change the tire. there is a real good chance the plug will be all you need. the run flats are sidewall-stress tires. the tread is stressed mainly over bumps, not on hard cornering.

11-09-2013, 08:23 AM	#3
GCC Drives: 2014 C7 Black - #5222 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Arizona Posts: 81	You can't repair a sidewall but even according to Michelin you can properly repair, not plug, a run flat PAX tire when the damage is in the thread of the tire and less than 1/4" in size.

01-03-2014, 11:45 AM	#4
Hgar99 Drives: Mercedes Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: United States Posts: 4	I have had the same experience with continentals on a Mercedes. If you go to a PEP BOYS, they will plug it if it in the tread area and not charge you. Most tire shops will try to sell you another tire.

03-21-2014, 01:40 AM	#5
C7Driver Drives: 2014 Z51 Lime Rock Green Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: New England Posts: 148	The correct way to "fix" a run flat is to dismount the tire and patch it from the inside. You can try a plug but it isn't recommended. Punctures to the sidewall can't be repaired, you'll need a new tire. I've seen posts showing a charge of $25 to repair a run flat and all the way up to $75 for the same repair. Call around and ask the shop if they have the right equipment to handle run flats.

07-12-2014, 05:52 PM	#6
GeoC Account Suspended Drives: 2014 C7 LT2 Z51 Coupe Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Texas Posts: 77	Owned a tire store don't even consider Plugging a tire. Had Discount patch a rear Run flat no problem at all.