Run Flats

[X5M50d]

Am I right in saying run flats are non repairable resulting in having to purchase a new replacement tyre. I have Pirellis with a screw in the drivers side front with only 7k miles on it :'(

[Alan Gunn]

That is repairable only when it's side wall damage is it a buy new job.
Some places will say no so shop around it can be fixed.

[Horizon]

Members on here have had Runflats repaired, certain companies/ dealers won't repair them.
The reason is I guess is that if you have had a puncture and run on it with no pressure in for 70 miles ( as is the whole idea of Runflats ) the tyre will have sustained sidewall damage and need replacing.
If the light comes on due to a 5 psi drop in pressure due to a slow puncture, no damage will have occurred.
So that tyre will be safely repaired.
It's where you draw that line.
I cracked an alloy on the E93 and drove on a runfat with no pressure in it for 50 miles to get to a place that rewelded it, the tyre was knackered internally and the amount of rubber inside the wheel when it was removed was very noticeable.
I replaced them with non Runflats ( no star marking problems as 2 wheel drive )

[X5Sport]

My local place repaired one of mine with a few less miles on it but a 1/4 bolt in the middle.  He said the tyre manufacturers say they can’t be fixed but plenty of places ignore that.  I only did a couple of miles on it and it was finally replaced when it wore out 

[MarkG_M3CP]

eTyres will repair them so long as they haven't 'run flat'. £25 and completed on your drive.

[X5M50d]

Thanks everyone, that is reassuring to hear.
I do have tyre insurance and after speaking to them about it they had said non repairable on their part - hence my question to you all.
As I can only claim 5 times over 3 years with the policy I really didn't want to use my first claim on a repair only job.
Cheers

[kenniff]

I had a slow puncture at c 1000 miles. No running on it when flat as the TPMS alerted me to the issue. Kwik Fit said their policy was not to repair - but the mechanic (who shall remain nameless) took me aside and said he would do it "off the books".

In the end I opted to replace the tyre anyway.

[Abbot26]

There’s loads of repaired runflats on eBay, I think tyre garages tell us they can’t be fixed, sell us new ones then fix them once they’ve rinsed us

[silverbeemersurfer]

The key points regarding the possibility of a repair being carried out on V, W, or Y rated tyres have previously been mentioned.
The position and size of the penetration are paramount. Repairs should not exceed 6mm in diameter. The penetration must be between the two shoulder areas, definitely NOT within the shoulder areas. Depending on the actual tread pattern, as a guide the shoulder area is normally considered the area extending from the first main groove in the main tread pattern outwards over the shoulder. Only one repair per tyre should be allowed.
The tyre MUST be removed and physically examined by a fully qualified technician for internal structural damage before a decision is made regarding a possible repair.
Combi-Plug repairs should only be used after the tyre has been de-mounted and checked, on no account should this type of repair be used without examination of the interior.
Finally, check manufacturers websites for guidance if you are not sure. Generally, subject to the above guidelines, these tyres can be repaired.
These are guidelines for UK/Europe countries. For more information I suggest a visit to somewhere like the Rema Tip Top website.