Getting a puncture can be a nightmare, no matter where or when it happens. Not only can they potentially ruin any plans you had that day, but they can also blow a hole in your wallet. If you’re looking to reduce costs, you might consider repairing the puncture rather than replacing the tyre – but what happens if it’s a run-flat tyre? So you may be wondering, can you repair run-flat tyres?
What are run-flat tyres?
A run-flat tyre is distinguished by its specially designed sidewalls. This feature means that even with a puncture, you can carry on driving on your tyres for a limited number of miles at a reduced speed. On a punctured run-flat tyre, you can usually drive for up to 50 miles at a top speed of 50mph, giving you time to find a garage to get your tyre assessed. However, with reinforced walls, it can be difficult to tell that you’ve got a puncture if you’re driving on run flats.
Not only does this save you from having to replace your tyre at the roadside but it also means you don’t have to call out for emergency roadside assistance. Run flat tyres are great as they make it easier to control your vehicle if you do happen to suffer from a puncture, reducing any risks of an accident. Since it can be quite difficult to spot a puncture on run flats due to their reinforced sidewalls, all vehicles that use these tyres must have a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) fitted. Often, motorists will be alerted by this monitoring system that they’ve suffered a puncture.
If you have run flats on your vehicle and your TPMS warns you that you’re losing pressure in your tyres, it’s vital that you stick to the speed limit and mileage that the manufacturer specifies. Alongside sticking by the speed limit and mileage, you should also get your tyres changed as soon as possible. You can find all the information you need in your handbook. Even if you think your tyres look fine, it’s important that you stick to the restrictions and get to a garage to have a specialist look at your tyres.
Can I get my run-flat tyres repaired?
You’ll notice that the vast majority of tyre technicians won’t perform repairs on run-flat tyres but will offer to replace it instead. There’s an important reason why tyre manufacturers advise not to repair run flats. This is due to their reinforced design and how it can be difficult to spot any secondary damage that has occurred.
So any potential harm to the tyre wall may be hidden due to the extra strength of the tyre. By simply looking at the tyre, it is impossible to determine whether a motorist drove their car at an unsafe speed or for a long amount of time after the puncture occurred, compromising the tyre’s overall safety and structure.
Due to the uncertainty, it can be a waste of time and money to carry out minor repairs to run-flat tyres, whilst also being dangerous as well. If you own run-flat tyres and your TPMS is warning you about a puncture, you should get your tyres checked as soon as possible by a professional. Find out more about run-flat tyres at Asda Tyres today.