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Run-Flat Comparison?

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Old Jul 22, 2009 | 09:09 AM
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Default Run-Flat Comparison?

Has anyone ever done a listing of the specs for run-flats? What I am looking for is something that shows how far you can go without air (total) and how far can you go and the tire still be repairable. I see a lot of talk about run-flat capability but none of the manufacturers, except Goodyear, publishes any standards.

I know that some of the run-flats out there have to be replaced if they run without air for any distance. Some talk about being able to go 50 miles with out air but no mention of if they are repairable.

Would be nice if there was a table of some sort that listed these things.

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Old Jul 22, 2009 | 10:17 AM
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As I recall.........
Goodyear EMTs were the only Run Flat to be said by manufacturer to be repairable after up to 200 miles running, not to exceed 50 mph.

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S ZPs, good for up to 50 miles, again not to exceed 50 mph, and still repairable.

Firestone and Kumo run flats, not repairable after running with zero air pressure.

Forum members, please feel free to correct if I've mis-remembered!
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Old Jul 22, 2009 | 01:37 PM
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Originally Posted by jovette
As I recall.........
Goodyear EMTs were the only Run Flat to be said by manufacturer to be repairable after up to 200 miles running, not to exceed 50 mph.

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S ZPs, good for up to 50 miles, again not to exceed 50 mph, and still repairable.

Firestone and Kumo run flats, not repairable after running with zero air pressure.

Forum members, please feel free to correct if I've mis-remembered!
Firestone runflats can be repaired - I asked that question of Firestone Customer Service after I had two tires punctured on my '00. The response I got from one of their engineers stated that yes they can be repaired using the plug and patch method. Did that to mine and they never lost any air and performed well for over 4 years (up to the time I sold the car). Chances are they may lose some of their speed rating with repairs, but for normal everyday driving they should be just fine.
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Old Jul 23, 2009 | 05:24 PM
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Originally Posted by jovette
Goodyear EMTs were the only Run Flat to be said by manufacturer to be repairable after up to 200 miles running, not to exceed 50 mph.
My understanding was that they were capable of going 200 miles in run flat mode but were repairable only up to 50 miles. Can keep going after 50 miles but cannot be repaired.

Originally Posted by JDs00PewterCoupe
Firestone runflats can be repaired - I asked that question of Firestone Customer Service after I had two tires punctured on my '00. The response I got from one of their engineers stated that yes they can be repaired using the plug and patch method. Did that to mine and they never lost any air and performed well for over 4 years (up to the time I sold the car). Chances are they may lose some of their speed rating with repairs, but for normal everyday driving they should be just fine.
But at what point can they not be repaired? and how far can they go in run flat mode?

tom...
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Old Jul 24, 2009 | 12:27 PM
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seems to me tha ti remember that 50 miles seemed to be the limit as far as most for being repairable. anything over (yes there was mention of up to 200 miles on goodyear but i don't remember seeing figures on others, but would assume you can go beyond 50 miles if you need to) rendered them "unrepairable". the repair as mentioned above does in fact alter the speed rating on the tire somewhat, so if you drive a lot in high speed situations or in exceedingly hot climates, you need to keep that in mind. the tire will be compromised some.
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Old Jul 24, 2009 | 01:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Tom73
But at what point can they not be repaired? and how far can they go in run flat mode?
That's a good question Tom. I had three punctures on the front and one on the rear passenger tires and drove the car about 18 miles to my home. The tires never did get down to zero pressure (probably low teens was about it). They were patched and plugged and driven on for the next four years like that - although not in a competitive driving fashion.

I believe the maximum distance the Firestones can go with zero pressure is 50 miles, then replacement is recommended.
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Old Jul 25, 2009 | 08:11 PM
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Anyone have any real facts/figures?????
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Old Jul 26, 2009 | 02:01 AM
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Originally Posted by Tom73
Anyone have any real facts/figures?????
It depends if you accept a magazine article as facts

This is a good read and the test methodology seemed sound:

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...Run+Flat+Facts

It quotes GM as rating the OEMs at 200 miles flat at 73 degrees, 55mph and at gross weight.

Michelin North America give 50 miles flat at 55mph for the AS ZP. That would be the original spec tire not the latest PS2 ZP. The lower limit seems to be due to the softer sidewalls on the AS ZPs.

The final summary says that the only tire approved by the manufacturer for repair after being operated flat is the AS ZP.

Last edited by DeeGee; Jul 26, 2009 at 02:11 AM.
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