A question about flats on run-flats
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Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 138
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From: Columbus OH
A question about flats on run-flats
Am I to understand that a run flat can't be plugged or fixed if it gets a nail? I know....I know, it's probably been discussed so I will save you guys the trouble of...... 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Campbell CA
As with all tire repairs - they should be properly patched from the inside, not plugged. If it's something minor, like a small puncture - I understand the "Z" rating is not impaired if the tire is properly patched.
So you can fix them - I had one of mine fixed, no problemo.
So you can fix them - I had one of mine fixed, no problemo.
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From: All that glitters is Gold - Hockey Is CANADA'S game
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St. Jude Donor '05-'06
It comes down to where the hole is located and how far you have driven on the runflat with no air. If the hole is to close to the edge NO. If you have driven a few hundred mile on the tire with no air I would replace it.
I had one of my runflats repaired.
I had one of my runflats repaired.
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Yes, it can be fixed. The repair should be a plug and patch fix though. A good tire store should know how to do it. If you have more than one fix to a tire, it could affect the speed rating.
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From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
my first set on EMt's got two nails in the same tire.. about a month apart... the tire had about 9,000 miles... I plugged both nail holes with an external plug.. I continued to put 43,000 miles on those tires with never an issue with any of them including the one with two plugs... I dont think I ever exceeded the decreased tire rating. Of couse where I drive the speed limit is 65... not sure what the speed rasting for a tire that achieves 65 mph.. but Im pretty sure the plugged EMT covered that speed...
Wil Cooksey #256
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,814
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From: Sacramento Kalifornia
EMT's, or any speed rated tire I know of, needs to be patched at a reputable shop, from the inside. Each time the tire is patched it drops one letter in speed rating. A speed rated tire can only be patched twice, the third time any reputable tire shop should refuse to fix it. Goodyear, and I think all the other companies, deemes the tire as unsafe. I think the term they use is compromised.
Speed rated tires should never be plugged externally, even if you never get over 65. What happens when you sell the car and the buyer exceedes 150mph and the tire fails. You could be held liable if you didn't disclose this info.
Spped Ratings for your info:
H - 138
V - 149
W - 168
Y - 186
Z - above 149
Speed rated tires should never be plugged externally, even if you never get over 65. What happens when you sell the car and the buyer exceedes 150mph and the tire fails. You could be held liable if you didn't disclose this info.
Spped Ratings for your info:
H - 138
V - 149
W - 168
Y - 186
Z - above 149
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,551
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From: Flowery Branch GA
Originally Posted by GOZ2FST
As with all tire repairs - they should be properly patched from the inside, not plugged. If it's something minor, like a small puncture - I understand the "Z" rating is not impaired if the tire is properly patched.
So you can fix them - I had one of mine fixed, no problemo.
So you can fix them - I had one of mine fixed, no problemo.
happened to me also, I planned no sustain 100+ driving, have it patched by goodyear and move on.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,171
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From: Longview Texas
Discount tire repaired one for me (GY EMT). They removed the tire & patched from the inside. They were very careful with everything, jacked the car at the proper lift point, and even torqued the lug bolts. Charged $12. I guess volume equals experience. I was impressed.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 226
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From: Palo Alto Ca
Originally Posted by BigTMan
Am I to understand that a run flat can't be plugged or fixed if it gets a nail? I know....I know, it's probably been discussed so I will save you guys the trouble of......
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Evil-Twin
my first set on EMt's got two nails in the same tire.. about a month apart... the tire had about 9,000 miles... I plugged both nail holes with an external plug.. I continued to put 43,000 miles on those tires with never an issue with any of them including the one with two plugs... I dont think I ever exceeded the decreased tire rating. Of couse where I drive the speed limit is 65... not sure what the speed rasting for a tire that achieves 65 mph.. but Im pretty sure the plugged EMT covered that speed...
Racer
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 325
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From: Plymouth MN
oh they can be fixed by someone that knows what the h%ll they are doing.
i call a local GY shop that is "qualified" to repair EMT tires. i make my appointment ( really?), right rear has zero air pressure.
when i get there they think i am in for an oil change! first bad sign. i reiterate that the right rear EMT has zero pressure
then the "kid" gets in to drive the car into the bay and put it on the lift! someone stops him. second bad sign
"kid" drives the car around the back of the shop. uh oh!
i walk around back they the have the LEFT rear jacked up with a floor jack!
did i mention that is in now raining? i calmly ask them to put the car back on the ground.
outta there never to return.
went over to my regular dealer, yes dealer, took care of me in 40 minutes, no appointment, sensor reprogrammed. 1000 mile trip after that with no problems
so yes the tire can be fixed just need to learn where to go and yes, there are good dealer service departments.
i call a local GY shop that is "qualified" to repair EMT tires. i make my appointment ( really?), right rear has zero air pressure.
when i get there they think i am in for an oil change! first bad sign. i reiterate that the right rear EMT has zero pressure
then the "kid" gets in to drive the car into the bay and put it on the lift! someone stops him. second bad sign
"kid" drives the car around the back of the shop. uh oh!
i walk around back they the have the LEFT rear jacked up with a floor jack!
did i mention that is in now raining? i calmly ask them to put the car back on the ground.
outta there never to return.
went over to my regular dealer, yes dealer, took care of me in 40 minutes, no appointment, sensor reprogrammed. 1000 mile trip after that with no problems
so yes the tire can be fixed just need to learn where to go and yes, there are good dealer service departments.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,346
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From: Mustang OK
Originally Posted by JDs00PewterCoupe
Yes, it can be fixed. The repair should be a plug and patch fix though. A good tire store should know how to do it. If you have more than one fix to a tire, it could affect the speed rating.
There was a short but very informative article in the August '03 edition of Corvette Enthusiast that spoke to this very thing. 