Fr8flyer

Looking for some guidance:
I have no experience with run flat tires and just discovered a leak in one of the fronts. Instrument cluster flashed 20psi, I pulled over and saw a nail in the middle of the tread.
I drove the car about 5 miles, filled the tire with air and left it parked for 4 hours. When I came back it was down to 9psi. I filled it again and drove 10 miles home. Parked it with it down to 26 psi and there it sits.

Can this tire be plugged or is a replacement required?

If it can be plugged, will leaving the leaky tire overnight do any damage? I'm sure it will be down to 0psi by morning when I can fill it and take to the tire shop.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

speedlink

Normally, with a nail in the middle, it can be repaired. Take it to Michelin. Leaving it overnight should not be a problem.

Zymurgy

Assuming there is no internal structural damage, yes it can be repaired. The only proper repair is a combination plug/patch.

L8ter

How come I never get so lucky?
I've had 4 or 5 flats in past 20 years, and they have all been too close to the sidewall to be repaired.
Good for you

Fr8flyer

Thanks, all! I will sleep much better this evening.

felkebg

On another thread a forum member said to be advised that the plugged tire is no longer rated at the same speed rating. Normal driving no problem but tracking it should give you some pause I would think.....

JerryU

A plug patch is what is needed. Being in the middle is no problem, if you did not drive on it when there was no pressure. You did not. I would be sure you pump it up to ~40 pounds before leaving for the tire shop. If they see zero pressure they may try to sell you a new tire. Patch works fine.

kenrobb

Don't see your location; take it to a Discount Tire if one around you. They have fixed several of my runflat leaks over the years. And for free. Don't assume just any tire place can dismount and remount a runflat. sometimes a dealer can or cannot do it.

Fr8flyer

Thanks again for all the responses. The info I received was invaluable since I was short on time to research my issue as well as the proper repair facility. I wound up taking it to the Michelin dealer this morning. They said they don't plug, but only patch the run flats.
Charged me $50 because "run flats take longer than conventional tires" The receipt charged for a patch/plug. Looks like it's all working out and a lot better than a new tire!

Walt White Coupe

And as far as reducing the speed rating, can you live with steady 135 mph? I'm thinking yes.