![\"Run-flat](\"https:\/\/fleetimages.bobitstudios.com\/upload\/fleet-financials\/content\/article\/chevycamaro2-__-720x439-a.jpg\")
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Run-flat tire repair procedures recommended by the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) are the same for both run-flat and non-run-flat tires. Photo courtesy of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co.<\/p>\n
What should a fleet professional know when utilizing assets with run-flat tire versus a non-run-flat tire? According to mounting and balancing equipment manufacturers and tire manufacturers the consensus is a run-flat\u2019s unique construction makes them more difficult to mount and demount.<\/p>\n
However, there is no consensus on whether or not run-flat tires can be repaired. Tire manufacturers often defer to the vehicle manufacturer\u2019s replacement tire restrictions and recommendations.<\/p>\n
Michelin North America Inc., for example, allows its run-flat tires (Zero Pressure) to be repaired under certain guidelines. However, repairing the original equipment run-flat tires on a BMW isn\u2019t an option, per its owner\u2019s manual.<\/p>\n
Run-flat tire repair procedures recommended by the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) are the same for both run-flat and non-run-flat tires. USTMA does preface that by advising vehicle owners to consult the tire manufacturer for its repair policy and, if applicable, recommended repair procedures.<\/p>\n
When asked if there are any instances where a run-flat tire can be repaired, a Pirelli Tire LLC spokesperson said no, a run-flat should never be repaired.<\/p>\n
According to Pirelli\u2019s Run-Flat Hazzard Policy, \u201cdamaged run-flat tires or run-flat tires that have experienced a loss of pressure should immediately be replaced with another run flat tire of identical size and service description (load index and speed symbol).\u201d<\/p>\n
A technical services bulletin from Yokohama Tire Corp. makes it clear Yokohama ZPS run-flat tires are not to be repaired following a puncture \u201cor other tire disablement.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cZPS run-flat tires are covered by the Yokohama standard limited warranty that provides for tire replacement under specified conditions,\u201d the bulletin reads. \u201cYour ZPS tire will be replaced on a prorated basis based on remaining tread depth when the tire has been damaged due to a tread area puncture within the repairable area and limits defined by (USTMA).\u201d<\/p>\n
Continental Tire the Americas LLC does not recommend any repair to Continental SSR (Self Supporting Runflat) tires. The company\u2019s explanation is as follows: \u201cEven a trained tire specialist may be unable to recognize internal structural damage to a Self Supporting Runflat (SSR) tire resulting from having been driven in an under inflated or zero pressure condition. Such damage may not be visible on the surface of the inner liner or sidewall, making it impossible to determine the tire suitability for repair. Continental does not recommend any repair to Continental SSR tires. Note: Continental advises if a tire is returned under complaint and reason for the product\u2019s disablement is in any way associated with a repair or the reason for repair, the manufacturer\u2019s warranty is invalidated.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRepairs of run-flats are a major concern,\u201d says Chris Davis, Continental\u2019s technical product service manager. \u201cAlways refer to the tire manufacturer\u2019s recommendations on repairs as it can vary by manufacturer. Some allow a repair, some don\u2019t and some allow multiple repairs, noting that each repair lowers the speed rating of the tire. \u00a0Consider your dealership\u2019s liability as the \u2018tire expert\u2019 agreeing the tire is not damaged, should you repair the tire without knowing damage between the layers.<\/p>\n
\u201cRun-flat tires, by design, have a very thick, stiff compound in the sidewall,\u201d he said. It is typically not the same material that you can visualize on the inside or outside of the tire. If there is a separation between those layers, the dealer and the customer may not know about the condition until the tire has a second incident of low pressure causing the run flat tire not to work as designed, leaving the customer stranded on the highway or worse, having a rapid air loss and instability of control.<\/p>\n
\u201cUse your best judgment based on the tire manufacturer\u2019s suggestions (and) customer safety, and if in doubt, contact the tire manufacturer\u2019s customer service for recommendations,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Bridgestone Americas Inc. has a different view.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnder certain circumstances, run-flat tires can be repairable,\u201d said Robert Saul, director of consumer product strategy for Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations LLC.<\/p>\n There is no consensus whether run-flat tires can be repaired. Tire manufacturers often defer to the OEM’s replacement tire recommendations.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n \u201cGuidelines vary by vehicle manufacturer, so it\u2019s important for dealers to always abide by the vehicle manufacturer\u2019s recommendations. Many tire manufacturers also will publish their repair and service guidelines in the form of technical bulletins, so dealers can check to see if the manufacturer of the tire they are servicing has a technical bulletin that they can refer to as well.<\/p>\n \u201cIn certain instances, a run-flat tire can be repaired, provided it meets specific guidelines,\u201d said Saul. \u201cThese guidelines are contingent upon how far the run-flat tire was driven at low inflation conditions, the amount of air loss experienced and the overall condition of the tire. A run-flat tire that has experienced a puncture or loss of pressure must be thoroughly inspected for any resulting damage to determine if it can be put back in service.\u201d<\/p>\n Juan Britos, senior technical services specialist for Hankook Tire America Corp., says Hankook\u2019s run-flat models \u201ccan be repaired in the same manner as our standard versions. We design our tires to be repaired as simply as possible.”<\/p>\n Pete Liebetreu, vice president of marketing for Hunter Engineering Co., said run-flat tires from European and Asian OEM manufacturers are very often mounted to a special wheel with an EH2 (for \u201cextended hump\u201d) bead seat. Nokian \u201cFlat Run\u201d tires are one of many examples.<\/p>\n \u201cWe see these wheels every day in the U.S. on BMW, Lexus, Mercedes, Infinity, Toyota, Audi and other vehicles,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe EH2 wheel actually creates much of the difficulty in servicing these wheels, more than tire stiffness does. EH2 means the wheel has an extended safety hump, which helps the deflated run-flat stay on the wheel properly in the event of a puncture,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n \u201cFor the tire changer though, that extended hump makes it even harder to service. That\u2019s because the already stiff tire needs to be pushed even further down to be in the drop center for demounting or mounting. Many technicians miss this and end up struggling with the tire that they could easily service if they pressed a little more on the key points with one of the press arms I mentioned earlier.\u201d<\/p>\n A spokesperson from Bridgestone Americas Inc. said EH2 (and EH2+) wheels provide bead retention characteristics desired by car companies; in many cases they help extend run-flat operating distances, particularly at reduced loads.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile EH2\/EH2+ wheels are considered components of an extended mobility system, they are not explicitly restricted from use without other system components. In other words, EH2\/EH2+ wheels may be able to be used with conventional tires or with conventional valves (without TPMS sensors).\u201d<\/p>\n According to Bridgestone\u2019s warranty manual, Bridgestone and Firestone RFT tires should never be replaced or mixed with conventional tires unless on an emergency or temporary basis.<\/p>\n This feature orginially appeared in Modern Tire Dealer, a Bobit publication.<\/em><\/p>\n Source: Fleet Financials<\/a><\/p>\n![\"There](\"https:\/\/fleetimages.bobitstudios.com\/upload\/fleet-financials\/content\/article\/run-flat-repair-chart-__-720x439-a.jpg\")
Run-flats in Europe<\/h4>\n
![\"JMF\"](\"http:\/\/en.advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/JMF-150x150.jpg\")
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