Can Run-Flat Tires Be Repaired After Being Punctured?
2 Answers
Run-flat tires can be repaired after being punctured. Methods for repairing run-flat tires include: 1. Inserting special rubber strips into the punctured area of the tire; 2. Injecting automatic tire repair liquid into the tire through the valve stem; 3. Removing the tire from the rim, locating the puncture, cleaning debris around it, and applying a dedicated tire repair patch from the inside of the tire; 4. Removing the tire from the rim, locating the puncture, cleaning debris around it, applying a dedicated tire repair patch from the inside of the tire, and using a baking machine to heat the puncture until the patch melts and bonds with the puncture; 5. Locating the puncture from inside the tire, pushing a mushroom plug through from the inside, cutting off the exposed part outside, and securing the inner part with special adhesive.
A few days ago, an experienced driver friend of mine had a nail puncture his run-flat tire, and he immediately asked me about it. I told him that run-flat tires aren't as easy to repair as regular tires because they have a special reinforced layer inside that allows the car to keep driving for a while even when air is leaking. But whether it can be fixed after being punctured depends on the location and size of the damage. If the puncture is in the middle area of the tread and the diameter is no more than five millimeters, it can be temporarily patched with professional adhesive, but you must ensure the repair is thorough and check if the tire pressure monitoring system works properly afterward. However, if the damage is on the tire shoulder or sidewall, it absolutely cannot be repaired—forcing a repair could lead to a blowout while driving. I advised him to drive straight to a tire shop and let a professional inspect it. Safety comes first—it's not worth risking an accident just to save a few hundred bucks. Also, it's important to regularly check tire pressure while driving to prevent issues in advance.
