Can You Still Drive a BMW Run-Flat Tire with a Nail Puncture if the Tire Pressure is Normal?
3 Answers
If a BMW run-flat tire has a nail puncture and the tire pressure is normal, it is safe to continue driving, indicating that the tire has not yet lost air. Tire Pressure Reset: A tire pressure reset is an operation performed on the tire pressure monitoring system after addressing a tire pressure fault to reset the system. Tire Pressure Reset Method: First, turn on the ignition, then press and hold the tire pressure monitoring reset button until you hear a "beep" sound before releasing it. The tire pressure monitoring system will then store the current normal tire pressure data, automatically clear the previous data, and finally, the dashboard warning light will turn off, completing the tire pressure reset. Tire Pressure Monitoring Light: The tire pressure monitoring indicator is a yellow symbol featuring an irregular circle with no top seal, four small spikes at the bottom, and an exclamation mark inside. When the tire pressure monitoring light illuminates, it indicates abnormal tire pressure. Abnormal tire pressure is generally caused by one of the following three reasons: 1. Abnormal Tire Pressure: The system typically alerts when the pressure is below 1.8 bar or above 3.0 bar. In such cases, inspect the tire and adjust the pressure accordingly. 2. Tire Pressure Monitoring Not Reset: After inflating the tire, if the tire pressure reset is not performed promptly, the system retains the old data, causing the tire pressure monitoring light to stay on. Simply perform a tire pressure reset to resolve this. 3. Damaged Tire Pressure Sensor: The tire pressure sensor, which monitors tire pressure, is installed inside the tire and connected to the inflation valve. If the sensor is damaged during driving (e.g., by impact), the tire pressure fault light may also illuminate. For sensor damage, the only solution is to replace it with a new component.
I had a similar experience not long ago when I was driving my BMW to the suburbs. After getting out of the car, I found a large nail stuck in the left rear tire, but the dashboard showed normal tire pressure. The design of run-flat tires allows them to support the weight of the car even after losing air, so theoretically, you can indeed keep driving. However, normal tire pressure doesn’t mean everything is fine—the nail might just be temporarily plugging the leak and could loosen or fall out at any time while driving. A friend of mine experienced sudden air loss halfway through his drive because of this. Although the tire didn’t burst, it was extremely dangerous on the highway. I recommend you slow down immediately, keep your speed under 80 km/h, and find a professional tire shop as soon as possible. Remember to call ahead and confirm if they can repair run-flat tires, as some smaller shops may lack the proper equipment, forcing you to search for another place.
Don't trust the tire pressure display too much. There's a delay in pressure change after a tire puncture. Run-flat tires' reinforced sidewalls do allow you to keep driving, but BMW's manual clearly states a maximum of 80 kilometers. In such situations, I immediately check the navigation for the nearest repair shop, even if it means detouring three extra kilometers rather than driving on the highway. The key is to press the accelerator gently throughout the journey. During sharp turns, the sidewalls of run-flat tires endure greater pressure, and if the nail damages the inner steel wires, the tire is done for. Last time after getting a tire repaired, the mechanic taught me a trick: when inspecting tires monthly, remember to use your phone's flashlight to check the tread. Pay attention to small cracks on the sidewalls and the contact surface.
