Do I need to go to a specialized shop to replace run-flat tires?
3 Answers
Replacing run-flat tires requires going to a specialized shop, as doing it yourself can easily result in uneven tire pressure on both sides. Disadvantages of run-flat tires: Run-flat tires are relatively stiff, so you may feel more intense vibrations when driving over bumpy roads. Additionally, run-flat tires of the same grade are slightly more expensive than regular tires. Functions of run-flat tires: Run-flat tires not only allow continued driving after losing pressure but also ensure safety. After a blowout, run-flat tires do not immediately collapse because their sidewalls are particularly thick, providing strong support to prevent the vehicle from rolling over. Furthermore, vehicles equipped with run-flat tires do not have a spare tire. They can continue driving after a blowout without needing to replace the tire, offering convenience and increasing trunk space.
When it comes to replacing run-flat tires, I highly recommend going to a reputable professional shop. Last time I opted for convenience and had mine changed at a small neighborhood stall, only to end up with three nasty scratches on my rims! The mechanic later explained that run-flat tires have extremely stiff sidewalls—standard tire-changing machines lack sufficient torque, and brute-force prying can damage the wheels. Professional shops use high-torque tire changers with nylon protective sleeves, making the removal/installation as precise as surgery. Plus, post-installation dynamic balancing is critical: run-flats have uneven weight distribution, and even a few grams' imbalance will cause severe steering wheel vibration at high speeds. Pro tip: Always ask the technician to inspect the TPMS sensors during replacement—unlike my friend who drove halfway before realizing his sensor got knocked loose.
As a mechanic with ten years of experience, installing run-flat tires is definitely not something a roadside stall can handle. Last week, a customer brought their own run-flat tires to our small shop for replacement, but our equipment only has a maximum torque of 3,000 N·m, and the tire bead wouldn't budge. These tires require a professional tire changer with at least 4,500 N·m of torque. Forcing them off with standard equipment can easily damage the wheel rim. The key lies in the wheel rim's sealing—run-flat tires rely on the special structure of the wheel rim's flange for support. If the installation isn't snug, the tire sidewall can dislocate when cornering at 80 km/h. I recommend choosing a shop certified with Hazet equipment. After installation, they perform a foam water test to check for airtightness, which is far more reliable than just checking tire pressure numbers.
