2001 Run flats

[Steven 53]

I believe I have a nail in my right rear run flat - it has been slowly leaking air the last few days. Is it covered under the warranty? Can it be plugged? Do I go to Goodyear or the Chevy dealer? Any thoughts?

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,
First, it can be repaired, up to 3 times.
NEVER USE A PLUG.
Per Goodyear guidelines, you only use a radial tire repair patch, from the inside of the tire.
This takes about 30 mins to do.
The tire warranty is only for manufacturing defects, not road hazard damage.
I would suggest that you call around, as someone who is familiar with runflats should be able to serve you well.
As a sidebar, if the puncture is within 1 inch of the sidewall, it may NOT be able to be patched. This is due to flex of the sidewall while driving.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[EHS]

c4c5specialist is generally correct -- he did "yell" at me when he mounted snows and found out I had plugged my run flat. Not really "yell," kinda' "scowl."

However, my tire was at the end of it's life, and I was going to replace it anyway.

For a couple of thousand miles or so, if you keep the speeds sane, you should be OK.

 

[bluecoupe]

If you drive fast maybe you should buy a good (not patched or plugged) used run-flat tire on ebay or the classifieds. Many folks don't like the noise and sell them cheap. A patch or plug may ruin the speed rating.

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
The reason that a patch is recommended by the manufacturer, is that it does NOT reduce the speed rating.
The reason that it does not reduce the speed rating, is that it is NOT inserted into the carcass of the tire. When plugs are inserted, the friction from the belts to the plug creates excess heat, which reduces the thermal integrity of the belts.
This exactly the reason why the patch works per Goodyear guidelines, because it is chemically vulcanized to the inside of the tire, not pushed through the belts.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[bluecoupe]

In a perfect world maybe the patched tire will still be up to spec but I won't trust it. I believe a patch is still a defect. IMHO My life is worth more than $300.00 and so is my Corvette.