Can you repair run flat tyres?

Punctures can happen at the most inconvenient times – when you’re on the school run, on the way to a social event or in the middle of a long distance journey. That’s why many people are opting for run flat tyres. But if your run flat tyres are punctured, can you get them repaired? Read our blog post to find out more.

What are run flat tyres?

Run flat tyres are different to standard issue tyres – they have specially reinforced sidewalls. The reinforced sidewalls maintain the structure of the tyre after a puncture, allowing drivers to continue driving for a limited time period. Most run flat tyre manufacturers recommend only driving on a burst tyre for 50 miles at 50 mph. Run flat tyres give you plenty of time to get to a garage or back home if you are stuck on the motorway.

Benefits of run flat tyres

Run flat tyres have a number of benefits, all associated with safety:

• A strengthened sidewall to keep your car under control when driving on a puncture
• No need to change your wheel, dangerously, on the side of the road
• Your car will weigh less as there is no need to carry round a spare tyre

To check if you have run flat tyres, open the boot of your car and lift the floor cover. If you see a spare tyre or foam filler tyre repair kit, it’s unlikely that you have run flat tyres however, if you see nothing at all, chances are you have run flat tyres. Additionally, all vehicles with run flat tyres must be fitted with a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) to ensure the driver is aware when a tyre has been punctured or the tyre pressure decreases due to another reason.

If you are still unsure whether you have run flat tyres, you can always have your tyres checked at your local garage, they should be able to help.

Can run flat tyres be repaired?

The most likely answer is no, you cannot have a puncture repaired on a run flat tyre. Once the run flat tyres are punctured or damaged, it is challenging to identify secondary damage – as any potential harm to the tyre wall can be masked. This means if you get another puncture, you could be stuck on the road without a spare tyre which could be very costly. It is always worth replacing these tyres – the run flat capabilities should only be used as a safety blanket to get you back to the garage, and they are not to last forever.

You’ll know your tyre is flat from your TPMS which should indicate a loss in tyre pressure. When you notice your tyre has been punctured, head to your closest Merityre garage and have your tyre replaced. Alternatively, get in contact with a member of our helpful team for more information on run flat tyres.