Can't pump up a run-flat

BraveDonut

Got a warning on the dash that tyre pressure is low on one of my tyres.
Nothing unusual - I just planned to go garage next time I am passing.

Seems like it is not just low pressure, but a puncture, since I can hear a noise from the tyre with the window open.

I went to the garage today. Automatic pump where you put your euro in and set the pressure. However, the obviously soft tyre won't pump up. The other 3 will.
Tried different garages - same craic.
Seems like the pressure is so low that the machine can't detect it to start pumping.
I will bring it to have the puncture fixed first thing in the morning - but is it a bit weird that I can't get it to inflate?

GrumpyMe

Run flat means it is possible continue to drive at a reduced speed and for a limited distance despite the tyre being punctured. Run flat does not mean you do not get punctures! If there is a hole or gash in the tyre it won't inflate until it is, if possible, fixed.

Toyotafanboi

I don't think you can repair a run flat puncture.

If you are using a digital forecourt pump and not a traditional tyre gauge type, they have a special button on them for a puncture, it won't automatically detect if it's connected to a punctured tyre so it won't start to pump.

BraveDonut

Thanks TFB,
Sounds like I needed this special button.
Can you need tell me more?

Just curious to confirm if it was actually a puncture.

D

Could it be a buckled wheel?

Toyotafanboi

You see the four white buttons under the digital display? It's the third one in, to let the machine know it's pumping a completely flat tyre. That said if the tyre is badly damaged it just won't inflate.

BraveDonut

Thanks for this - very helpful

freddieot

Unfortunately if you have a puncture in a run flat then you are probably looking at a new tyre.

Vexorg

I have had punctures in run flats previously due to nails and screws and it is possible to use a plug to repair. I think the problem arises when the tyre is fully deflated and has been driven on. In this case it is almost impossible to tell if the tyre wall has been damaged as it may have been driven on for longer than recommended or at higher speeds than recommended. This is why most tyre manufacturers recommend replacement rather than repair.

Good explanation here : https://www.completecar.ie/askusanything/question/109/Can-a-puncture-in-a-run-flat-tyre-be-repaired

BraveDonut

I brought it to a tyre place this morning and they repaired the puncture without question.
Pretty sure that I was careful with this and only drove on local roads, slowly yesterday.
I will keep an eye on this.
I would rather not change the tyre as it is a high-end tyre only abut 3 months old.

Del2005

BraveDonut wrote: »

I brought it to a tyre place this morning and they repaired the puncture without question.
Pretty sure that I was careful with this and only drove on local roads, slowly yesterday.
I will keep an eye on this.
I would rather not change the tyre as it is only high-end tyre only abut 3 months old.

A damaged tyre is dodgy no matter how new or expensive it is. You only noticed the puncture yesterday it could have happened a few days ago. Better get it checked properly or replaced as if the sidewall it's a dangerous tyre.

I once bought 4 new quality tyres. The next day I drove over a piece of metal on the road and blew a 50mm hole in one. It wasn't nice having to go back to get a 5th tyre in 2 days.

Snotty

Del2005 wrote: »

A damaged tyre is dodgy no matter how new or expensive it is. You only noticed the puncture yesterday it could have happened a few days ago. Better get it checked properly or replaced as if the sidewall it's a dangerous tyre.

I once bought 4 new quality tyres. The next day I drove over a piece of metal on the road and blew a 50mm hole in one. It wasn't nice having to go back to get a 5th tyre in 2 days.

How do you check it properly? He already took it to a tyre garage?

Del2005

Snotty wrote: »

How do you check it properly? He already took it to a tyre garage?

Off the rim. The garage only plugged the puncture which isn't the correct way so I'd be avoiding them.

Del2005

Del2005 wrote: »

Off the rim. The garage only plugged the puncture which isn't the correct way so I'd be avoiding them.

Thankfully plenty of tyre places are willing to repair run flats rather than the nonsense spouted by some places and the manufacturer that they aren't reparable so that you have to spend more money buying their tyres every time you have a minor puncture. Total money racket.