Pushing Run-Flat tires to the limit

[tpenfield]

The Admiral and I were on our way to VT for the Easter weekend . . . after leaving a rest area a warning came on the dashboard for the left rear tire. We watched it as it went to 1.1 psi over the course of a few minutes.

At that point we were pretty much in the center of nowhere. 40 + miles to the nearest tire place . . . We made it going about 40-45 mph, but I think if it were a few miles further, we would not. The tire felt like it was square for the last 10 miles . . .

The tire is toast, so I'll be getting a new set. Currently at the tire dealer in Lebanon NH.

 

[alldodge]

Never had that type tire, good you made it
I don't like changing a tire but in most cases the tire can be repaired so long as it's not on the side wall

 

[tpenfield]

My theory is that the tire in question was ‘repaired’ back in 2021. 5 years later the temporary ’plug’ proved itself

 

[tpenfield]

The run flat tires are rated for 50 miles at 50 mph. Based on my experience today, I’d say 30-40 miles.

 

[matt167]

Few years ago I had a guy come in who was running on a blowout run flat for a couple days. Then couldn’t afford tires. Somehow that tire was HOT but you wouldn’t have known unless you looked on the inside

 

[Lou C]

Don’t you miss a full size spare? I carry a charged 1/2” drive impact gun on long trips in case I have to change a tire esp when we’d be heading up to Montreal for the F1 or Watkins Glen for NASCAR. We did rent a Chrysler Pacifica that didn’t have a spare for the F1 trip last year and it was on my mind! If I owned one for sure I’d add a spare!

 

[airshot]

Would never travel without a spare, not worth the risk ! I have roadside repair on my insurance, 20 bucks a year and on the one time I needed it, the service company offered a rush for an extra 55 bucks, which I used and the insurance paid the extra for the rush job. Even at almost 76, I can still change my own if needed.....but why....takes to long for the hurt to go away when I do, 20 bucks a year is much easier ! My own car insurance is much cheaper and better than AAA....

 

[tpenfield]

I have AAA, and used them to fix this tire 5 years ago. Interestingly, we were looking at a new boat in Ticonderoga, NY when we go a nail in the tire, right dead center in the tread. So, it was fixed with one of those quicky plugs.

That tire has mysteriously been loosing air (5-10 psi) now & then in the past year. . . So, it must have decided that the plug was not permanent

Anyway, the tires have 45K miles on them, so it is time for a new set.

 

[alldodge]

Have tire patched with plug and inner patch combo and never have an issue
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Steelma...437787?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&fp=ggl