Got a flat tire last night on my run-flat
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Joined: Aug 2002
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2015 C300 4matic
Got a flat tire last night on my run-flat
I have the Pirelli Cinturato P7 Run flats. Last night I must have driven over a nail or something. Not sure just yet. But anyway, my front passenger tire dropped from around the 30's PSI down to 1 PSI within 5 minutes. I could hear the air seeping out of the tire quickly. With that being said, is the Run-Flat designed to be driven on just 1 PSI, or would I need to get it towed to the dealership? You can tell the tire is flat now of course.
I have the Wheel and Tire Protection plus package, but that is another story, because i am worried that my tread may be below the 3/32" on the shoulder of the tire.
The dealership was not certain if it could be driven on the 1 PSI, but did say not to go over 50 mph and not drive further than 50 miles if I decided to do so. lol
Thank you in advance for your help if you know for certain how the run-flats operate.
I have the Wheel and Tire Protection plus package, but that is another story, because i am worried that my tread may be below the 3/32" on the shoulder of the tire.
The dealership was not certain if it could be driven on the 1 PSI, but did say not to go over 50 mph and not drive further than 50 miles if I decided to do so. lol
Thank you in advance for your help if you know for certain how the run-flats operate.
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Joined: Aug 2002
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2015 C300 4matic
Thanks guys. Here is a pic of the tire. So even though it's flat like that, your saying that's the intended purpose, is to be able to run like that for up to 50 miles?
I got nervous because the tire repair shop told me since it lost air so quickly that I could damage the wheel if I drive with it like that.
I got nervous because the tire repair shop told me since it lost air so quickly that I could damage the wheel if I drive with it like that.
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From: Oklahoma
2016 C300 4Matic traded in for a 2022 E450 Coupe
Thanks guys. Here is a pic of the tire. So even though it's flat like that, your saying that's the intended purpose, is to be able to run like that for up to 50 miles?
I got nervous because the tire repair shop told me since it lost air so quickly that I could damage the wheel if I drive with it like that.
I got nervous because the tire repair shop told me since it lost air so quickly that I could damage the wheel if I drive with it like that.
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C300 4Matic Tenorite Grey
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From: Whitefield, NH
2015 C300 Sport: Palladium, Premium, Multimedia, Leather, BLIS
The run flats allow you to get off the road and, hopefully, to a safe spot to park until you can get help. The sidewalls are stiff enough to support the car without doing any damage to the wheels, but only below 50 mph and for distances less then 50 miles. It is safe to drive on them if you observe the restrictions. As long as the sidewalls are undamaged, the tires can be easily plugged if it's a simple puncture.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: San Jose
2016 C450 AMG, 2009 C300, 2001 C320 2001 CLK430, 95 E500
I would get a tow. That said, I carry a set of pliers in the boot to pull any nail or bolt from a RFT since running with it IN can sometimes cause damage to the wheel or wheel well over longer drives.
I'd certainly keep it under 50 mph at most.
I'd certainly keep it under 50 mph at most.
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2016 C300
For me it's not so much the question of whether a run flat can be run when flat. On a low profile tire like that, there's so little protection for the wheel now I wouldn't drive on it unless I absolutely had to. If you ding up the wheel it's not worth it.
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From: Eastern Massachusetts
2021 E450, 2020 C43, 2015 C300, 2007 C280
DWF: Driving while flat!
The run flats allow you to get off the road and, hopefully, to a safe spot to park until you can get help. The sidewalls are stiff enough to support the car without doing any damage to the wheels, but only below 50 mph and for distances less then 50 miles. It is safe to drive on them if you observe the restrictions. As long as the sidewalls are undamaged, the tires can be easily plugged if it's a simple puncture.
("How much run could a run-flat run,
If a run-flat could run flat?")
The German roads for which Mercedes cars are designed are indeed mostly glass-smooth. When the pavement is broken, the state throws up a warning sign! Judging from the complaints about broken wheels that I read here (even because of speed bumps!), U.S. owners of cars with low-profile run-flats must have to drive in a very non-sporting way. Anyway, I don't think of run-flats being sporting at all, let alone "ultra-performance."
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2016 C300
This is my first experience with them but they seem to be an imperfect compromise in every respect...cost, durability, ride comfort, handling performance...to solve a problem that wasn't much of a problem to begin with; A car that needed a spare and a jack kit.
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W214 AMG Line
When I called Roadside on both occasions I was told: If the wheel is still supported then you can drive 80Km at 80Km/h. If the wheel is compromised than you must get a tow otherwise you void your warranty for any damage to the axel or any other part of the vehicle.
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From: Socal and Norcal
MY17 S63AMG - MBUSA Buyback. MY16 SL63 - Sold MY19 W213 E63s. 2020 W213 E63s Wagon
I would have it flat bed to your nearest dealer. That is what Mercedes road side assistance is for. Good luck.
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From: Oklahoma
2016 C300 4Matic traded in for a 2022 E450 Coupe
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 233
From: Socal and Norcal
MY17 S63AMG - MBUSA Buyback. MY16 SL63 - Sold MY19 W213 E63s. 2020 W213 E63s Wagon
For anyone that runs into that kind of situation. I don’t know how I got onto that thread or forum for that matter. Lol.
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Port Jefferson, NY
I'd like to add my two cents to this discussion. Last month i drove from NY to San Diego. I set aside a week to take that drive. The lack of a spare with the compensatory "50 miles at 50mph" rhetoric was not comforting. In NY i live within 50 miles of 4 MB dealers. However, driving through Nevada, on straight roads as far as the eye could see, with no other traffic, minimal cell phone service, no MB dealer within 200 miles, the next gas station was 65 miles, with no garage shop, was not a good feeling. In addition, it was 103 degrees outside. What could 50 miles do for me?
Locally, i have a full spare, jack and necessities in the trunk of my e300. But for such a trip like this, i couldn't do that. So, I took my Honda.
Locally, i have a full spare, jack and necessities in the trunk of my e300. But for such a trip like this, i couldn't do that. So, I took my Honda.
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Joined: Nov 2012
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From: Nyack, NY
C300 Sport 4Matic
I'd like to add my two cents to this discussion. Last month i drove from NY to San Diego. I set aside a week to take that drive. The lack of a spare with the compensatory "50 miles at 50mph" rhetoric was not comforting. In NY i live within 50 miles of 4 MB dealers. However, driving through Nevada, on straight roads as far as the eye could see, with no other traffic, minimal cell phone service, no MB dealer within 200 miles, the next gas station was 65 miles, with no garage shop, was not a good feeling. In addition, it was 103 degrees outside. What could 50 miles do for me?
Locally, i have a full spare, jack and necessities in the trunk of my e300. But for such a trip like this, i couldn't do that. So, I took my Honda.
Locally, i have a full spare, jack and necessities in the trunk of my e300. But for such a trip like this, i couldn't do that. So, I took my Honda.
.....btw I took my Subaru instead too lol
