jdhoang

I have 3rd row option with 20" run-flats. Obviously with 3rd row, there is no room for a spare. I understand run-flats allows driving a limited distance to get tire fixed. As this is the first time I've ever driven a vehicle with run-flats, would appreciate any recommendations on any accessories I should get for run-flats. Checked storage and found nothing like tire-repair kit, etc. Thank you!

GregW / Oregon

If run without air pressure they are considered irreparable, since the sidewalls can be damaged. If only with a small leak from picking up a nail, for instance, you should be able to plug & patch them.

djer

You might think about having compact tire inflator just in case you're losing air in the middle of nowhere, . Runflat tires are pretty robust but like Greg said, once you drive with 0psi over extended distance, most likely the sidewall is done. The key is to keep some air in it while you drive to get the tire fixed.

With run-flat tires (or any car, really), a good habit to have is to inspect the tires at least once every other week for any nails or damages to the tires. Takes about less than 30 seconds per tire and most of the time I caught the culprit (nails, etc.) before I got stranded. Knock on wood, been driving with run-flat tires since 2007, and had only 2 instances where we had a significance tire pressure loss at a rapid pace, so we continued going 50mph in the interstate and headed to the nearest tire repair (usually Discount Tire, we have an account and tons of purchases there). Looks like a nail that was dislodged during the drive, otherwise the tire would stay inflated.

Most of our trips with the run-flat tires never ends up in a completely unpaved roads for obvious reasons; we take our truck for that kind of trip. I had a rock tear an OEM Goodyear tire on our work truck F150, so we switched out to an all-terrain KO2's. If you do decide to go unpaved way, might want to invest in a roof basket with a spare tire on top of it (e.g. if you were to go up Prudhoe Bay in Alaska)

Lucky 777

I absolutely agree with the comments already made. The portable inflator is an excellent idea and might save you a bundle. Getting some air back in the tire as soon as the low pressure warning is reported by the TPM will get you somewhere to have it repaired before the tire is destroyed. And depending of the remaining tread on your tires, you could potentially end up replacing all four tires...that's one expensive nail!

mikapen

This is true of any tire, Run Flat or Go Flat.
I carry a ViAir compressor https://www.viaircorp.com/compressors , which is rated 100% duty cycle, and a DynaPlug tire plugger. http://www.dynaplug.com/products.html

The ViAir is useful after airing down for off-road use, and the DynaPlug is a really slick method to stop the leak. Several "plugs" can be inserted if the hole is larger than expected.

Whether you have a collapsible or inflated mini-spare, or no spare at all, there's always the matter of Where To Put the Take-off. Run Flats or not. I'd rather plug the tire on the ground, than try to accommodate the take-off.

jdhoang

Thank you all for your advice and suggestions!

Bryce1023

Had several flat tires with run flats that were able to be repaired. Something to note is that a MB dealer will never repair a run flat and only replace it. They will tell you that it is a safety issue and the integrity of the tire has been compromised. I wonder if the integrity of the MB dealer has as well been compromised

Lucky 777

This is what I based my comment on. Many independent shops and almost NO dealers will repair a run flat tire.

Long Islander

We had a slow lead in one of our run flats which triggered a low pressure warning. My wife drove the car straight to our local independent repair shop who dismounted the tire, repaired it, re-balanced it, and mounted it back on the car. This was at least two years ago, and we haven't had any problems since.

TonyF61

Why do a $30 patch when then can charge $300 or more for a new tire. I patched 2 run flats and never had an issue.

wildta

​​​​​​If you have a Discount Tire nearby, you don't even have to shell out $30 because they patch it for free.

mikapen

That's true, and they also have Hunter Road Force Balancers.

However, they will not repair a puncture that is outside the tread.

I think most chain tire stores have the same policy, but some Independents will repair damage if it's not too far up the sidewall.

Ron.s

You might check the details on your specific RF’s. Many are designed to be run at lower speeds (30 ish) for a limited distance. Two years ago I was at the Dealer where a RF was driven beyond spec and the wheel was also destroyed. An expensive flat repair and an unhappy customer.

stktyz33

Keep in mind that MB "Extended Mobility" tires may not necessarily be "Run-Flat": https://www.tirerack.com/upgrade-gar...d-or-moe-tires

mikapen

Thank you very much for that clarification. I've been operating under a misconception.

(Typical German over-designed solution, and description for that matter.&#128578