All car owners eventually experience having a flat tire. You are not immune to this occurrence even if you own a luxury brand such as a BMW.
If you do own a BMW, you need to know what kind of tires are on your Beemer before doing anything with your flat tire. Do you have standard tires or run-flat tires?
What is the difference between standard tires and run-flat tires?
The majority of BMW cars are equipped with run-flat tires. As the name suggests, run-flat tires are tires that allow you to continue driving after a puncture. It was designed in such a way that the driver can take his or her car to an auto repair shop or a safe, level area where you can change your tire.
However, there are specifications to how fast and how far you can drive on run-flat tires. Specifications vary for each brand. Check with your manufacturer.
There are two types of run-flat tires:
1. Self-supporting Run-flat Tire System – These tires have reinforced sidewall construction which continues to support the car in case of air loss. This feature will allow you to continue driving after losing air pressure up to the speed and distance specified by your car manufacturer.
2. Support Ring Run-flat Tire System – These tires feature a ring of hard rubber or another structure that can support your car’s weight in case of air loss.
Whether your car has a self-supporting system or a support ring system, the run-flat tire system may only be used on vehicles equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
How can you identify if your car has run-flat tires or standard tires?
In BMW vehicles, you need to look for the RSC label.
Should I repair or replace my run-flat tire?
If you find that your car has run-flat tires, most manufacturers recommend replacement when you have driven them in zero pressure or a severely under-inflated condition. This is due to the fact, that they cannot confirm the integrity of the tire’s internal structure after such incidents.
Should I repair or replace my standard tires?
You can repair a standard tire when it gets damaged, provided they meet the following criteria:
1. It has not been driven on when flat.
2. The puncture is no greater than ¼ of an inch.
3. The damage is limited to the tread section of the tire (sidewall damage will ruin the tire immediately).
How can my standard tire be repaired when it gets flat?
1. Never have your tire plugged.
2. If your standard tire has a puncture, it should be filled from the inside, and then a patch should be placed on top of the repair.
3. Repairs should only be made after a thorough inspection.
4. If the previously mentioned criteria are not met, you have to replace the damaged tire.
5. Inspect the tire on the other side of the car. If it has a low tread depth, you need to replace that one too.
Some tire manufacturers recommend replacing all four tires at the same time. However, if you will replace only two tires, be sure that the new tires are the same size and tire type as the current tires.
Please take note that if you are uncertain about the integrity of the tire, you have to replace it.
The best way to know what to do with a flat tire is to consult auto experts. If you live within the vicinity of West Plano, Texas, come and visit us at Dallas European Auto.
Our auto experts specialize in both foreign and domestic brands and have a combined 40 years of experience. We have built a stellar reputation for providing honest customer care with meticulous, expert service that goes the extra mile.
Dallas European Auto is accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
Call us at 214-504-1528 today, to schedule an appointment.
