Key Takeaways
- Bridgestone run flat tyres can be repaired, but only if damage is within the legal tread area and meets specific criteria
- Repairs should never be attempted on run flat tyres with sidewall damage or that have been driven beyond recommended post-puncture limits
- Only Certified Bridgestone run flat retailers should perform repairs using proper inspection and repair methods
- DIY repairs on run flat tyres pose significant safety risks and will void manufacturer warranties
- Using tools like Ordiniq's AutoPump to maintain proper tyre pressure can extend run flat tyre life and improve performance
The Truth About Repairing Bridgestone Run Flat Tyres
Yes, Bridgestone run flat tyres can be repaired, but not in all circumstances. The reality is more nuanced than many drivers realise, with specific conditions determining whether repair is safe or even possible.
As more UK vehicles come equipped with run flat technology, understanding proper repair protocols has become essential for safety-conscious drivers. While these specialised tyres offer the convenience of continued mobility after a puncture, their reinforced design creates unique challenges when damage occurs.
Ordiniq's diagnostic tools can help you quickly assess whether your run flat tyre might be a candidate for repair or requires immediate replacement.
The decision to repair rather than replace isn't one to take lightly. Incorrect repairs can compromise the tyre's structural integrity, potentially leading to dangerous failures at speed.
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What Makes Run Flat Tyres Different
Contrary to popular belief, not all run flat tyres are automatically beyond repair after a puncture. Bridgestone run flat tyres can be repaired under certain conditions, primarily when the damage is contained within the legal tread area. This represents a shift from earlier generations of run flat technology, which manufacturers typically recommended replacing after any puncture event.
The repair possibility hinges on several critical factors: the size and location of the damage, how far the tyre was driven after pressure loss, the speed maintained during that distance, and whether the tyre's internal structure remains intact. Professional assessment using specialised equipment is essential for making this determination safely.
Repair vs. Replace
How do they work?
- Bridgestone's Run Flat Technology (RFT) relies on reinforced sidewalls that support the vehicle's weight even without air pressure.
- These reinforced rubber compounds and special heat-resistant materials allow the tyre to maintain its shape and load-bearing capacity temporarily.
- The added structural components create a more complex repair scenario than standard tyres, requiring specialised knowledge and equipment to assess internal damage that may not be visible from the outside.
When to repair
Repairs are possible when punctures occur in the crown area (central tread) and are smaller than 6 mm in diameter.
The tyre must not have been driven at speeds exceeding 50 mph or distances beyond 50 miles after pressure loss. Additionally, the tyre's sidewall must be completely intact with no visible bulging, cracking, or other structural compromise.
When to replace
Replacement becomes necessary when damage extends to the sidewall, when the puncture exceeds size limitations, or when the tyre has been driven "flat" beyond recommended distances.
If there's any question about internal structural damage or if the tyre has previously been repaired, replacement is the safest course of action.
Bridgestone specifically advises against multiple repairs to the same run flat tyre, regardless of how minor subsequent damage might appear.
Bridgestone Run Flat Technology
How Run Flat Tyres Work
Whereas standard tyres collapse immediately when punctured, run flats maintain their structural integrity through a combination of rigid rubber compounds and heat-resistant materials in the sidewall. This engineering allows you to continue driving safely at reduced speeds—typically up to 50 mph—for a limited distance.
The interior construction includes specialised rubber inserts that prevent the tyre from flattening against the rim. This design prevents rim damage and maintains handling so you can safely maneuver to a repair facility.
The trade-off for this safety feature is typically a firmer ride and slightly higher weight compared to conventional tyres.
Types of Bridgestone Run Flat Tyres
Bridgestone has several variations of RFT across their product range:
1. The DriveGuard series represents their consumer-focused line, designed for everyday vehicles and offering a balance between run-flat capability and ride comfort.
Reinforced sidewalls of a DriveGuard RFT are built to support the vehicle after pressure loss.
2. For performance-oriented vehicles, Bridgestone produces the Potenza RFT series, which emphasises handling while maintaining run-flat functionality.
3. The Turanza series incorporates RFT technology for luxury vehicles, prioritising quiet operation and comfort without compromising the safety benefits. Each series uses slightly different engineering approaches to achieve run-flat capability while meeting the specific performance requirements of different vehicle types and driving styles.
Benefits and Limitations
The primary advantage of Bridgestone run flat tyres is obvious: continued mobility after a puncture, eliminating roadside tyre changes in potentially hazardous conditions. This safety benefit is complemented by less vehicle weight, as vehicles equipped with run flats typically don't require a spare tyre, freeing up boot space and reducing overall vehicle weight.
However, these benefits come with trade-offs:
- Flat tyres generally cost 20–40% more than equivalent standard tyres.
- Their reinforced design typically results in a firmer ride quality, though newer generations have significantly improved in this area.
- When replacement becomes necessary, run flats must be replaced with the same technology; you can't substitute conventional tyres without potentially compromising vehicle handling characteristics.
Can You Repair a Punctured Run Flat Tyre?
Official Bridgestone Repair Guidelines
The company emphasises that comprehensive inspection is mandatory, as damage that might be repairable in conventional tyres could render a run flat tyre unsafe due to its different structural characteristics.
The guidelines specify that inspection must include demounting the tyre and examining both the exterior and interior surfaces. This is particularly critical with run flats, as the reinforced sidewall construction can mask internal damage that would be more obvious in standard tyres. Only after a thorough inspection can a determination be made about repairability.
Legal Tread Area Repairs
The restriction to the tread area exists because this region experiences less flexing during normal operation compared to the shoulders and sidewalls. Consequently, repairs in this central zone are less likely to fail under the stresses of driving, especially given the already complex structural demands placed on run flat tyres during both normal and zero-pressure operation.
Limitations:
- Repairs to Bridgestone run flat tyres are strictly limited to the "legal tread area"—the crown portion of the tyre between the outer tread blocks.
- This area typically extends about 25mm on either side of the centreline. Any damage outside this zone, particularly in the shoulder area or approaching the sidewall, automatically disqualifies the tyre from repair consideration.
Note that even within the legal tread area, not all damage is repairable:
- The puncture must be clean, with minimal damage to surrounding rubber and cord materials.
- Jagged cuts or tears, even in the correct location, generally require tyre replacement rather than repair.
When Repair Is Not an Option
Sidewall Damage
- Any damage to the sidewall automatically disqualifies a run flat tyre from repair. This zero-tolerance approach exists because the sidewall contains the specialised reinforcement that enables the run-flat technology
- Even minor cuts, punctures, or impact damage in this area compromise these critical components, which cannot be reliably restored through repair processes.
Bridgestone's position on this is unequivocal: sidewall damage means replacement is required.
Structural Compromise Signs
- Bulges or distortions in the tyre profile typically indicate broken cord structures inside the tyre.
- Similarly, if you notice uneven wear patterns that developed after the puncture event, this suggests the tyre's structure deformed while running flat, creating permanent changes to how it contacts the road.
- Interior inspection may reveal additional deal-breakers for repair. These include separation of rubber layers, fraying or breaking of internal cords, or heat damage indicated by discoloration of the inner liner.
These conditions aren't always visible from the outside, which is why professional dismounting and inspection are essential parts of the assessment process.
Professional Repair Process
Critical Damage Assessment Factors
Professional technicians evaluate several crucial factors when assessing a Bridgestone run flat for repair potential:
- The puncture size must not exceed 6 mm in diameter. Any larger, and the structural integrity becomes too compromised for safe repair.
- The angle of penetration also matters; ideally, the puncturing object entered perpendicular to the tyre surface rather than at an angle that might have caused more extensive internal damage.
- Additionally, technicians must verify that the inner liner remains intact or has only minimal damage that can be properly sealed.
- The presence of multiple punctures, even small ones, typically disqualifies a run flat from repair as the combined effect compromises the tyre's structural integrity beyond acceptable safety margins.
Authorised Repair Methods
Bridgestone only recognises the patch-plug combination method for repairing run flat tyres:
- This approach involves inserting a rubber stem through the puncture from the outside, then applying a reinforced patch to the inner liner covering both the stem and surrounding area.
- This two-component repair seals against air loss while reinforcing the damaged area to maintain structural integrity.
- Chemical vulcanising cement creates a molecular bond between the repair components and the tyre, effectively making them part of the original structure rather than simply plugging a hole.
After repair, the tyre must be properly remounted, balanced, and inflated to ensure it performs correctly.
Many facilities perform a leak test using soapy water or submersion to verify the repair's effectiveness before returning the vehicle to service.
After the Repair: What You Should Know
Performance Changes to Expect
- You might also notice minor changes in handling, particularly during aggressive cornering or emergency manoeuvers.
- These changes result from the repair slightly altering the tyre's overall flexibility and weight distribution.
While these differences are generally subtle enough not to affect everyday driving, they're worth understanding, especially if you drive enthusiastically or in challenging conditions.
Monitoring Your Repaired Tyre
If you notice vibrations, pulling to one side, or unusual handling characteristics that weren't present immediately after the repair, have the tyre professionally re-inspected.
These symptoms might indicate that the repair is beginning to fail or that the initial damage was more extensive than initially determined.
Early intervention prevents more serious failures and potentially dangerous situations.
Maintaining Proper Tyre Pressure with AutoPump
Ordiniq's AutoPump lets you check and adjust pressure quickly without the hassle of visiting petrol stations. This cordless inflator ensures your repaired tyre operates at exactly the pressure specified by Bridgestone, maximising both safety and tyre lifespan.
Regular pressure checks are especially important with run flat tyres because their reinforced design can mask the visual signs of underinflation that might be more obvious with conventional tyres.
The AutoPump's compact size makes these checks convenient, encouraging the regular maintenance that extends tyre life and optimises fuel efficiency.
For repaired run flat tyres, the AutoPump allows you to monitor pressure changes over time, potentially identifying slow leaks or repair issues before they create dangerous conditions.
The cordless operation and integrated LED light make it practical for checks even in poor lighting conditions or inconvenient locations.
Bridgestone run flat tyres are a popular choice for drivers who want the peace of mind that if they get a flat, they can get to the nearest service centre and change their tyre. When paired with the AutoPump you’ll drive with ease knowing that tyre pressure is something you can easily monitor.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I tell if my Bridgestone tyres are run flats?
Bridgestone run flat tyres are clearly marked with "RFT" on the sidewall near the wheel rim. You'll also find one of several designations depending on the specific technology: "DriveGuard," "RFT," or "ROF" (Run On Flat). The sidewall is often noticeably thicker than conventional tyres when viewed side-by-side.
What's the maximum distance I can drive on a punctured run flat tyre?
Bridgestone specifies that their run flat tyres can be driven up to 50 miles (80 kilometers) at speeds not exceeding 50 mph (80 km/h) after complete air loss. However, this is a maximum limit under ideal conditions. Actual safe distance may be less depending on vehicle load, ambient temperature, road conditions, and driving style.
Do repaired run flat tyres still provide the same safety benefits?
A properly repaired Bridgestone run flat tyre maintains most of its original safety capabilities, including its run-flat function. However, Bridgestone acknowledges that repaired tyres may have slightly diminished performance in extreme zero-pressure situations compared to new tyres. The repair creates a small area of different flexibility that might affect how the tyre handles extended driving after a subsequent puncture, particularly if that new damage occurs near the repair site.
Will repairing my run flat tyre void my vehicle warranty?
Professional repairs performed according to Bridgestone guidelines will not void your vehicle warranty. However, improper repairs or DIY fixes definitely risk your warranty being voided. Vehicle manufacturers that specify run flat tyres do so because the handling characteristics complement their suspension design. Changes to these characteristics through improper repairs could affect warranty coverage for related components.
How can AutoPump help maintain my run flat tyres?
Our AutoPump’s precision inflation is very valuable for run flat tyres, where maintaining the exact recommended pressures is crucial for performance and longevity. The digital gauge provides readings accurate to 0.1 PSI so that your tyres stay properly inflated.
