Run-Flat Tire Repair Procedures: What the TSBs Actually Say
Run-flat (a.k.a. self-supporting) tires let a vehicle travel a limited distance at reduced speed after losing pressure. But repair rules are stricter than for conventional tires and they vary by brand. The industry baseline comes from USTMA; then each tire maker (and sometimes a vehicle OEM) sets additional limits you must follow.
The industry baseline (USTMA)
Run-flats are for limited speed/distance when low or zero pressure; limits are set by the tire/vehicle manufacturer. A functioning TPMS is required. After any low/zero-pressure event, the tire “must be demounted and inspected by a tire service professional” to determine if it can be repaired or must be replaced.
Only some tread punctures may be repaired, under restrictions and specifically prescribed procedures; always check the tire maker’s policy for that line.
What major manufacturers say (TSBs/policies)
Continental (SSR run-flat): The U.S./Canada warranty policy is explicit: “CTA does not recommend any repair to or reuse of punctured Continental SSR tires.” Rationale: internal structural damage from run-low/zero operation may be undetectable.
Michelin (ZP/Run-Flat): Michelin states run-flats can be repaired only once by a certified tire professional, following the same inspection/repair procedure as non-ZP—unless the sidewall explicitly says not repairable.
Goodyear/Dunlop (RunOnFlat): Goodyear allows run-flat tread puncture repairs with proper materials and procedures; also notes some run-flat designs aren’t repairable and you must consult the maker’s policy. Their PSB adds: for H-speed and above, only one proper puncture repair if you want to keep the speed rating.
Bridgestone/Firestone (RFT/DriveGuard): Bridgestone publishes a dedicated run-flat puncture-repair TSB (P-14-02) and notes in their service manuals that RFT tires may be repaired for some punctures under specific procedures; refer to the RFT section and bulletin for criteria.
Note: Some vehicle OEMs add their own constraints. For example, a BMW guidance document says the brand does not recommend tire repairs (context: many BMWs are OE on run-flats). Always check the owner’s manual/TSBs for the specific vehicle. You can buy tires from us, online - we have a huge selection of tire brands, always on sale!
Runflat tire, Michelin - illustration.
Pass/Fail checklist before you repair any run-flat
Fail (replace the tire):
Evidence of run-low/flat damage inside: innerliner abrasion, mid/upper sidewall abrasion or discoloration, delamination, rim-groove impressions, etc.
Injury in the sidewall/shoulder, large/angled injury beyond limits, or any damage outside USTMA’s repairable zone.
Brand policy forbids repairs (e.g., Continental SSR).
Tire was driven beyond the maker’s speed/distance allowance in zero-pressure mode.
Possible Pass (consider repair) only if ALL are true:
Injury is a small tread-area puncture within size limits, with no internal/run-low damage.
Brand/line allows run-flat repairs (e.g., Michelin ZP once; Goodyear ROF with proper materials).
Vehicle OEM does not prohibit repairs for that application.
Approved procedure (when repair is allowed)
Deflate & demount — Never repair on-wheel. Demount and inspect inside/out to rule out run-low damage.
Locate & prepare the injury — Probe, measure, and ream per the repair unit spec; buff inner liner to texture; vacuum dust. Follow USTMA wall-chart steps.
Install a combination unit (plug-patch) — Use an approved one-piece plug-patch (or two-piece stem + patch) sized to the injury; cement per instructions; stitch from center outward; trim the stem flush.
Seal & reassemble — Apply inner-liner sealant over the patch; replace valve; mount with approved bead lube; inflate in a safety device. (If you ever need >40 psi to seat beads, stop—diagnose and correct.)
Balance & TPMS — Dynamic balance; verify/initialize TPMS; set placard pressure.
Limits to document on the RO
Repair count limits (e.g., Michelin: one repair; Goodyear: one to retain H+ speed rating). Michelin+1
Brand policy consulted (attach page/PDF excerpt).
Zero-pressure distance/speed reported by the customer (if exceeded → replace).
| Brand / Source | Repair stance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USTMA (Industry baseline) | Demount and inspect after any low/zero-pressure event; only certain tread punctures may be repairable under prescribed procedures. | Follow USTMA repair steps; verify tire/vehicle maker limits before proceeding. |
| Continental (SSR run-flat) | Do not repair SSR; replace. | Policy warns of possible undetectable structural damage after run-low operation. |
| Michelin (ZP / Run-Flat) | Repairable once by a professional when inspection passes and location/size are within limits. | Exceptions may apply; check sidewall and line-specific policy. |
| Goodyear / Dunlop (RunOnFlat) | Repairable with proper materials and procedures; for H-speed and above, typically one repair to retain speed rating. | Some designs not repairable; consult line-specific documents. |
| Bridgestone / Firestone (RFT / DriveGuard) | Repairable under restrictions when inspection passes and injury is in repairable zone. | See RFT section and TSB P-14-02 for procedure criteria. |
| Vehicle OEM (varies) | Some OEM programs discourage or restrict repairs on OE run-flats. | Always check the owner’s manual/TSBs for the specific vehicle application. |
References (direct links)
USTMA – TISB Vol. 47 No. 3: General Information on Self-Supporting Runflat Tires (2024).
Continental – Limited Warranty & Adjustment Policy (OE) — SSR section: “CTA does not recommend any repair to… SSR tires.”
Michelin – Run-flat tires: are they repairable? (official policy page).
Goodyear – Limited Warranty & Tire Care (run-flat repairs allowed with proper materials).
Bridgestone/Firestone – Maintenance & Safety Manual (RFT section: repairs allowed under prescribed procedures) + TSB Ref. P-14-02 mention.
USTMA – TISB 45 (Inspection/Non-Repair Conditions) — indicators of run-flat/under-inflation damage.
