Author: Colby Weatherspoon

If you have run-flat tires, you might be wondering if it’s safe to patch them after they’ve been punctured. While some run-flat tires can be repaired safely, they often need to be replaced for a variety of reasons. As you decide whether you should get a run-flat repair or a full tire replacement, review our guide about how far you can drive on run-flat tires and whether you should try to repair them.

What Are Run-Flat Tires?

Run-flat tires refer to tires that are designed to be driven on for a short distance after they’ve been punctured. If you get a flat while driving and you have run-flat tires, you can drive on the flat while you take your vehicle to a repair shop or a safer location.

The two main types of run-flat tires are self-supporting run-flat tires and support ring run-flat tires. A run-flat with a self-supporting system contains a reinforced sidewall that supports the car even when there’s air loss. In contrast, run-flats with a support ring system usually feature a ring of hard rubber that can support a vehicle’s weight following air loss.

Can You Drive on a Run-Flat Tire?

You can drive on a run-flat tire after a puncture, but you’ll need to follow your manufacturer’s recommendations for how far and how fast you can drive.

How Far Can You Drive on a Run-Flat Tire?

In general, run-flat tires are only designed to be driven on for about 50 miles after a puncture. While you drive on a punctured run-flat tire, it’s also recommended that you keep your speed at or under 50 mph. That being said, some run-flat tires may have a different maximum distance or speed guidelines, so always check your tires’ manufacturer’s recommendations as well. 

Even though most run-flat tires will take you 50 miles, you’ll damage your tire and its internal structure the longer you drive on them. Driving the full 50 miles could also further damage your wheel and its parts. Instead of trying to get the full 50 miles out of your punctured run-flat tire, drive slowly while you take your car to the closest repair shop to avoid further damage to the tire and its wheel.

Can You Patch a Run-Flat Tire? Can You Plug a Run-Flat Tire?

You can sometimes patch or plug a run-flat tire that’s been punctured, but whether it can be repaired will depend on the tire’s manufacturer and the extent of the damage. Most tire manufacturers allow at least one repair of their run-flat tires, but some may invalidate your tire’s warranty if you try to repair it.

In terms of damage, a run-flat tire has a higher chance of being repairable if it’s been punctured by a small object, like a nail. Typically, a small puncture is repairable as long as you only drove a short distance after the puncture and the tire hasn’t been extensively damaged during the drive to the repair shop. 

If your tire has lost all its air pressure or the tire has extensive internal or external damage, you’ll almost always need to replace it. Additionally, like other tires, a run-flat tire can only be repaired if the puncture is located in the middle of the tire. If the puncture is near the shoulder of the tire, patching or plugging it won’t be effective.

What Run-Flat Tires Can Be Repaired by Manufacturer?

Run-flat tire manufacturers have different recommendations for whether their tires can be repaired. While you should always double-check whether a manufacturer’s recommendations have changed, you can review the main tire manufacturers’ policies about repairing run-flat tires below:

• BFGoodrich: Repairs of BFGoodrich run-flat tires are permitted, with the manufacturer stating they have a one-repair maximum.
• Bridgestone: Repairs of Bridgestone run-flat tires are permitted, with the manufacturer stating they can only be repaired if the tire has maintained at least 15 PSI.
• Continental: Repairs of Continental run-flat tires are not recommended, with a repair invalidating any of their tire warranties.
• Dunlop: Repairs of Dunlop run-flat tires are permitted, with the manufacturer stating they have a one-repair maximum.
• Firestone: Repairs of Firestone run-flat tires are permitted, with the manufacturer stating they can only be repaired if the tire has maintained at least 15 PSI.
• Goodyear: Repairs of Goodyear run-flat tires are permitted, with the manufacturer stating they have a one-repair maximum.
• Hankook: Repairs of Hankook run-flat tires are permitted.
• Kumho: Repairs of Kumho run-flat tires are permitted.
• Michelin: Repairs of Michelin run-flat tires are permitted, with the manufacturer stating they have a one-repair maximum.
• Pirelli: Repairs of Pirelli run aren’t recommended.
• Yokohama: Repairs of Yokohama run-flat tires aren’t recommended.

When your run-flat tire manufacturer does allow their run-flats to be repaired, you should keep in mind that your tire will still need a comprehensive interior and exterior inspection before any repairs. If the inspection reveals extensive damage, you’ll likely need to replace your tires. Never try to repair a run-flat tire if an inspection has deemed it unrepairable, as it could put your safety at risk while you drive and damage your vehicle.

Choose Chapel Hill Tire for Run-Flat Tire Repair Services in the Triangle

If you’re looking for run-flat tire repair services in Durham, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, or the surrounding Triangle area, Chapel Hill Tire can help. Our team of certified mechanics can perform a full inspection on your run-flat tires to determine whether they’re repairable or need to be replaced. When your run-flat tire is beyond the point of repair, our tire finder tool makes it easy to find new tires, and our team can provide you with recommendations before installing them.Learn more about our tire patch and tire services today. If you need one of our tire repair or replacement services, please make an appointment at one of our convenient locations in the Triangle area. You’ll also want to check out our coupons to see how much you can save on our services!

If you live in the mountainous areas of North Carolina or plan to spend time up in the mountains over the winter, you should know how to drive safely in snowy or icy conditions. Since winter conditions can make it more difficult to take turns, ascend or descend mountain roads, and see the road, it’s well worth it to take some extra time to prepare your car and review some mountain driving best practices before you hit the road. 

As you prepare for some winter mountain driving, take a moment to review our top four winter mountain driving tips.

1. Check Your Tire Tread

Before you hit the mountains, you need to make sure your tires are in good condition and have enough air. To start, you’ll want to check your tire tread to make sure it hasn’t worn down to an unsafe level. If your tread is below 2/32” in tread thickness, it’s considered unsafe, as the worn-down tread will make it more difficult for your tires to grip the road. 

Without enough grip, you’ll struggle to take turns and slow down, which can be even more dangerous while driving in the mountains during the winter. You can easily check the tread by putting a penny upside down between the tire’s tread grooves. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head while the penny is between the grooves, you’ll need to replace your tires.

2. Check Your Tire Pressure 

Maintaining proper tire pressure is crucial for safe weather driving. While it’s generally recommended to keep your tires inflated to the manufacturer’s suggested PSI—typically between 30 and 35 PSI— slightly lowering the pressure to ⅞ of the recommended level can enhance traction on snowy roads. However, it’s important to reinflate your tires to the correct PSI once road conditions improve to maintain fuel efficiency, tire longevity, and proper vehicle handling. To ensure you’re prepared for winter weather, regularly check your tire pressure as cold temperatures can cause it to drip by 1-2 PSI for every 10-degree decrease. 

3. Consider Investing in Winter Tires

If you regularly drive through the mountains in an area that gets lots of snow, you should consider investing in winter tires (also called snow tires). Unlike other types of tires, winter tires are specifically designed to help drivers maintain control of their vehicles in snow and other wintry conditions.

Compared to all-season and summer tires, snow tires have a deeper tread depth and a different tread pattern to improve traction. They’re also constructed out of rubber that’s more flexible and designed to stay soft in cold weather, increasing durability and traction. Typically, snow tires are best if you plan to do a lot of winter driving in snowy or icy conditions. If you live in an area with heavy snow, you might want to consider studded snow tires for even more traction. 

4. Follow a Few Winter Mountain Driving Best Practices 

Whether you have winter tires or standard all-season tires, there are a few winter mountain driving best practices you should follow on the road. As you prepare to drive in wintry conditions during the winter, take a moment to review the following five winter mountain driving tips:

• Don’t be afraid to use your horn: If you’re taking a corner and winter conditions are affecting your visibility, blow your horn to alert other drivers. Doing so can help other drivers know where you are, and they might use their horns back or flash their lights to make themselves more visible to you.
• Avoid aggressive driving: In normal conditions, passing other vehicles on a turn or speeding up to get around another vehicle is fairly safe. However, this sort of aggressive driving raises your risk of losing control of your vehicle or having an accident in the winter. This advice doubly goes if the winter conditions are making it difficult to see far down the road.
• Slow down: Even if other drivers are driving fast on icy or snowy roads, you don’t want to give in to peer pressure. Your safety and the safety of other drivers are far more important than getting to your destination a few minutes faster. Make sure to drive slowly on icy roads and around turns, and if you’re worried about visibility, turn on your hazard lights. When you accelerate or slow down, do so slowly as well, as fast acceleration or deceleration could send your car into a tailspin.
• Be prepared for black ice: Since black ice is a thin layer of ice that can blend into the pavement, it can be hard to see and quite dangerous. When you can see it, take your foot off the gas or brakes while keeping your wheels straight until you’re over the ice. However, if you hit hidden black ice and start to fishtail, turn your steering wheel in the direction the spin is going until you regain traction or have come to a stop, as trying to fight the spin will only make it worse. 
• Keep your car off cruise control: While cruise control is very convenient, it also reduces your control over your car. Due to the threat of black ice and other wintry conditions that can affect your vehicle, you should have full control over your vehicle at all times while driving in snowy conditions. Cruise control can take your mind off the road and make your reaction time slower, so it’s not recommended for winter mountain driving.

Choose Chapel Hill Tire Winter Vehicle Maintenance in the Triangle

If you’re looking for vehicle repair services or a new set of winter tires in Durham, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, or the surrounding Triangle area, turn to Chapel Hill Tire. With our tire finder tool, you can quickly find a new set of winter tires for mountain driving, and our team will be happy to walk you through your options. We can also replace your tires for you, inspect your vehicle to ensure it’s ready for wintry conditions, and perform any repair or maintenance services your vehicle might need.Learn more about our vehicle inspection and repair services today. If you need a new set of winter tires or any maintenance services, please make an appointment at one of our convenient locations in the Triangle area. We also recommend checking out our coupons to see how much you can save!

If your vehicle was impacted by a flood, you should take action quickly to stop problems from getting worse and protect your vehicle from more expensive damage. By knowing the main problems flooded cars can have and what to do once your vehicle is safe to reach, you can reduce the chance your vehicle ends up totaled or needs additional repairs.

10 Common Problems With Flooded Cars

Flood-damaged cars often suffer from a few issues ranging from unusual smells to a damaged engine. If your vehicle has been affected by flooding, review some of the most common problems with flooded cars below:

• Stained and discolored interior due to water damage
• Musty or moldy smells
• Rust
• Fogging or moisture beads in the exterior or interior lights
• Stranges noises from the steering wheel or brakes
• Sand, mud, debris, or dirt in hard-to-clean areas 
• Engine damage
• Electrical system and electronic damage
• Transmission issues
• Exhaust system damage

What to Do If Your Car Got Flooded: 7 Steps to Follow After Your Vehicle Was Affected by a Flood

Since a flooded vehicle can cause several problems, it’s essential you know what to do if your car is flooded. Below, you can find a breakdown of the main steps to follow to prevent additional damage and have your car running at its best:

1. Don’t Put Yourself in Harm’s Way to Access Your Vehicle

If your vehicle is still in flood water, do not attempt to reach it. Even ankle-deep water could knock you off your feet if the current is moving fast enough. It’s also not safe to wade out to your vehicle in knee-deep, still water. Wait until someone can safely tow your vehicle out of the water or the flood water has drained away before you begin the clean-up and repair process.

2. Disconnect the Battery, and Don’t Turn the Vehicle On

Even if your vehicle has been towed out of flood water, don’t attempt to turn it on. If you do, water could be in the cylinders, and this water could damage your engine if you try to turn it on. 

While wearing dry gloves, you should disconnect the vehicle’s battery to prevent additional damage to the car’s electrical system. Since many parts of your vehicle will have a consistent current of power being sent to them, disconnecting your battery stops the electrical current from mixing with water. If you anticipate flooding, it’s best practice to disconnect the battery to prevent electrical damage from occurring in the first place.

3. Look for a Waterline in Your Vehicle and Document Damage

After disconnecting the battery, look for a waterline on your car’s interior and exterior to see how deep your vehicle was submerged in water. A waterline below the top of your doors is a good sign that only minimal damage occurred. However, a waterline above the dashboard will likely indicate that your vehicle is totaled. You can also check the headlights, taillights, engine bay, and trunk for damage.

While you check your vehicle, take photos and videos of your car with the waterline included to send to your insurance company. You should also have a list of all the parts of your vehicle impacted by flooding.

4. Contact Your Insurance Company

Depending on your insurance plan, your insurance company may cover flood damage to your vehicle. Regardless, you should contact your insurance agent, review your policy’s insurance coverage, and schedule an assessment of your vehicle with your agent. Make sure you maintain copies of any relevant documents, pictures, records, or communications during this process to assist with your claim.

5. Remove Water From the Vehicle’s Interior

If the waterline is below the dashboard and your vehicle isn’t totaled, you’ll want to remove the water in your vehicle as fast as possible. Excess moisture and standing water in your vehicle can cause mold growth in your interior and corrode important parts of your car. 

Begin by removing standing water with a wet vac, and use towels to soak up any moisture on your floors or seats. Next, you can use a dehumidifier or fan to dry out the vehicle. You can also take any removable cushions, seats, or floor mats out of your vehicle to help them dry faster. Additionally, leave your windows open to let the vehicle air out.

6. Drain Transmission and Engine Oil

Even when the waterline is below your engine, you should still drain your transmission oil, engine oil, and differential fluids as water could be in them. Next, you or a mechanic can refill the oils and fluids.

7. Receive a Professional Assessment and Inspection

After you discuss the next steps with your insurance company, they may send someone to assess your vehicle and determine if it’s totaled. This assessor will calculate the potential cost of odor removal, cleaning, and mechanical and electrical repairs.

If the assessor determines your vehicle isn’t totaled, you still shouldn’t try to start it. Before you do, have a mechanic inspect your vehicle, test electric components, and perform any needed repairs. If you’re not comfortable draining your engine oil or any of the other steps on this list, the mechanic can do so for you. 

You may also want to schedule a professional interior and exterior detailing appointment at the mechanic’s shop. During this appointment, they’ll remove any cosmetic damage to your vehicle’s interior and exterior. They can also thoroughly clean the interior of your vehicle to eliminate any bad odors, stop mold growth, and prevent corrosion. 

Frequently Asked Flooded Car Questions

If you still have questions about what to do after your car is flooded, review our answers to some of the most frequently asked flooded car questions below:

Will Insurance Cover Flooded Cars?

Insurance may or may not cover damage to a flooded car. You’ll want to review your insurance policy to see if it includes coverage for flood damage. 

Are Flooded Cars Fixable?

The amount of flooding will typically determine whether a flooded car is fixable or not. For example, those with a waterline above the dashboard tend not to be fixable, while those with a waterline under the doors are usually repairable.

Will Flooded Cars Have a Shorter Lifespan?

If your vehicle doesn’t receive a thorough inspection and repair services after it’s been flooded, it will likely break down faster than it normally would. However, a properly repaired flooded vehicle can last as long as its normal lifespan.

Is a Car That’s Completely Underwater Repairable?

Typically, a fully submerged car will be totaled, but it may be possible to repair it. You can expect to need a lot of repairs and replacement parts if you want to try to fix a fully submerged vehicle. For instance, a mechanic will likely need to replace most of your electrical components, remove water from the engine, drain and then refill fluids, and fix any corrosion or rust. The repair process will usually be quite expensive and can take some time to finish.

How Should You Move a Flooded Vehicle?

Since you shouldn’t turn your vehicle on after it’s been flooded, you’ll need to hire a tow truck to move the flooded vehicle. A mechanic shop with towing services can help you safely move your vehicle and perform the steps listed previously to prevent additional damage. 

Turn to Chapel Hill Tire for Flooded Car Repairs in the NC Triangle

If you need help removing water from a flooded vehicle or repairs for a flood-damaged car in Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh, or the surrounding Triangle area, turn to Chapel Hill Tire. Our team can remove any water in your vehicle and perform detailing services to clean it. We can also inspect your vehicle for damage, test your electrical components, and provide any needed repair or replacement services. Before you bring your vehicle in for service, check our coupons to see how much you can save.

Learn more about our repair and detailing services today. If you need maintenance or repairs, please make an appointment at one of our convenient locations in the Triangle area.