Grande Punto Run Flat Tyres

[shiny8163]

Hi,
I'm new to the Fiat forum but have been a member in the SAAB forum for a while.
The reason I've joined this forum is that I've just bought an '09' Grande Punto for my daughter and would like to see if anyone can answer a question for me.
We picked up a screw in one of her back tyres and when I tried to get the puncture repaired the tyre fitter refused as run flat tyres are not supposed to be repaired.
He told me he has never seen a Punto with run flats fitted and it should not have them.
I bought the car at the start of January and it was fitted with three Pirelli run flats and a Good Year run flat then.
I thought this was normal as the car does not come with a jack or spare wheel.
Can anyone tell me if this is standard on Punto's.
If not then can someone tell me what the car should have in the boot in place of the spare wheel.
Thanks, Shiny.

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi,
I know run-flats have made a reappearance of late,

but most cars have an Aerosol = tyreweld type "gunk in a can", in the boot
but don't think this is ideal in a run-flat..,

ask in the Punto EVO section for a more informed response,
Charlie

 

[Remould]

Another point is run-flats are repairable,it's that they're covering themselves in case the tyre fails at a later date due to unseen damage.

 

[shiny8163]

Thanks for the replies guys.
I thought they might just be covering themselves as I could not see any difference between repairing an ordinary tyre and a run flat especially as the screw was in the centre of the tread.

 

[varesecrazy]

I haven't dealt with run-flats since the "denovo's" on our Mk1 panda ( mid 80's),

then I believed they had a "gel" in them that could potentially all be lost when punctured,
what's the active ingredient like now?,

Charlie

 

[the rake]

I have Run-flats on the rear of my car,

Had one repaired before no problem, about 3 months ago, and I'm still using that tyre.

Depends where on the tyre the Screw was, mine was in the centre of the tread, whereas tyres aren't to be repaired if its pierced on the side wall or shoulder iirc.....

Remember though, its worth checking them over every so often as it's not always obvious if there's a defect.

 

[Mr Mayoh]

i have runflats, aftermarket fitted though, horrible to drive on compared to standard.

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

Run flats can be fitted to any car. More tyre fitter crap - most don't seem to know what they're talking about, so to say they shouldnt be fitted it wrong.

They can also be repaired as a work mate had one fixed on his BMW 1 Series with run flats on Wednesday just gone

 

[jameshobiecat]

Run flats can be fitted to any car. More tyre fitter crap - most don't seem to know what they're talking about, so to say they shouldnt be fitted it wrong.

They can also be repaired as a work mate had one fixed on his BMW 1 Series with run flats on Wednesday just gone

Seriously seriously disagree! Run flats shouldn't ever be fitted to a car without tyre pressure sensors since you can't tell if they are punctured. I also think it is illegal or a at least an mot fail for the above reason.

Get the run flats off the car ASAP.

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

Seriously seriously disagree! Run flats shouldn't ever be fitted to a car without tyre pressure sensors since you can't tell if they are punctured. I also think it is illegal or a at least an mot fail for the above reason.

Get the run flats off the car ASAP.

Hmmm, interesting point.

 

[ElegantSpoon]

RFT's are the devils work! I had them on my Z4 and and E90 and they were horrific!

The Z4 was barley drivable on country roads as it constantly tried do follow the tram lines!

Ditch the RFTs and flog them on ebay and fit some normal tyres!

 

[ANZAC]

Another point is run-flats are repairable,it's that they're covering themselves in case the tyre fails at a later date due to unseen damage.

or secptically, they make more money by selling you new tyres?

 

[shiny8163]

Seriously seriously disagree! Run flats shouldn't ever be fitted to a car without tyre pressure sensors since you can't tell if they are punctured. I also think it is illegal or a at least an mot fail for the above reason.

Get the run flats off the car ASAP.

I replaced the punctured tyre as the fitter refused to repair it and I totally agree they are terrible to drive on, and you can't tell when you have a puncture other than the terrible noise from them, but as my daughter is only 18 I would rather she could drive to a safe place rather than have to change a wheel in some secluded area.

Thanks for all your posts guys. :worship:

 

[jameshobiecat]

But how is she going to know a tyre is flat?

 

[Mark S]

Run flats can be fitted to any car. More tyre fitter crap - most don't seem to know what they're talking about, so to say they shouldnt be fitted it wrong.

That is twaddle. Look at Bridgestone's website. They state that run flats should only be fitted to a car which

1. has its suspension designed for run flats

2. has tyre pressure sensors.

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

That is twaddle. Look at Bridgestone's website. They state that run flats should only be fitted to a car which

1. has its suspension designed for run flats

2. has tyre pressure sensors.

Did you not see post 10??