RFT tyres - clarifications please...

[Mun]

Can someone realy clarified on RFT's.http://www.bmwblog.com/2009/03/12/re...s-on-your-bmw/This blog says one should totally replace punctured RFT's. They are not supposed to be repaired!!This is absurd, if you just done 5000km and had to fork out almost 2k for replacement instead of paying RM5 for a normal repair.And if your tyres say 40% worn and punctured on one side. Then you will get uneven worn tyres left and right, meaning, you should change both .Can RFT's be repaired and are these easily done at most tyre shop?

 

[etquah]

I think some of our members here repaired before and the tyre still can be used. Of course, BMW always tell you not recommeded as everything have to be PERFECT for them. BMW is not paying anyway, it is your pocket.

 

[astroboy]

Our tyres are operating near stress limit at the top speed of our car 215~242kph.. and the heavier, thicker reinforced RFT is putting more stress on the tyre when its rotating high speed, stretching both the side walls and rolling surface.

A torn/punctured tyre despite patched, has a weak point on the tyre surface and when put to stress at our top speed, this weak point may give way and causing the tyre to "disintegrate" into pieces, putting the passenger at lief threatening risk.

If you never drive more than 110kph, be our guest, keep patching the tyres and you'll still be safe.. :wink:

If you ask me would I patch my RFT, the answer is "YES" .. but I won't be pushing above 180kph.. Even at 160kph, u are already considered dancing with the devils!

 

[Mun]

Thanks for the info guys.

Looks like switching to non RFT soon. Can the alloy wheels fit normal tyres?. mine is the standard msport 18".

What about the tyre pressure sensors, applicable to normal tyres??

My tyres wearing out soon. and i can live with normal tyres with repair kit. I know the benefits of RFT's, but the fact it is rendered useless after a puncture, really sucks!!

 

[kevster30]

Rims that are made for RFTs can use normal tyres, but normal rims should not be using RFTs as the mounting area is not suitable.

 

[ALBundy]

My tyres wearing out soon. and i can live with normal tyres with repair kit. I know the benefits of RFT's, but the fact it is rendered useless after a puncture, really sucks!!

Mun,

Actually the guideline of replacing your tire after its punctured applies to all, whether RFT or NON-RFT. It is for safety reasons, as the original manufacturer has no assurance that the tire will be repaired properly and in the event of any accident due to tire failure, no one will want to take responsibility. Imagine if Company A the tire can be patched up, and someone had a massive accident and decide to sue the company. Wouldn't it be easier for them to just say tire patched jobs are not recommended?

Cheers

 

[astroboy]

..
What about the tyre pressure sensors, applicable to normal tyres??
..

There's no tyre pressure sensors in our car. Our flat tyre alarm is based on relativity wheel revolution measured using the DSC module to identify irregular revolution of a losing pressure tyre with a reduce rolling circumference as a direct result of pressure lost.

In the user manual, there's a big disclaimer in this section. "IF ALL 4 WHEELS SUFFER IDENTICAL PRESSURE LOSS, RFT ALARM WILL NOT LIT".

 

[rastamarley]

as im concern its cant be patch from outside , if u do so the warning light of tyre puncture will not go from the instrument cluster , what u candone is patch ur tyre from inside , the good work can be done at PIRELLI glenmarie shah alam .

 

[Mun]

Just got back from a tyre shop in Sunway. The guy said he can do the repair but not the conventional punch from outside.
His advice: if you do lots of highways RFT maybe beneficial and if you don't mind the stiff ride.
If just around the Klang valley not that critical - can opt normal tyres.

He quoted around 1200 for the 18' rear RFT but I didn't ask further what make. But it seems RFT is just a little bit dearer.

The question now is how safe are patched tyres, RFT vs normal. Astroboy recommend not to go beyond 200kmh on the RFTs. that sucks! If a patched up normal tyres can do ( I've probably have done it on my previous car), then normal tyres is probably the way to go for me ( with some kits and compressors ).

And lighter car too!

 

[robertchan]

BMW and tyre manufacrtuer will tell you can not repair,reason is simple beacuse the repair wasnot done by them so how can thay say CAN ?
if your RFT has been runing flat for a very long dstance like few tens of KM you better change for safety sick,beacuse that prolong drive could have demaged the tyre sidewall structually,same theory aplly to all normal tyre.
Best after market tyre repair is to patch them internally, reason your tyre guy can have a complete inspection of your tyre internally see got any internal demaged.
using the pass experient saying that you have done the tyre repaired does not meant that all are just as lucky as you.
SO place Safety above everything, you are the ONE whose is driving and the passengers are people you know or related.

 

[phantom]

I had a deep 6mm puncture caused by a broken key on my 255/40/17 recently and the tyre shop advised me to have it change. Really upset as my RFT is only 2 months old.:banghead:

 

[bimmerdude]

He quoted around 1200 for the 18' rear RFT but I didn't ask further what make. But it seems RFT is just a little bit dearer.

actually the cost of the RFT is almost double (depending on make) of the regular tires. To me its not wortht the expenditure. Of course, if you are the mad speed demon kind of driver then yes, spend the money for safety reasons.

 

[chamyto]

Keep performing even when the pressure drops: run-flat tyres keep you mobile even if all tyre pressure is lost. Instead of an unpleasant and unsafe roadside tyre change, you can reach home safely or drive to the next workshop for assistance.

Run-flat tyres are their own spares: thanks to specially reinforced side walls and additional lateral strengthening, they continue to perform their function even if all air pressure is lost. The heat-resistant rubber compound is able to withstand additional heat build-up.
With run-flat tyres fitted, you can continue driving for up to 150 km at a speed of up to 80 km/h without any significant loss in vehicle stability.(http://www.bmw.com/com/en/insights/...yres.html?source=index&article=run_flat_tyres)

 

[dzuljazz2001]

I think some of our members here repaired before and the tyre still can be used. Of course, BMW always tell you not recommeded as everything have to be PERFECT for them. BMW is not paying anyway, it is your pocket.

:listen: how come they want things to be PERFECT for them when they themselves are NOT PERFECT!!!:stupid:

 

[chamyto]

my 5sens opinion,better use RFT if u always travel for long distance and not use higway..try imagine if u travel kl-kelantan than break down inside the jugle at d nite....hehe...