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In June last year I had two Pirelli P7 run-flat tyres fitted. On the Sunday before Christmas, I got a puncture to one. The tyre shop I had bought the tyres from was not open, so I went to another. The puncture was repaired OK, but the fitter advised me that the rubber lining had partially detached from the carcase at one place. This appeared to be a manufacturing fault and the supplier should replace the tyre. The tyre shop I had bought the tyre from agreed and approached their supplier (YHI). YHI accepted no responsibilty and, in any case, they would not replace tyres that had been repaired. The tyre shop (who were surprised and disappointed at YHI's attitude) painted sealer on the faulty liner and refitted the tyre, assuring me that it is safe. Two questions: Is it indeed likely to be safe; and do I have a claim on YHI?

ABayliss

If the problem can definitely be attributed to a manufacturing defect, I would think that the manufacturer should come to the party. However, the complication is that the tyre has been punctured and repaired, which is not recommended by manufacturers of run flat tyres. The other question that exists is whether it really is a manufacturing defect. A car that has been driven for any length of time on a flat tyre (even a run-flat, potentially) runs the risk of generating excessive heat in the tyre, causing delamination.
If the tyre shop believes it is a manufacturing defect, your gripe is really with them, not their supplier, so you could take the matter up with them.
As to whether it is safe or not, only someone knowledgable with tyres inspecting it could really pass comment. However, you're on shaky ground if the repair is one that is not recommended by the manufacturer.

scimitar

Thanks ABayliss. I think you have put your finger on it. The issue is whether the fault can be clearly demonstrated to be a manufacturing defect rather than damage arising from the puncture. The first tyre fitter (who repaired the puncture) was clear that ir was a manufacturing fault. The second (who sold the tyre) said it could be either a fault in manufacture or the result of the puncture allowing air to penetrate between the rubber seal and the carcase (note, not a result of driving on the flat tyre - which was for 30km at 80 km/h max). The second tyre shop expressed frustration that their supplier would not even look at the tyre.
On the repair or not question, it makes no sense to spend $500 on a new tyre rather than $20 on a repair when there is clearly no carcase or overheating damage. (In my case, I would not have been able to get a replacement tyre for around 4 days in any case.) But it seems to me this is an issue the AA should be taking up on behalf of its members, possibly leading to warnings about the potential disadvantages of run-flat tyres in the new Zealand environment.