If a tire goes flat, you will not need to stop on the side
of the road to change the tire. You can just keep on
driving. The shorter the distance you drive and the
slower the speed, the greater the chance that the tire
will not have to be replaced. If you drive on a deflated
run-flat tire for 25 miles (40 km) or less and at speeds of
55 mph (90 km/h) or less, there is a good chance that
the tire can be repaired. The tire can operate effectively
with no air pressure for up to 100 miles (160 km) at
speeds up to 55 mph (90 km/h), but the tire would then
have to be replaced. When a tire is filled with air, it
provides a cushion between the road and the wheel.
Because you will not have this cushion when driving on
a deflated tire, try to avoid potholes that could damage
your wheel and require replacement of it.
Some road hazards can damage a tire beyond repair.
This damage could occur even before you have driven on
the tire in a deflated condition. When a tire has been
damaged, or if you have driven any distance on a run-flat
tire, check with an authorized run-flat tire service center
to determine whether the tire can be repaired or should
be replaced. To maintain your vehicle’s run-flat feature,
all replacement tires must be self-supporting tires. As
soon as possible, contact the nearest authorized GM or
run-flat servicing facility for inspection and repair or
replacement. To locate the nearest GM or run-flat
servicing facility, call Roadside Assistance. For phone
numbers and Roadside Service details see Roadside
Service on page 8-7.
{ CAUTION:
Run-flat tires are constructed differently than other
tires and could explode during improper service.
You or others could be injured or killed if you
attempt to repair, replace, dismount, or mount a
run-flat tire. Let only an authorized run-flat service
center repair, replace, dismount, and mount
run-flat tires.
The valve stems on your run-flat tires have sensors that
are part of the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
See Tire Pressure Monitor System on page 6-55. These
sensors contain batteries which are designed to last
for 10 years under normal driving conditions. See your
dealer/retailer if you ever need to have a wheel
replaced, or if the sensors ever need replacement.
6-53