I am new to run flat tires

If I switch my all season to winter tires will that hurt the run flat side walls?
Thereby reducing their ability to do there job.

 

If you are refering to the unmounting of the RF tire then remounting it when spring comes ? The only hazzard will be to the rims.

RF tires are much more difficult to remove and mount. Best to find a shop which regularly deals with RF tires, and from the git-go, tell them if they damage your rims in this process, they will be buying you a new set at about $400.00 each.

 

For sheer convenience and cost savings, pick up a set of used rims or steelies to put the winters on. Repeated mount/dismount will harm any tire, plus having to pay each season... I think that a cheap set of rims would pay for itself in a few seasons.

 

Runflats tend to be more expensive and more difficult to change....and most places will tell you it takes a bit longer. I have also been told by tire people that after a tire has been unmounted/remounted more than 3 or 4 times, they can sometimes have trouble getting a good seal between the bead/rim. If it costs you $20 per tire, 2 times a year to mount/rebalance the tires...it might be signafigantly more at some places to do runflats...and the rims may be scratched...it adds up quick!!
For this and the cost reasons, I would strongly suggest you pick up a second set of rims...I bit the bullet and did this...best thing I ever did...that way the salt/sand etc will not destroy your factory rims (if you like them), and they stay looking nice much longer. If you hate the OEM rims, they tend to be strong and heavy...they make great winter rims, so get a nice aftermarket for your summer tires!!
I went with a smaller rim, to improve my winter ride, and I saved $$ on the cost of the winter tires and rims, since smaller rims cost less $$.

 

Me thinks after swapping them 3-4 times ( seasons ) there probably will not be enough tread left to worry about side wall damage sustained But it sure would be expensive to do it that way unless I had a tire changer and balancer in the garage.

 

+1

 

Thanks all