Run flats? Are they necessary?
#1
Run flats? Are they necessary?
Hey there guys,
So this might seem like a stupid question but I am in desperate need of new tires, but the quote from my dealer for four new run-flats is way more than I want to spend, not to mention where I live (Wisconsin) the RF handle horribly in the winter weather.
BUT ALL IS NOT LOST! I have a friend that can get me tires at-cost, so my main question is; do I need to stick with the RF's or can I just use standard tires (I AM aware I will not have a spare) on my rims? or will I just need to go out and buy new wheels anyway?
So this might seem like a stupid question but I am in desperate need of new tires, but the quote from my dealer for four new run-flats is way more than I want to spend, not to mention where I live (Wisconsin) the RF handle horribly in the winter weather.
BUT ALL IS NOT LOST! I have a friend that can get me tires at-cost, so my main question is; do I need to stick with the RF's or can I just use standard tires (I AM aware I will not have a spare) on my rims? or will I just need to go out and buy new wheels anyway?
#2
I ditched my run-flats soon after I got my car in 2007, and never looked back. I have a 2007 MCS (no spare tire). On those very rare occassions where the low tire pressure light came on, I went to a tire store and got the tire fixed. Leaks are usually slow. I also carry an air pump and bottle of fix-a-flat though I have never used either.
I hated the rock-hard ride and noise of the run-flats. Also, I once had a flat with a run-flat and discovered that the tire could not be fixed. Needless to say, there is hugely wider selection of non-run-flats, and they cost much less as a general rule.
My non-run-flats mounted without any issues whatever on my factory crown spoke wheels. I will never return to run-flats.
I hated the rock-hard ride and noise of the run-flats. Also, I once had a flat with a run-flat and discovered that the tire could not be fixed. Needless to say, there is hugely wider selection of non-run-flats, and they cost much less as a general rule.
My non-run-flats mounted without any issues whatever on my factory crown spoke wheels. I will never return to run-flats.
Last edited by BMBULBE; 02-26-2013 at 06:32 PM.
#6
#7
If you are worried about getting a flat tire fairly often and not near a place where you can be towed to to get it fixed, then stick with runflats.
If, however, you notice you hardly ever get a flat, and if you do, you should be able to get it fixed in short order, then get regular tires.
My car came with runflats and in the two years I used them, I had to have them fixed 4 times. Since then, I have used non-runflat tires and have not had a flat tire situation on them. So calculate your own risk and make your decision based on your findings. Noting that even with runflat tires, you will still run the risk of being stuck on the side of the road with nowhere to fix your tire.
If, however, you notice you hardly ever get a flat, and if you do, you should be able to get it fixed in short order, then get regular tires.
My car came with runflats and in the two years I used them, I had to have them fixed 4 times. Since then, I have used non-runflat tires and have not had a flat tire situation on them. So calculate your own risk and make your decision based on your findings. Noting that even with runflat tires, you will still run the risk of being stuck on the side of the road with nowhere to fix your tire.
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#8
#9
A Slime kit is a better option than Fix A Flat. Fix A Flat can damage the Tire Pressure Monitoring system's wheel transmitters and they are not cheap.
You can also get a donut spare, but they don't fit over the front disc brake rotor, so if you get a front flat, you have to move a rear tire to the front and put the donut spare on the rear.
Dave
You can also get a donut spare, but they don't fit over the front disc brake rotor, so if you get a front flat, you have to move a rear tire to the front and put the donut spare on the rear.
Dave
#11
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