Are you still using run flats?
04-19-2016, 10:09 PM
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Are you still using run flats?
When upgrading or replacing worn OEM tires, are you still getting run flats or are you replacing them with conventional tires? And if you're replacing with conventionals, do you carry a tire sealant/pump with you?
04-19-2016, 10:17 PM
#2
Yes, went with RFs, and yes, carry compressor, goo and plugs. I travel too much to do otherwise. Whether I can fix the tire on the side of the road is another question. Which is why I stayed with the RFs. I've had too many flats to consider non-RFs for myself.
YMMV.
YMMV.
04-19-2016, 10:21 PM
#3
Burning Brakes
I drive my car everyday as it is my only one (43,000 miles so far on my C7). I have been using run flats since 2005 when I bought my C6. I have gotten many flats over the years and have never been stranded. Run Flats are the best. By the way unless the puncture is very close to the sidewall you can have your run flats repaired.
04-19-2016, 10:40 PM
#4
Drifting
I took mine off at 7,500 miles. Installed Pilot Super Sport non run-flats. They ride much better and handling is more predictable in my opinion.
The only time a run-flat will help you if you have a blowout or serious damage to a tire while driving. If you pick up a nail, you can usually get to a place to repair it without damaging a tire. Run-flats can be repaired if the patch isn't too close to the sidewall, but most people recommend replacing them if you have a flat.
So... I take my chances.
The only time a run-flat will help you if you have a blowout or serious damage to a tire while driving. If you pick up a nail, you can usually get to a place to repair it without damaging a tire. Run-flats can be repaired if the patch isn't too close to the sidewall, but most people recommend replacing them if you have a flat.
So... I take my chances.
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04-19-2016, 11:11 PM
#5
Burning Brakes
I took mine off at 7,500 miles. Installed Pilot Super Sport non run-flats. They ride much better and handling is more predictable in my opinion.
The only time a run-flat will help you if you have a blowout or serious damage to a tire while driving. If you pick up a nail, you can usually get to a place to repair it without damaging a tire. Run-flats can be repaired if the patch isn't too close to the sidewall, but most people recommend replacing them if you have a flat.
So... I take my chances.
The only time a run-flat will help you if you have a blowout or serious damage to a tire while driving. If you pick up a nail, you can usually get to a place to repair it without damaging a tire. Run-flats can be repaired if the patch isn't too close to the sidewall, but most people recommend replacing them if you have a flat.
So... I take my chances.
04-19-2016, 11:31 PM
#7
Le Mans Master
Been running RF tires for 10, 12 years now...I drive a LOT (600,000 miles in Corvettes)... wouldn't change to conventional tires. JMO.
04-19-2016, 11:41 PM
#8
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Dec 2015
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I drive my car everyday as it is my only one (43,000 miles so far on my C7). I have been using run flats since 2005 when I bought my C6. I have gotten many flats over the years and have never been stranded. Run Flats are the best. By the way unless the puncture is very close to the sidewall you can have your run flats repaired.
After dealing with BMW's version of fix a flat and a compressor on my left rear tire, and my butt hung out in traffic. I pretty much promised myself, if I had a choice, I'd never drive with out run flats again.
04-19-2016, 11:50 PM
#9
Burning Brakes
Hell no! They don't ride as nice as non-run flats. Also, there are many more choices in tire selection. I also carry a compressor, plugs and tire slime.
04-20-2016, 12:14 AM
#11
Burning Brakes
Why wouldn't you keep RFs? Peice of mind far outweighs the "better" ride IMO. Keeping the wife safe is my priority. The handling traits of RFs provide predictable handling near the limit with sharper turn-in due to the stiffer sidewalls. I guess I don't understand all the hate for RFs. Heck, if you don't want them, give 'em to me! 
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04-20-2016, 12:32 AM
#12
Burning Brakes
I can testify that runflats ride much hasher then regular tires. I'm 53 and have been driving for 47 years and have never been stranded because of a flat tire. I'll take my chances.
Re-copied from Edmunds on the cons of runflats:
Cons:
•No spare: Vehicles equipped with run-flat tires carry no spare, which means they don't have the jack or tools either. In fact, eliminating the spare and reallocating that space to some other purpose (styling, third-row seat, interior room, etc.) is a big reason why carmakers offer run-flats.
•Reduced tread wear: A recent study by J.D. Power found that people were replacing their run-flat tires an average of 6,000 miles sooner than owners using standard tires. Opinions differ on why this is, but one theory is that tiremakers put a soft tread compound on a run-flat tire to counter the hard ride. A side effect of the softer compound is a shorter tread life.
•Blowouts are still possible: If a driver fails to heed or notice the run-flat warning and drives beyond the zero-pressure range or above the speed limitation, the tire can begin to disintegrate, with the same destabilizing effects. Additionally, if the puncture occurred on the sidewall or if the tire hits a large object, the driver would have to call a tow truck. The J.D. Power study found that "customers with vehicles equipped with run-flat tires are nearly twice as likely as those with vehicles equipped with standard tires to have to replace a tire due to a flat or blowout."
•Hard to tell if it is low on air: A side effect of the stiffer construction is that the sidewalls do not bulge if the air pressure is low. This means that it is critical to have a tire-pressure monitoring system and check your tire pressure frequently.
•Harsher ride: The stiff sidewalls that make a run-flat work also result in a harder ride. If the vehicle came with run-flat tires from the factory, the automaker usually tunes the suspension to offset the harsher ride.
•Cost: Run-flat tires are more expensive to replace. A 205/55R16 run-flat tire at a local shop in Santa Monica, California, costs $239. The standard tire equivalent costs about $174, a $65 difference per tire. Also, many run-flat tires cannot be repaired and often need to be replaced in pairs.
•Less on-shelf availability: Because run-flats aren't a big-selling tire, drivers shouldn't expect to roll into just any tire store and buy one. It may be easier to do so in larger cities, but if you're a run-flat user on a road trip and get a flat near a small town, you'll probably have to make a detour to find a suitable tire dealer. Or worse, you may have to stay there overnight, waiting for the tire to be shipped.
Re-copied from Edmunds on the cons of runflats:
Cons:
•No spare: Vehicles equipped with run-flat tires carry no spare, which means they don't have the jack or tools either. In fact, eliminating the spare and reallocating that space to some other purpose (styling, third-row seat, interior room, etc.) is a big reason why carmakers offer run-flats.
•Reduced tread wear: A recent study by J.D. Power found that people were replacing their run-flat tires an average of 6,000 miles sooner than owners using standard tires. Opinions differ on why this is, but one theory is that tiremakers put a soft tread compound on a run-flat tire to counter the hard ride. A side effect of the softer compound is a shorter tread life.
•Blowouts are still possible: If a driver fails to heed or notice the run-flat warning and drives beyond the zero-pressure range or above the speed limitation, the tire can begin to disintegrate, with the same destabilizing effects. Additionally, if the puncture occurred on the sidewall or if the tire hits a large object, the driver would have to call a tow truck. The J.D. Power study found that "customers with vehicles equipped with run-flat tires are nearly twice as likely as those with vehicles equipped with standard tires to have to replace a tire due to a flat or blowout."
•Hard to tell if it is low on air: A side effect of the stiffer construction is that the sidewalls do not bulge if the air pressure is low. This means that it is critical to have a tire-pressure monitoring system and check your tire pressure frequently.
•Harsher ride: The stiff sidewalls that make a run-flat work also result in a harder ride. If the vehicle came with run-flat tires from the factory, the automaker usually tunes the suspension to offset the harsher ride.
•Cost: Run-flat tires are more expensive to replace. A 205/55R16 run-flat tire at a local shop in Santa Monica, California, costs $239. The standard tire equivalent costs about $174, a $65 difference per tire. Also, many run-flat tires cannot be repaired and often need to be replaced in pairs.
•Less on-shelf availability: Because run-flats aren't a big-selling tire, drivers shouldn't expect to roll into just any tire store and buy one. It may be easier to do so in larger cities, but if you're a run-flat user on a road trip and get a flat near a small town, you'll probably have to make a detour to find a suitable tire dealer. Or worse, you may have to stay there overnight, waiting for the tire to be shipped.
04-20-2016, 01:18 AM
#13
Safety Car
Member Since: Mar 2009
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I can testify that runflats ride much hasher then regular tires. I'm 53 and have been driving for 47 years and have never been stranded because of a flat tire. I'll take my chances.
Re-copied from Edmunds on the cons of runflats:
Cons:
•No spare: Vehicles equipped with run-flat tires carry no spare, which means they don't have the jack or tools either. In fact, eliminating the spare and reallocating that space to some other purpose (styling, third-row seat, interior room, etc.) is a big reason why carmakers offer run-flats.
•Reduced tread wear: A recent study by J.D. Power found that people were replacing their run-flat tires an average of 6,000 miles sooner than owners using standard tires. Opinions differ on why this is, but one theory is that tiremakers put a soft tread compound on a run-flat tire to counter the hard ride. A side effect of the softer compound is a shorter tread life.
•Blowouts are still possible: If a driver fails to heed or notice the run-flat warning and drives beyond the zero-pressure range or above the speed limitation, the tire can begin to disintegrate, with the same destabilizing effects. Additionally, if the puncture occurred on the sidewall or if the tire hits a large object, the driver would have to call a tow truck. The J.D. Power study found that "customers with vehicles equipped with run-flat tires are nearly twice as likely as those with vehicles equipped with standard tires to have to replace a tire due to a flat or blowout."
•Hard to tell if it is low on air: A side effect of the stiffer construction is that the sidewalls do not bulge if the air pressure is low. This means that it is critical to have a tire-pressure monitoring system and check your tire pressure frequently.
•Harsher ride: The stiff sidewalls that make a run-flat work also result in a harder ride. If the vehicle came with run-flat tires from the factory, the automaker usually tunes the suspension to offset the harsher ride.
•Cost: Run-flat tires are more expensive to replace. A 205/55R16 run-flat tire at a local shop in Santa Monica, California, costs $239. The standard tire equivalent costs about $174, a $65 difference per tire. Also, many run-flat tires cannot be repaired and often need to be replaced in pairs.
•Less on-shelf availability: Because run-flats aren't a big-selling tire, drivers shouldn't expect to roll into just any tire store and buy one. It may be easier to do so in larger cities, but if you're a run-flat user on a road trip and get a flat near a small town, you'll probably have to make a detour to find a suitable tire dealer. Or worse, you may have to stay there overnight, waiting for the tire to be shipped.
Re-copied from Edmunds on the cons of runflats:
Cons:
•No spare: Vehicles equipped with run-flat tires carry no spare, which means they don't have the jack or tools either. In fact, eliminating the spare and reallocating that space to some other purpose (styling, third-row seat, interior room, etc.) is a big reason why carmakers offer run-flats.
•Reduced tread wear: A recent study by J.D. Power found that people were replacing their run-flat tires an average of 6,000 miles sooner than owners using standard tires. Opinions differ on why this is, but one theory is that tiremakers put a soft tread compound on a run-flat tire to counter the hard ride. A side effect of the softer compound is a shorter tread life.
•Blowouts are still possible: If a driver fails to heed or notice the run-flat warning and drives beyond the zero-pressure range or above the speed limitation, the tire can begin to disintegrate, with the same destabilizing effects. Additionally, if the puncture occurred on the sidewall or if the tire hits a large object, the driver would have to call a tow truck. The J.D. Power study found that "customers with vehicles equipped with run-flat tires are nearly twice as likely as those with vehicles equipped with standard tires to have to replace a tire due to a flat or blowout."
•Hard to tell if it is low on air: A side effect of the stiffer construction is that the sidewalls do not bulge if the air pressure is low. This means that it is critical to have a tire-pressure monitoring system and check your tire pressure frequently.
•Harsher ride: The stiff sidewalls that make a run-flat work also result in a harder ride. If the vehicle came with run-flat tires from the factory, the automaker usually tunes the suspension to offset the harsher ride.
•Cost: Run-flat tires are more expensive to replace. A 205/55R16 run-flat tire at a local shop in Santa Monica, California, costs $239. The standard tire equivalent costs about $174, a $65 difference per tire. Also, many run-flat tires cannot be repaired and often need to be replaced in pairs.
•Less on-shelf availability: Because run-flats aren't a big-selling tire, drivers shouldn't expect to roll into just any tire store and buy one. It may be easier to do so in larger cities, but if you're a run-flat user on a road trip and get a flat near a small town, you'll probably have to make a detour to find a suitable tire dealer. Or worse, you may have to stay there overnight, waiting for the tire to be shipped.
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04-20-2016, 02:14 AM
#14
Melting Slicks
Member Since: May 1999
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St. Jude Donor '11
I know all of the pluses for non-run flats. Cost being the driving factor. Along with supposed comfort, etc. But believe me, No. 1 reason with a few fellow club members is "save a few bucks." Yeah... Until you have a flat in the middle of no where.
I do a lot of trips from Phoenix to Chicago/MN. For those of you who know I-40, parts of Arizona, NM, etc., you do not want to have a flat.
Know advantages to non run flats, but my type of driving, got to have the run flats.
I do a lot of trips from Phoenix to Chicago/MN. For those of you who know I-40, parts of Arizona, NM, etc., you do not want to have a flat.
Know advantages to non run flats, but my type of driving, got to have the run flats.
04-20-2016, 02:45 AM
#15
Intermediate
No RFs for me.
Some years ago as the cost of replacing RF tires on my first C6 got close to the $2,000 mark, I decided to take the plunge and try a set of non-RF tires.
I'd never go back.
I now switch off the RFs at the first tire replacement. Usually Michelin Sport Pilots. They ride and handle better (much better), are noticeably less noisy, about 1/2 the cost of the RFs, easier to find with a bigger selection, and they last longer.
One downside is that in a true blowout they may not be as stable -- or so I've been told.
I carry a cell phone, a AAA card and a can of tire inflator. For me, that's just fine. YMMV.
I'd never go back.
I now switch off the RFs at the first tire replacement. Usually Michelin Sport Pilots. They ride and handle better (much better), are noticeably less noisy, about 1/2 the cost of the RFs, easier to find with a bigger selection, and they last longer.
One downside is that in a true blowout they may not be as stable -- or so I've been told.
I carry a cell phone, a AAA card and a can of tire inflator. For me, that's just fine. YMMV.
04-20-2016, 02:47 AM
#16
Le Mans Master
I drive my car everyday as it is my only one (43,000 miles so far on my C7). I have been using run flats since 2005 when I bought my C6. I have gotten many flats over the years and have never been stranded. Run Flats are the best. By the way unless the puncture is very close to the sidewall you can have your run flats repaired.
You are in an elite league.
04-20-2016, 03:05 AM
#17
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Member Since: Sep 2007
Location: NE South Carolina
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The Vette has wide sticky tires and are a magnet for nails. Had two in my C6 with the same width tires as my C7. No problem they were fixed with a plug/patch (as long as they are not near the sidewall but that holds for non run flats as well.)
After 2 1/2 years been "lucky," so far no nails!
04-20-2016, 05:46 AM
#19
Having been stranded a couple of times with flats in very bad places at very bad times over the years, I would not even consider anything but run flats. Particularly true for wife's car. You cannot put a price on safety.
04-20-2016, 06:29 AM
#20
Team Owner
Are you still using run flats?
Nope! Went to BFGoodrich Comps A/S. Quiet and ride smooth.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....andard%20Model
Nope! Went to BFGoodrich Comps A/S. Quiet and ride smooth.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....andard%20Model
Last edited by rkhegler; 04-20-2016 at 07:18 AM.
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