Run Flat Or Non Tires....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Even though run flat tires have been around in production vehicles since 1994, the adoption as a mainstream replacement for conventional tires has been slow for many reasons. Sheri Hermann, Communication Coordinator from Continental Tire tells us “run flat tires provide convenience to a consumer, but conventional tires are typically lower in cost and have better ride qualities.”
Another top complaint is in regards to price. On average, run flat tires are about one third more expensive than regular tires.
That’s not the only complaint though. While the reduced weight of carrying around a spare might seem like an advantage, run flat tires also have an impact on your fuel economy. Thanks to the tires being heavier and thicker they can reduce fuel economy by 1-2%. Also, due to the stiffer and heavier design, the run flat doesn’t quite perform like its price would indicate. They can often be harsh on the road and don’t provide a lot of grip in low temperatures.
Lastly, when you do get a puncture, or lose tire pressure, it’s not quite as easy to get them repaired. While some run flat tires can be repaired, they need to spend some time off the rim, and need to be inspected to ensure they can be fixed. If they can’t, it’s time to buy new tires. Conversely, most punctures on a conventional tire can be fixed with a simple repair kit that costs just a few dollars.
Another top complaint is in regards to price. On average, run flat tires are about one third more expensive than regular tires.
That’s not the only complaint though. While the reduced weight of carrying around a spare might seem like an advantage, run flat tires also have an impact on your fuel economy. Thanks to the tires being heavier and thicker they can reduce fuel economy by 1-2%. Also, due to the stiffer and heavier design, the run flat doesn’t quite perform like its price would indicate. They can often be harsh on the road and don’t provide a lot of grip in low temperatures.
Lastly, when you do get a puncture, or lose tire pressure, it’s not quite as easy to get them repaired. While some run flat tires can be repaired, they need to spend some time off the rim, and need to be inspected to ensure they can be fixed. If they can’t, it’s time to buy new tires. Conversely, most punctures on a conventional tire can be fixed with a simple repair kit that costs just a few dollars.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 128
From: Valdosta GA
St. Jude Donor '15-'16-'17-‘18-'19-'20-'21-'22
The other possible downside is you might have to buy a new tire(or pair) if you get a puncture.
http://www.edmunds.com/driving-tips/...-a-primer.html
http://www.edmunds.com/driving-tips/...-a-primer.html
If you are OK with buying two new tires for a simple puncture then run flats are for you. I would not recommend taking a long trip with runflats. Could take a week to find the right tire if you have a puncture or blowout.
I have used Fix a flat several times and it has always gotten me home. No tow, no new tires, no sweat. Easiest solution to a flat tire there is.
I have used Fix a flat several times and it has always gotten me home. No tow, no new tires, no sweat. Easiest solution to a flat tire there is.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
They are not my views. Do some research. I am just trying to educate people. Many people don't know the disadvantages of run flats(the salesmen don't tell them) and I don't want them to learn the hard way like my neighbor that had a puncture, drove a little over 30 miles on the run flat and had to buy 2 new tires for his BMW because the dealer would not patch it.
I guess if you want to remain ignorant about run flats, that's your business, but I am just trying to help people make informed decisions by pointing out the problems with them. You should be thanking me. Tirerack says:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...jsp?techid=226
.
I guess if you want to remain ignorant about run flats, that's your business, but I am just trying to help people make informed decisions by pointing out the problems with them. You should be thanking me. Tirerack says:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...jsp?techid=226
TIRE TECH
Flat Tire Repairs - After Driving on Flat Run-Flat Tires
(Lea en español)
Most run-flat tires make a promise of temporary extended mobility at up to 50 miles per hour speeds for up to 50-mile distances in the event a puncture allows complete air pressure loss. However, even if driven within their speed and distance limitations, driving on run-flat tires with low or no air pressure can permanently damage their internal structure, surrendering strength and durability.
Therefore, Tire Rack recommends driving the slowest safe speed below 50 miles per hour and the shortest distance to a service provider's facility.
Unfortunately, when it's time to consider repair, even a trained tire specialist may be unable to confirm internal structure damage resulting from a run-flat tire having been driven in a severely underinflated or zero pressure condition. Such damage may not be visible on the surfaces of the tire's exterior sidewalls or interior liner making it impossible to determine tire suitability for repair or reuse. Because of this, Tire Rack and many tire manufacturers recommend replacement of run-flat tires driven in a severely underinflated or zero pressure condition.
Flat Tire Repairs - After Driving on Flat Run-Flat Tires
(Lea en español)
Most run-flat tires make a promise of temporary extended mobility at up to 50 miles per hour speeds for up to 50-mile distances in the event a puncture allows complete air pressure loss. However, even if driven within their speed and distance limitations, driving on run-flat tires with low or no air pressure can permanently damage their internal structure, surrendering strength and durability.
Therefore, Tire Rack recommends driving the slowest safe speed below 50 miles per hour and the shortest distance to a service provider's facility.
Unfortunately, when it's time to consider repair, even a trained tire specialist may be unable to confirm internal structure damage resulting from a run-flat tire having been driven in a severely underinflated or zero pressure condition. Such damage may not be visible on the surfaces of the tire's exterior sidewalls or interior liner making it impossible to determine tire suitability for repair or reuse. Because of this, Tire Rack and many tire manufacturers recommend replacement of run-flat tires driven in a severely underinflated or zero pressure condition.
.
Last edited by JR-01; Dec 7, 2015 at 03:54 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,473
Likes: 691
From: West Virginia
I have had run flats on from day 1. My car gets driven on congested interstates like I81and the Washington beltway where any vehicle stopped on the shoulder after dark is quite likely to get demolished. Never mind the switchover to using the hard shoulder as a travel lane in rush hour which happens on some routes.
So, no way am I going to be fiddling with fix-a-flat or a tire pump at the side of any of those roads. I do carry a repair kit and all I need the runflat to do is get me to the nearest off ramp. As to repairing them, my last set had been plugged many times over the years, and held pressure perfectly. In fact they are still on the old wheels in the back of my garage, and still inflated.
Now, if your car is purely a toy, and you avoid those heavily trafficked highways, dump the R/F's by all means. Just hope the tow truck driver has a clue.
So, no way am I going to be fiddling with fix-a-flat or a tire pump at the side of any of those roads. I do carry a repair kit and all I need the runflat to do is get me to the nearest off ramp. As to repairing them, my last set had been plugged many times over the years, and held pressure perfectly. In fact they are still on the old wheels in the back of my garage, and still inflated.
Now, if your car is purely a toy, and you avoid those heavily trafficked highways, dump the R/F's by all means. Just hope the tow truck driver has a clue.
Last edited by jackthelad; Dec 7, 2015 at 04:18 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
I have had run flats on from day 1. My car gets driven on congested interstates like I81and the Washington beltway where any vehicle stopped on the shoulder after dark is quite likely to get demolished. Never mind the switchover to using the hard shoulder as a travel lane in rush hour which happens on some routes.
So, no way am I going to be fiddling with fix-a-flat or a tire pump at the side of any of those roads. I do carry a repair kit and all I need the runflat to do is get me to the nearest off ramp. As to repairing them, my last set had been plugged many times, and held pressure perfectly.
Now, if your car is a fun only vehicle, and you those avoid heavily trafficked highways, dump the R/F's by all means
So, no way am I going to be fiddling with fix-a-flat or a tire pump at the side of any of those roads. I do carry a repair kit and all I need the runflat to do is get me to the nearest off ramp. As to repairing them, my last set had been plugged many times, and held pressure perfectly.
Now, if your car is a fun only vehicle, and you those avoid heavily trafficked highways, dump the R/F's by all means
It's not about repaired runflats holding pressure, it's about catastrophic failure because the structural integrity is gone. That is why manufacturers and dealers recommend replacement. Repaired runflats are dangerous.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 850
Likes: 26
I called Mitchlen 5 minutes ago they said they recommend super sport ZP run flats for the c6 . (that is for summer use only )
I read somewhere that the super sport non run flat and the super sport zp use the same compound to make the tires . Thicker side walls on the zp
From what I read the super sports seem to be the most popular replacement tire .
I read somewhere that the super sport non run flat and the super sport zp use the same compound to make the tires . Thicker side walls on the zp
From what I read the super sports seem to be the most popular replacement tire .
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 109
Likes: 2
From: Peachtree City Georgia
Non Run Flat. Hankook Ventus V12. Super quiet , great ride
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 128
From: Valdosta GA
St. Jude Donor '15-'16-'17-‘18-'19-'20-'21-'22
They are not my views. Do some research. I am just trying to educate people. Many people don't know the disadvantages of run flats(the salesmen don't tell them) and I don't want them to learn the hard way like my neighbor that had a puncture, drove a little over 30 miles on the run flat and had to buy 2 new tires for his BMW because the dealer would not patch it.
I guess if you want to remain ignorant about run flats, that's your business, but I am just trying to help people make informed decisions by pointing out the problems with them. You should be thanking me. Tirerack says:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...jsp?techid=226
.
I guess if you want to remain ignorant about run flats, that's your business, but I am just trying to help people make informed decisions by pointing out the problems with them. You should be thanking me. Tirerack says:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...jsp?techid=226
.
i know the advantages/disadvantages of both types of construction -- we obviously have come to different conclusions.
Last edited by raff; Dec 7, 2015 at 05:45 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 192
Likes: 9
From: The Colony TX
To the OP, when I was ready to replace my run flats I did my own research online and on this forum. I valued the input from both sides. I looked at how many flats I've had since I've been driving (42 years now) and the answer was zero. If you find yourself getting a flat once or more a year then keep the run flats, but don't buy into the fear factor that others worry about. You stand a chance of a terrorist attack so are you carrying a weapon? You stand a greater chance of having a heart attack so are you carrying a heart defibrillator?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,280
Likes: 1,097
From: Pittsburgh PA
Fear factor, not quite. I don't mind paying for a convenience. Trying to make my life a little easier. I don't need schooled on what i do with my car. I don't tell others what to do with their cars. I have stated before, 18 years with run-flats. Arguably, with one of the best tires you can buy to put on your car. Michelin. I know what i have and am happy with them.
Last edited by Fcar 98; Dec 8, 2015 at 08:18 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,473
Likes: 691
From: West Virginia
You are exaggerating. They are only a problem if you have driven any distance at any speed. A few miles of slow driving are perfectly fine - that is exactly what they are designed to do.
Of course the tire dealers et al, want you to buy new ones. Well, they would, wouldn't they?
I've nursed my car to safety a good few times, and never had a problem afterwards.
And R/F's are tough. I have hit some horrendous Washington area potholes over the years and never lost a tire as a result.
Of course the tire dealers et al, want you to buy new ones. Well, they would, wouldn't they?
I've nursed my car to safety a good few times, and never had a problem afterwards.
And R/F's are tough. I have hit some horrendous Washington area potholes over the years and never lost a tire as a result.
Last edited by jackthelad; Dec 8, 2015 at 09:06 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 192
Likes: 9
From: The Colony TX
I come in here to learn from fellow Vette owners. Call it schooling if you want but I like to learn all I can about my car from others who know more than me. I don't mind paying for convenience either, which is why I switched from run craps to non.
No one here is telling anyone what they should or shouldn't do with their car. The OP asked all of us a question (which is what this forum is for) and we're all trying our best to answer from our own experience. Some of us have only used run flats and they speak of what they know. Others of us have tried both so we speak from both sides of the aisle.
As for myself, I highly recommend anyone that hasn't ever tried them to find a fellow Vette owner who has a pair of nons and ask for a demo ride. You might be pleasantly surprised. 15 years run flats, 3 years non. The last 3 years have been the best. Hankook's rock!
No one here is telling anyone what they should or shouldn't do with their car. The OP asked all of us a question (which is what this forum is for) and we're all trying our best to answer from our own experience. Some of us have only used run flats and they speak of what they know. Others of us have tried both so we speak from both sides of the aisle.
As for myself, I highly recommend anyone that hasn't ever tried them to find a fellow Vette owner who has a pair of nons and ask for a demo ride. You might be pleasantly surprised. 15 years run flats, 3 years non. The last 3 years have been the best. Hankook's rock!
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 31,626
Likes: 12
From: Sacramento California
As a former c4 driver. I am fully supplied for a breakdown and all the gear needed to wait for tow.lol
