Run Flats !!!!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 175
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Run Flats !!!!
Just got my tire replaced on the Vette had a huge hole in the side wall . I am a firm believer in Run Flats I know folks have complained about they are noisy unless they sound like a high school band playing in my car I AM SOLD on run flats took me all the way home 50 miles home on a flat tire
Last edited by gmbal4; May 24, 2017 at 04:09 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Here is why I will never have runflats. If you have a puncture and drive any distance at all tire shops will not repair it and you have to buy a new tire, probably 2 to match it. Since most tire shops will not have your tire, it could take days or weeks to get one. My neighbor waited a week to replace a punctured runflat on his BMW. The shop would not patch it. Certainly not worth twice the price of regular tires.
You are lucky that run flat did not come apart and tear your car up. Sometimes they will with sidewall damage like that. Was that tire damage caused from driving on it flat or did you have a blowout?
You are lucky that run flat did not come apart and tear your car up. Sometimes they will with sidewall damage like that. Was that tire damage caused from driving on it flat or did you have a blowout?
Last edited by JR-01; May 24, 2017 at 05:25 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
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Likes: 18
went to MT Shasta to take some pics of the car and their were huge potholes and I thought I slowed down apparently not enuff so I hit the pot hole and puncture my tire. On the way home my pressure light came on and said I had no pressure in right front tire and to reduce speed.I thought it was a malfunction because the tire felt fine to me.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
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SO I could be stuck 50 miles from home with a flat tire or I can drive back with no issues on a run flat tire that worked fantastically. I vote for the RUN FLAT I will never have another tire on my car other than a run flat ! 
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Houston TX
Too many downsides to runflat tires for me. I'd rather run regular tires and keep a small compressor in my car in case I have a small leak. Glad to see they worked out for you, but this reads similar to the "My extended warranty paid off!" threads that we see from time to time.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
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From: Wisconsin
went to MT Shasta to take some pics of the car and their were huge potholes and I thought I slowed down apparently not enuff so I hit the pot hole and puncture my tire. On the way home my pressure light came on and said I had no pressure in right front tire and to reduce speed.I thought it was a malfunction because the tire felt fine to me.
Last edited by JR-01; May 24, 2017 at 06:04 PM.
Safety Car
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From: FW/d Texas
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: Wisconsin
Too many downsides to runflat tires for me. I'd rather run regular tires and keep a small compressor in my car in case I have a small leak. Glad to see they worked out for you, but this reads similar to the "My extended warranty paid off!" threads that we see from time to time.
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If you like run flats on the car, by all means keep them. There is nothing wrong with that feeling. It all comes down to a personal preference in tires. I happen to prefer non-runflats with the understanding that should I have a puncture or a blowout, it could be more of an inconvenience than if I had run flats. To me, the positives of non-runflats makes them more attractive for my car.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
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So the damage to the tire probably happened while you were driving home on it flat. You would have lost all pressure instantly with a gaping hole like that and you would have heard the blowout. So now you have to buy 2 new runflat tires, instead of inflating the low tire, drive home and get it patched for twenty bucks. This flat tire will cost you 500 bucks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Most shops won't patch any run flat. That hole in the sidewall probably happened on the drive home, not when you hit the pothole, according to your own account. 400 bucks plus mounting and balancing. High price to pay for a flat tire.
Last edited by JR-01; May 24, 2017 at 07:32 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
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400 bucks were are you getting this price from
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Tires should be replaced in pairs. $200 to replace the flat and $200 for the other side to match. Plus mounting and balancing. If it's worth it to you, then more power to you. I can't afford to have run flats.
Last edited by JR-01; May 24, 2017 at 08:04 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
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From: West Virginia
I think it all comes down to, do you really drive your car, or do you just float about, polish it and go to shows, etc. I drive mine. All year round, all weathers. And due to where I live, I have to drive on highways (I81, I70) where you do not want to be futzing around with a flat on the shoulder, otherwise you may well get wiped out by a dozy trucker - happens (too) frequently.
So, I have RF's, Michelins to be precise, and yes they are harsher but they are safer, because whatever happens, I will always be able to drive to the next exit and deal with the problem safely. And I carry a repair kit and compressor for "minor" problems.
In 20 years of ownership using run flats, I have never had any of the drama some commenters predict. Fact is, if you get a hole in the sidewall, with a run flat you can get off the highway or drive home if you are close. Non run flat, you better have a spare on board. And get the other side of the guard rail.
Your life, your call.
So, I have RF's, Michelins to be precise, and yes they are harsher but they are safer, because whatever happens, I will always be able to drive to the next exit and deal with the problem safely. And I carry a repair kit and compressor for "minor" problems.
In 20 years of ownership using run flats, I have never had any of the drama some commenters predict. Fact is, if you get a hole in the sidewall, with a run flat you can get off the highway or drive home if you are close. Non run flat, you better have a spare on board. And get the other side of the guard rail.
Your life, your call.