run flat tires
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 251
Likes: 32
From: S/W Illinois
No. I suppose that depends on your definition of "affordable". Do you have a dollar amount in mind? Get away from runflats and carry a small amount of equipment. You will get a much quieter and smoother ride if that matters to you. I've driven a million miles and had one flat in my life.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,891
Likes: 4
From: North Port Fl
There are some EMT tires that are quieter and smoother than other EMT tires but from what I experienced they are the most expensive and they will not be as quiet or smooth or handle as well and the best non runflat tires. To get an idea of how a particular tire handle and rides go to the tirerack.com and read what the actual owners of the tire have to say.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 40,999
Likes: 9,764
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
The Firestones are quieter and they used to be quite a bit cheaper but now cost more than the GY EMTs. An excellent tire if you don't mind paying a little more. Better traction than the GYs, better ride and quieter.
Bill
Bill
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,085
Likes: 0
From: Broken Arrow OK
You might want to take a look at the special that Tire Rack has on Michelin Pilot Sport A/S ZP tires. This is a smooth riding runflat tire that you can buy for $836 a set, with the $60 rebate.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes....Sport+A%2FS+ZP
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes....Sport+A%2FS+ZP
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,066
Likes: 9
From: Eddy Texas
Got a C6 now with runflats, and don't have to worry about tires for a while.
EDIT: I did forget to mention that the Kumhos "flat spot" a little, not too bad, after sitting overnight, but they smooth after after only a mile or so. Heck the new Firestones on my '06 GMC do the same thing. No biggy.
Last edited by c5streak; May 3, 2009 at 05:00 PM.
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Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 628
Likes: 4
From: Columbia SC
Run-flats
One negative regarding run-flats that is seldom mentioned is how hard they are to dismount/mount without damaging wheel finish. Tire places dislike working on runflats and if you have ever watched their guys struggle to dismount or mount runflats--even with the better tire machines--you would think twice about staying with run-flats if your wheels are mint and you wish to keep them that way. Regards, Ralph Boineau in central South Carolina
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio TX
Best Tire
One of the guys in our club went to great lengths to test a half dozen different tires on his car measuring sound levels. The Michelin Pilot ZP was the quietest. They also ride much better and last much longer.
I have never experienced any problems with the mounting/dismounting of run flats. I have to say I don't think the Michelins bite quit as good as the Goodyears. Get the Michelins... they are simply the best.
Doug
I have never experienced any problems with the mounting/dismounting of run flats. I have to say I don't think the Michelins bite quit as good as the Goodyears. Get the Michelins... they are simply the best.
Doug
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 234
Likes: 0
From: Dania,Beach FL.
You might want to take a look at the special that Tire Rack has on Michelin Pilot Sport A/S ZP tires. This is a smooth riding runflat tire that you can buy for $836 a set, with the $60 rebate.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes....Sport+A%2FS+ZP
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes....Sport+A%2FS+ZP
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,206
Likes: 21
From: Roswell GA
Stay with run flats
Started with GY - like most everyone I wanted smother, quieter ride - changed to Pilot Sports - better. Then one day I ran over what I think they call "turtles" in the road that mark lanes - poked a hole in both the front and rear right tires.
Several hundreds of dollars on a toe truck and half a day later, I decided I wanted back to run flats. Got the Pilot Sport ZP's and am happy. A bit of a compromise but much closer to the non ZP's than the GY's.
As I understand it - the GY's are like for 200 miles and have the hardest side walls - the "other" Zero Pressure tires are only rated for 50 miles and are softer and quieter than the GY run flats.
Several hundreds of dollars on a toe truck and half a day later, I decided I wanted back to run flats. Got the Pilot Sport ZP's and am happy. A bit of a compromise but much closer to the non ZP's than the GY's.
As I understand it - the GY's are like for 200 miles and have the hardest side walls - the "other" Zero Pressure tires are only rated for 50 miles and are softer and quieter than the GY run flats.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,772
Likes: 3
From: Gastonia NC
St. Jude Donor '10
