Tire change
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Walton NY
Tire change
I have a 2003 with run flats. The rears are going bald at 14K. I really dont burn them at all (not kidding). I keep them at proper psi. Isn't this pretty bad mileage? Also I have read that you should not have these changed on just any machine as it might mess up the rims. Is this true? Thanks
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 347
Likes: 13
From: san diego ca
you didn't specify which run flats you have, but 14K sounds a little premature. i'd suggest going to a non-run flat with a higher tread wear rating and not doing a burn out at every stop light. you'll like the better ride of the non run flats
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 347
Likes: 13
From: san diego ca
Ok, here's my story about tires. i got my 99 12 months ago, it had a mis-matched set of tires on it. i got Michelin run flats, thought that was the way to go. the car rode very rough, i felt every little bump in the road. after 6 mos. i couldn't take it any more and went back to discount tire and they gave me 1/2 of my money back and i put a set of Kumho ASX's on, and its like the difference between night and day.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 9
From: Lexington Park MD
Are they wearing out evenly across the tire? If not, maybe you need to look into an alignment.
Your tires are getting old enough that it's about time to replace them anyway, so don't feel too bad about having to replace them at such a low mileage.
Your tires are getting old enough that it's about time to replace them anyway, so don't feel too bad about having to replace them at such a low mileage.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,315
Likes: 17
From: Near Jacksonville Fl.
After buying a third set of rears only I had a good alignment done at of all places the Stealership and haven't had an issue since.
The interesting thing is my tires like yours showed no signs of uneven wear.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Holy Crap! Those tires are at least 9 years old!!
When you get a new set of tires and a proper alignment, you will say.. 
WOW!!!!!!!! Why did I wait so long to get good tires??????
I get rid of the run craps and went with TOYO Proxis T1Rs Im extremely happy with the performance, traction and wear characterics!!!!
THERE THE BEST TIRE THAT I USED SO FAR.!!!
Bill
When you get a new set of tires and a proper alignment, you will say.. WOW!!!!!!!! Why did I wait so long to get good tires??????I get rid of the run craps and went with TOYO Proxis T1Rs Im extremely happy with the performance, traction and wear characterics!!!!
THERE THE BEST TIRE THAT I USED SO FAR.!!!
Bill
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Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,100
Likes: 17
From: Somers, CT and Clermont, FL
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Replace all 4 tires soon! 
Even if there still was substantial tread left on those tires, they have reached the end of their useful life. At 9 plus years old, they are likely to pose a safety risk. Why take a chance with them.
Even if there still was substantial tread left on those tires, they have reached the end of their useful life. At 9 plus years old, they are likely to pose a safety risk. Why take a chance with them.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Walton NY
I guess I didn't realize just because the tires were that old they should be replaced and why do they need to be aligned, I don't feel anything in the steering. The front tires show good wear and lots of mileage. The rears do seem to show more wear in the middle which would be over inflation but like I said before I always keep them at the specified psi. Thanks to you all for your suggestions and advice.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: SHREVEPORT LOUISIANA
toyos 10k miles front tires, yokohamas same story 12k miles max non runflats, B F goodrich g force 16k to 20k miles 1/2 the price of runflats, best tire so far. I use GateWay for tires, have proper machines & they still broke a tire pressure sensor once ($100 bucks) but they replaced it & reset magnet no charge. Goodyr runflats too much $$$ for me. hope this helps.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 671
Likes: 10
From: Tulsa OK
The original owner of my '02 changed out the Goodyear runflats with Bridgestone Potenzas at 20k. I bought the car with 24K and they look very good at 34k. I expect to get 25 to 30k on these tires. I have no intention of putting runflats on anything.
I carry a plugging kit and a compressor.
OBD
I carry a plugging kit and a compressor.
OBD
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
when i bought my 00 a year ago it had 35K miles and the original run flats but the tread on all 4 still looked perfect. i made the mistake of not taking into account the age of the tire as well. while driving normal highway speed a chunk of rubber came off. fortunately no damage but lesson learned.
