dormoyu

I've read a few articles on the handling differences between standard tyres and runflats, and now I have a nail in a new runflat, and I'm wondering if I should bite the bullet and just replace the whole lot.

Runflats cost ?200 a go and I'm sure I can get some very good tyres for about ?125. So can anyone answer the following questions...

- Can runflats be plugged?

- Are normal tyres better than runflats and if so how?

- Anyone know how much a space saver cost, has anyone in the UK bought one?

- Any recommendations on a choice of replacement tyre?


Any answers would be greatfully received

Cheers

Ulysse

amigo525

i want to hear more about people opinion.

snadir

i had a nail in my runflat as well, it was in the sidewall of the tire so i could not get it plugged...
Instead of the replacing the runflat, i just ordered a whole new set of tires and rims.

However, i have been driving with that nail in my tire for the last 3 months now...to tell you the truth, no real problem at all.

colejl

The ride is the most noticeable improvement with 'normal' tyres. I found runflats very skittish over bumps too and tramlining was very noticeable. In theory, runflats have a better 'turn-in' due to the stiff side-walls but I haven't noticed a huge change...

Michelin PS2 or Continental Sport Contact 2 (as fitted to M5). Goodyear F1's highly rated too.

Blah

All of us run flat owners will have to cross that bridge sooner or later.

This is what I think, just my humble opinion:

Run flats relie on very stiff sidewalls to keep them upright in the absense of air. These sidewalls do not last forever working in that mode - tire manufacurers say they are only good for 100km or so. So if you have a puncture and have been running the tire flat, you have used up some of that life, so there is no guarantee it will stand up to task again next time you need it. In order to be cautious on the safe side and limit liability (they have lots of lawyers working for them), they simply recommend you to throw it away.

Another issue is how far away from the edge of the thread is the pucture. Becasue of the extra stress the sidewalls put on the two edges of the thread while running without air, those parts of the tire may be compromised too. If the pucture is anywhere close to the edge it may be too risky to attempt patching.

Normal tires tend to provide softer ride then run flats because of the softer sidewalls.

For space saver spares the best place to try is perhaps your local salvage yard.

I have tried Michelin Pilot Sports in BMW driving school cars and I am very impressed with them. Lot of people here love the PS2 which is a newer version. I also like the Goodyear F1 GS-D3; I use them in my Audi A6. They do not handle as sharp as the Michelins but they are unbeatable on wet roads. I am sure lot of people here will be happy to tell you what are their favourites.

jet190rs

My Dunlop RFTs are not very grippy at all. I plan on getting regular tires soon, which are supposed to provide a softer ride with better grip.

JeffNNJ

If you are going to get regualr tire, Bridgestone SO3 are exceptional and I liked them a lot more then the more expensive Michelins.

tonye60

i just had bridgestone rft fitted at ?148 all inc

MaxBuck

I have actually had 3 nail holes plugged successfully in my Dunlop RFTs. And I really like these tires, though I will admit they get a bit noisy as they age. Still handle great at about 16,000 miles.

colejl

That's pretty good for 4! ?37 each - bargain.