Run-Flats: Life-Savers or Heartbreakers?

Editor

My last tire-related post was basically a rant about how much I hate mini-spares, and I had a blast writing it. Of course, I was happy to see that several people who left comments agreed with me, but I was more intrigued by the multiple mentions of run-flats. Now, in my head, run-flat tires are still these James Bond super tires that resist spike strips and let you drive on the ceiling, but in reading about them, I’ve come to discover that’s not the case. Given their limited range—50 to 100 miles—and limited life span—often half that of conventional tires—I’m not sure I would opt for them on a new vehicle. But that’s just me. What do you think? Is this new-fangled rubber worth the extra dough?

Permalink:

Posted at 11:45 pm in BFGoodrich, John Coyle

Comments

Dhillaz
Jul 4, 2008 at 9:48 pm

For Austin, I think the simple solution would be to charge customers more to install them, or refuse to do them at all.

I personally think they’re a good idea (as I said last time), but then again if Austin is correct about the awful ride and short life-span, maybe there’s no point at all. Even the fanciest of rims are cheaper to replace than constantly swapping tyres and shelling out extra each time.

Then again, these tyres are built with ’safety’ in mind, so considering they could save your life if you’re going at 60mph+ or so, they may well save your life, which is priceless, but what are the odds of that happening anyway?

Austin
Jul 4, 2008 at 5:06 pm

I hate runflat tires with a passion. They give a crappy ride, they don’t last very long and they are expensive as hell. Plus, if you have ever tried to change one, you know how much of a pain in the ass it is. I have had to do a couple sets, and it is actually quite dangerous, and takes about 3 people to to keep from breaking the machine.

GTwildfire
Jul 4, 2008 at 3:21 am

Unless you have very expensive rims, real-time tire pressure monitoring, and don’t mind spending top dollar (over $400 EACH for the size my Firebird or perhaps a Corvette would use)… oh, and replacing them TWICE as often… I think purchasing these is pointless.
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Maybe the next tire-related installment could be about the “tweel” or if there are any other tire alternatives include them.