Run-flat tires: does anyone use them?

[jblc]

Does anyone run aftermarket run-flat tires? If so, what do you use?

I'm contemplating adding them to a 2021 XLT (17" wheels), assuming the specific tire has suitable ride qualities (I've heard they can be stiffer)

I searched the forums, but didn't see any results.

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[Frenchy]

In order to use run flat tires you will need to get a differnt wheel than stock just to start. The big advantage to them is the fact you can go for a bit until you are F*%$#d. Also to my understanding(might be corrected on this) fun flats are not able to be repaired and have to be replaced. It is your choice on what you do but I dont recommend due to cost.

 

[jblc]

In order to use run flat tires you will need to get a differnt wheel than stock just to start.

Hmmm...my impression is that there are a few different categories of run-flat tires. One of them does require a special wheel, but others (or so i've read) only need the modified tire.

 

[Frenchy]

Hmmm...my impression is that there are a few different categories of run-flat tires. One of them does require a special wheel, but others (or so i've read) only need the modified tire.

The reason I'm saying you would have to change will is most run-flat tires are usually on a low profile. Does that make sense?

 

[Frenchy]

this is from that wonderful wikipedia . the extra roll resitance, fuel economy hit and harsher ride, all for a slow ride for a limited distance....all add up to a no go from me. I would stick to conventional tires myself. but i also like candy sprinkles on my donuts, and not everyone does.

Self-supporting run-flat tires are now common on light trucks and passenger cars and typically provide for the vehicle to drive for 50 miles (80 km) at around 50 miles per hour (80 km/h). However, if the tires are subject to this kind of misuse, wheels may become damaged in the process, and repair may be impossible or unsafe, especially if the tire is punctured in the sidewall or at the edge of the tread. These tires carry a 20% to 40% weight penalty over similar standard tires and the thicker sidewall also means higher rolling resistance, which reduces the vehicle's fuel economy.[5] However, the weight penalty of the individual tire is usually more than compensated by the fact that the vehicle need no longer carry a spare, as well as the equipment needed to swap in the spare. The thicker sidewall however results in more road imperfections filtering through the tire to the rim and hence to the car, which results in a harsher ride

I will agree that run-flats are a no go for me as well. Also if I'm not mistaken the light truck tires that are run-flats I belive are low profile where a 20 inch or larger wheel is required. Correct me if I'm wrong on this.

 

[slowmachine]

I feel somewhat qualified to comment on run-flat tires, having owned about a dozen sets of them (and still have two sets in active use) on Toyota (Sienna AWD) and various BMWs.

Run-flat tires can be heavy, and the larger sizes even more so. There is a noticeable decrease in fuel economy and performance, compared to a standard tire.

Ride quality is not the same as a standard tire. BMW and Mercedes Benz design cars around the driving characteristics of run-flats, so the difference is less noticeable than it would be on a vehicle (like the Ranger) that is not designed to accommodate run-flat use. Still, switching to standard tires is popular. For at some models, standard tires with a space-saver spare and tools are an option during initial purchase. There is a good argument that run-flat tires increase safety, regardless of any perceived increase in convenience (in not having to change flat on the side of the road) storage space for tire and tools, or vehicle weight. Of critical importance, BMW and Mercedes work directly with tire manufacturers to ensure adequate inventory of a variety of tire models, in the OEM sizes, in relevant performance categories (winter, summer, all-season, etc.) for their cars. Very few of these tires appear for sale at retail tire stores. Most models are available only through the respective dealer parts networks. As you might guess, they are not inexpensive.

In my specific situation, I am a fan of the run-flats for our BMW X3. We live in a rural area, with many roads that are not well-maintained. Other then the newest, most heavily-traveled roads, there are very few routes with an actual shoulder that you could park on to change a flat. Combine that with curves that follow the terrain, and snow for several months of the year, and we're in a situation where is, literally, safer to drive on a bare wheel until you get to a safe space to pull off the road. When you do find a safe stopping spot, cellular phone service may or may not be available. Choosing run-flats, and a roadside assistance plan, means that my wife and daughters don't have to think about it. They know to drive within the reduced-speed limits on the flat tire until they can call for help.

For the Ranger, driven on normal roads in the USA or Canada, I don't see a huge advantage for run-flats. I don't see any available in a usable size. If there were a realistic market for them, places like Discount Tire and Tire Rack would have them in stock. Based on decades of off-road travel, I would be happy with a plug kit, some brand of tire sealant (fix-a-flat, slime, etc.) and a portable compressor. Even then, I wouldn't eliminate the spare. It is not only an extra layer of risk mitigation, but the weight of it beneath the bed contributes a small amount to front/rear weight balance. A fifth full-size spare on a matching wheel is even better. If your'e at the point where the weight of the spare tire is reducing your towing capacity, try moving it to the trailer.

 

[jblc]

Thanks everyone for the replies -- great food for thought.

I'm still digesting all the information to decide one way or the other; I appreciate the input.

 

[Ericrcif]

Unless your driving a Humvee thru Baghdad, or Oshkosh JLTV thru Afghanistan I don't see the advantage outside of driving the Presidential sedan.

 

[wanted33]

I've had run flats on several Corvette's. My opinion is if you can't carry a spare that would be the only reason I would have them. Also, if you do have a flat, and drive the car to a repair shop the tire is shot. You'll have to buy a new one as the side wall is no longer viable. The new run flats can be repaired if the puncture is in the thread area (not a blow out of course), and not to close to the sidewall. If it's in the side wall they cannot be repaired. IMHO I see no good reason to have them on a truck that you plan to use. Good luck on your decision.

 

[Frenchy]

I've had run flats on several Corvette's. My opinion is if you can't carry a spare that would be the only reason I would have them. Also, if you do have a flat, and drive the car to a repair shop the tire is shot. You'll have to buy a new one as the side wall is no longer viable. The new run flats can be repaired if the puncture is in the thread area (not a blow out of course), and not to close to the sidewall. If it's in the side wall they cannot be repaired. IMHO I see no good reason to have them on a truck that you plan to use. Good luck on your decision.

The funny thing about the tire repair is that applies to all tires. Go to every tire shop out there and they will confirm this even for a regular tire.

 

[wanted33]

The funny thing about the tire repair is that applies to all tires. Go to every tire shop out there and they will confirm this even for a regular tire.

Oh yeah babe, I understand. With so many dealers out there trying to sell new run flats by saying different I thought I'd drop it out there.

 

[VAMike]

When my kids were young I had run-flats on my wife's car. She didn't ever go too far and the run flats would last long enough to get them home and avoid her being stuck on the side of the road with a baby. They cost a fortune, didn't last long, and rode like crap. It was worth it for the peace of mind at the time, but I'd never have them on my own car and don't have them on hers anymore either. (The babies are a lot larger and would now be expected to change the tire...)

 

[bamahater]

Had run flats on a BMW 335I I used to own. Like it was said they didn't last that long compared to standard tires. Had a tire wear so bad the steel belts wore through. At $1,8,00+ a set this was outrageous.

 

[Frenchy]

Had run flats on a BMW 335I I used to own. Like it was said they didn't last that long compared to standard tires. Had a tire wear so bad the steel belts wore through. At $1,8,00+ a set this was outrageous.

You are also referring to a BMW, a vehicle designed for high speed and the tires were most likely W or Y speed rated wich usually results in low mileage.

 

[VAMike]

You are also referring to a BMW, a vehicle designed for high speed and the tires were most likely W or Y speed rated wich usually results in low mileage.

Well the shitty life I got on run flats was for a minivan, not rated for extreme speeds. I think they tried to use a soft compound to (partially) compensate for the horrible ride caused by the stiff sidewalls. Current run flats might have given up on that since people were so unhappy with the tread life, but that presumably just means the ride sucks more. There ain't no such thing as a free lunch, and we've been riding around on bags of air for 100+ years because that's still the best solution available--even though people have been trying to sell "more convenient" airless tires that won't go flat for just as long. Every year someone will announce that they've solved the problem, and every year it will turn out that having something stiffer and heavier than air between you and the road feels worse than the just having air does.

Of course maybe we've reached the point that enough people think that the horrible ride quality of giant rims and rubber band tires is normal that they won't even notice switching to run flats?

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