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Run-Flats

7K views 27 replies 12 participants last post by  soontobesrt 
#1 ·
I've never had run-flats before. Once the tires need replacing, can I just go with a non-run-flat tire? I guess if there's no spare or donut, I'll have to buy one. I hope there's space for it.

I wish there was an option to get regular tires that weren't so expensive.
 
#2 ·
they are run flats because there is no where to stow a spare. You do not have to buy run flats again, but you'll need to carry fix a flat and hope you do not get a catastrophic blow out that fix a flat won't handle.
 
#7 ·
Yes and a lot. Flat fix makes a mess of the tire and rim, it can be cleaned off the rim but it's hard to get the inside of the tire clean since it bonds to the rubber.

Runflat's are a compromise, they have sidewall structures stiff enough to hold up the vehicle without air. That means the rest of the tire needs to be designed to accommodate that while still performing. There's no free ride, you lose performance and comfort with a runflat design.

As for a spare, does anyone know if they put anything in the spare well that would prevent you from adding your own spare? I understand that with the Brembo's the 18" steel spare won't work but an aftermarket 20" x 8" wheel or a takeoff 20 x 8" with a 265/50-20 tire should fit around the Brembos and fit in the spare well.
 
#6 ·
the sidewalls are usually stiffer from the reinforcement...

You can drive up to 50 miles on a completely flat tire


not sure about the fix a flat
 
#14 · (Edited)
Yes, that is correct.

Remember, the reason you can't have a donut OR the regular spare is because of the Brembo brakes. I'm 99% sure it takes at least as 20" diameter rim to clear the brake caliper. That was one of the knocks on the Cayenne Turbo S, the brakes were so big you couldn't run a diameter wheel that had offroad spec tires available. Mostly it was the Saudi's complaining since they are probably the only ones who ever consider taking a $140K vehicle offroad :lol:
 
#9 ·
I agree I won't be choosing a run flat when I replace if I keep it that long. They do make it ride worse and the cost a fortune to replace. I had 17" run flats on my 08 Mini and they were around $450 each. I can't imagine what the 20" one would be. Of course I have never had a flat in my 15 years of driving....**nock on wood** so I have no need for a spare. I have only used a spare once and I buried it in the sand on the beach to pull myself out.
 
#12 ·
I bet they put the 10" sub or some other speakers in the spare tyre spot.
Good to hear that you can replace the RF tyres with normal ones.
 
#16 ·
Also, the spare needs to be the same overall diameter as your wheels, I'm pretty sure its not good to run 1 smaller wheel/tire with an AWD vehicle. I could be wrong but I remember hearing that somewhere.
 
#17 · (Edited)
I would think it would be safer to have run-flats. I've had four nails at different times over the years in my non-run-flat tires, and I just drove to the tire shop and had it fixed every time. The nail stays in and it's a slow leak. Never used a spare. I don't see it really ever mattering unless you drive way out to nowhere.
 
#27 ·
I live in BFE and most tire shops can get any tire same day if its morning or next day if its later in the day. Everywhere is just a days drive from somewhere.....LOL
 
#28 ·
AAA FTW! Like $100/year for full coverage, just have to make the call one of these day hahah. Anyway, my take if fix a flat will work in SMALL holes in the tread BUT will also make your wheel vibrate over time due to it being out of balance from all the crap in the tire as you just shoot it in and roll it around. Beyond that its decent but your better off with a simple $5 plug kit and a nice $50/$60 AC air compressor you can plug in the cig lighter and pump the tire back up! Thats my solution until AAA since towing is a bitch if/when you ever need it (accident and so on)
 
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