Run Flat vx regular tires?

[Allen K. Littlefield]

Does anyone have experience with run flat tires and if so what is your take on them? How about dry cornering performance between a regular and run flat? I see a tire I am considering comes in a run flat and I am now not so sure I want them until I find out more about them. Bridgestone Potenza Pole Positions.

AKL

[Samson]

Everything that I've read about run flats in the performance car world is to stay far, far away. I'm not sure about the actual grip and performance, but ride quality is much worse than their conventional siblings.

My only experience with them was on a 335i, and the ride was definitely not as smooth as I'd experienced in regular-tired 3-series.

I say get regular tires and be done with it. Throw a can of fix-a-flat in your trunk if you're really worried (but then again, the tire shop that replaces that tire will probably hate you for the mess that it makes).

[Adam]

Run flat tires are kryptonite to performance. They are heavier, less effective at soaking up bumps, and more expensive than their non-run flat counterparts.

[Allen K. Littlefield]

I knew something in the back of my mind was saying to avoid the run flat type now you both brought it up front again. Thanks again now back to my quest.

AKL

[mebiuspower]

Originally Posted by Adam

Run flat tires are kryptonite to performance.

How about they're kryptonite to everything?

Run flats shouldn't be on any car except Hummers/Humvees, and the Batmobile.

[Allen K. Littlefield]

Originally Posted by mebiuspower

How about they're kryptonite to everything?

Run flats shouldn't be on any car except Hummers/Humvees, and the Batmobile.

LOL! Well run flats are definitely out not that I was really considering them in the first place as I thought there would be a problem but wanted to be sure.

I am looking at Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Pole position in Front, either 205/50 YR 17 or 225/45 ZR 17 and Rear 255/40YR 17. Nowhere in tire rack is any mention of run flat on these tires so I guess I am OK. When I do call to order I will be sure to axe about the run flat to assure they won't be that type. According to the reviews at Tire Rack these are right up there with MichelinPS2 tires.

AKL

[Lil bastard]

The Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Pole Position is an exceptionally good tire - you'll be pleased with them.

But, realize that tire preference is like motor oil preference - everyone has one, but rarely is a concensus ever reached.

Cheers!

[gschotland]

My Dad has RFs on his '07 328xi wagon and my brother on his '06 330xi. The ride is definitely rougher, grip isn't as good, price is higher, and tire choices are very limited. Overall they think the RFs are OK, but they'd both go with regular tire if given a choice (there's no place to store a spare in either car). Based on my experience driving both cars, I'd never think about putting them on any car, let alone a Boxster.

[Werks]

I've got Continental run flats on my 335xi ( 18,000 miles so far) , and find them to be no problem. They handle fine in the twisties,
and I don't find their firm ride at all offensive ( with 17" wheels). They are noisy however.

Having said that, I see no real advantage to run flats, especially considering that if they do puncture, many tire deales won't repair
them... so what's the point ?

Next time around, I'm switching to Michelin Sport A/S just because I like Michelin tires on my cars, trucks, and bikes. As already mentioned,
a can of stop leak, and a small air compressor like on the 987 should be sufficient for most situations. Saving a few bucks
vs runflats is also a plus.

This is based on my experience.... your results may vary .... Tom

Wunderbar !!

[MikenOH]

Werks:
I like your choice in cars..

I'd echo comments about runflats and the Continental SSR's. The SSR's are quiet and the ride is OK but the reality of it is that you can only drive them 50-100 miles after they've been punctured and a lot of tire shops won't fix them leaving you to replace probably 2 tires instead of one.

I like the GY F1 Asym for a summer only tire; if I was going all-season the Michelin would probably be the choice.

[Werks]

> I like your choice in cars.. >

Likewise !!

Where in Ohio do you live ?

I grew up in the Ohio Valley before moving to Colorado.

Tom

[MikenOH]

Near Ashland; what part of the Valley are you from?

[Werks]

Near Ashland; what part of the Valley are you from?

Bridgeport... But I escaped 40 years ago

Tom

[Brucelee]

My experience with run flats has been very negative.


Noisy, jiggly, awful ride.

Having said that, that was three years ago, so I don't know if they have gotten any better.

[jmatta]

I could have used a run-flat...can of Fix-A-Flat doesn't work with this!

Suppose I should have wiped the junk out of the wheel inside before the pic!

[Samson]

Originally Posted by jmatta

I could have used a run-flat...can of Fix-A-Flat doesn't work with this!

Suppose I should have wiped the junk out of the wheel inside before the pic!

Is/was that an Ecsta MX? Looks like it, and if so, consider yourself lucky. Once worn, those things are scary in the wet.

[MikenOH]

Originally Posted by Werks

Bridgeport... But I escaped 40 years ago

Tom

Wow,small world---I was born in Martins Ferry, but moved to NE OH at an early age.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by jmatta

I could have used a run-flat...can of Fix-A-Flat doesn't work with this!

Suppose I should have wiped the junk out of the wheel inside before the pic!

And that picture shows why you don't drive on a flat tire folks.

[Werks]

>Wow,small world---I was born in Martins Ferry, but moved to NE OH at an early age.


Wow Indeed .... It doesn't get much smaller than that

Cheers, Tom