Run flat tyres - any views?

[Syphon]

When I need to replace the car's boots I was going to go for Eagle F1s. However after seeing the picture of the CTR that had blown a tyre I have been considering the run flat option.

Obviously this will add quite a bit to the cost. I was wondering if anyone else had considered them or had any views about them, and any ideas of cost?

Cheers,

Scott

 

[Jimmyboy]

How do they work exactly? Its also got me thinking, why have tyres got air in them in the first place? Is it to save rubber or as they are softer like this so provide damping on bumps?

 

[DaveP]

I think they only recommend them if you have a tyre monitoring system, because you can't/is difficult to tell that they are flat - which I presume is just as dangerous.

 

[Syphon]

Taken from goodyear's site:

"Peace Of Mind.
Run-Flat EMT tires allow drivers to travel at least 50 miles at highway speeds with zero air pressure! That means you'll never be stranded on the side of the road in the way of danger. Just simply drive your vehicle to the nearest Run-Flat Authorized Goodyear retailer for repair or replacement.

How It Works.
When a Goodyear Run-Flat EMT tire encounters a road hazard and loses air pressure, the vehicle remains supported by durable inserts in the sidewalls of the tire. The vehicle can continue to travel with minimal affect to handling and braking. Special air valves that detect the loss of air pressure notify the driver of the condition.

On The Road.
Run-Flat EMT tires are already being used as original equipment on vehicles like the Chevrolet Corvette and the Mini from BMW. These tires are also available to safety-minded drivers as an aftermarket option. With over one million Run-Flat EMT tires already on the road, drivers everywhere are experiencing peace of mind like never before!"

Scott

 

[Jimmyboy]

Originally posted by Syphon
Just simply drive your vehicle to the nearest Run-Flat Authorized Goodyear retailer for repair or replacement.

I guess that doesnt include Quikfit?!!

 

[Syphon]

Originally posted by Jimmyboy
I guess that doesnt include Quikfit?!!

LOL. I wouldn't think so!

Scott

 

[LEO LION R]

How much more do these cost over the F1's with rim protection, i don't imagine they will be cheap ?

(cheapest F1 online is about £125 each, and from Natoinal tyres £188 fitted etc)

 

[prc]

There's always the added weight as well.

 

[Syphon]

I have considered the extra weight and the possibility of quite a high extra cost but if it can save this from happening: http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14604 I think I could live with that.

Those pictures shocked me, and to know that it could happen any time these run flats could be a life saver.



Scott

 

[Tom B]

Aren't they only available for BMW Minis?

A girl I work with has them, found them absolutely horrid because if you get a nail in the tyre, you can't patch it up, the foam in the tyre expands and you need a new one...at £145!

 

[edc]

Originally posted by Jimmyboy
How do they work exactly? Its also got me thinking, why have tyres got air in them in the first place? Is it to save rubber or as they are softer like this so provide damping on bumps?

Damping and ride quality. Did you never ride one of those old bikes with solid tyres. With solid rubber the ride would break your back.

As for run-flat tyres I can't imagine the performnace of these on a 'performance' car will be anywhere near acceptable. I mean ppl struggle on the OEM rubber. The chances of replicating that CTR crash are minimal. You very rarely get a tyre exploding and losing all pressure like that incident - unless somebody shot it with a gun or the tyre was in very bad condition. For example, several years back my dad was in the fourth lane of the M25 when the front right tyre punctured. The tyres were the original tyres and were about 15 years old. Yes the non-assisted stering became a pain and we couldn't go far but with a calm head it was easy enough to get to the hard shoulder and the car didn't spin out or anything.

 

[prc]

Originally posted by Syphon
I have considered the extra weight and the possibility of quite a high extra cost but if it can save this from happening: http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14604 I think I could live with that.

Those pictures shocked me, and to know that it could happen any time these run flats could be a life saver.



Scott

I've also seen the picks. More info on run flat technology hear:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/runflat/runflat.htm

 

[mik]

Like edc I've "survived" 3 sudden pressure losses.

A-Road at errmm ~ litle over 70mph. Hit pothole that destroyed tyre and rim (front passenger). Coasted to a stop.

Motorway ~ twice had sidewall blowouts ~ once front, once rear (whilst on a bend at...erm...a little over 70mph). Both times again just coasted to a halt (after moving to the hard shoulder).

Not suggesting I'm a better driver than the VTEC guy, but there are other factors involved....the number of times a blowout leads to this kind of accident must be very small. That said ~ if you get out of shape you are unlikely to recover.

Like anything else, you need to weigh up pros & cons & decide if you're happy. If they are heavier / less grippy / high wear-rate / whatever / you need to asses whether the potential safety feature they offer is worth it compared to compromises they bting.

Quite easy if it's only a cost consideration, but reality is they are likely to be worse than BrandX at something.....

 

[Syphon]

Cheers guys.

Not having ever had a blow out (ooer!) I might be over reacting to the pictures. I had assumed that the car would go totally out of control. It is reassuring to know that in most cases it wont.

I'll probably give it a miss then. Ssave me a few bob as well



Scott

 

[Syphon]

Originally posted by mik
A-Road at errmm ~ litle over 70mph.

You don't fool me!

Scott

 

[mik]

It was 71mph

 

[Syphon]

Originally posted by mik
It was 71mph

LOL.



Scott

 

[dave02cupraR]

run flat tyres

dont bother with run flats there ok if you get a punture you dont need to change to spare but once run flat you can repair the tyre but its all down to the repairer but for the price of a run flat tyre you could near enough but 2 normal tyres

 

[Deeks]

forget run flats.... get Eagle F1's !
I've been driving for 13yrs now. never had a puncture.
It's not worth worrying about in this country.