[paulymu]

Just got back from visiting a Firestone location here in the US, and was told not to switch from run flats due to "weight if the car". Sounds suspect to me but thought i'd ask you guys. I've been told run flats are good for when you get a flat obviously but the ride is worse compared to regular tires. So, going off what this sales rep just told me, is it worth it? Did switching from run flats affect the car drastically or was it worse due to regular tires not handling the weight if the car? I guess that's what he was implying.

[328iX]

Sounds like a scare tactic to get you to pay more for RFTs. Your car weighs roughly 3,500lbs, I don't even think there's a tire on the market (with proper size) that couldn't hold up the car.

From what I see non-RFT and RFT both share similar weight ratings of rougly 1500lbs per wheel.


The only thing I could assume he's trying to get at is the fact RFTs have a stiff sidewall to hold up the weight of the car with 0PSI, but obviously a non-RFT isn't designed to do that.

[davidr3]

BS, I just went from run flats to go flats, ride feels better and quieter. Prob wants you paying the premium for run flats.

[F32Fleet]

Tires DO have a load rating so you'd want to match it but no there's no problem running go-flat tires. Hell BMW used to offer go flat as an option (F30 ZHP).

RFT aren't bad, just expensive, but not terribly so when you consider that the donut spare is single use only and should be replaced.

[jcdub]

If your concerned. Make sure the tires you buy are 99Y not 97Y. The load is rated higher on 99Y tires

[Wgosma]

Originally Posted by jcdub

If your concerned. Make sure the tires you buy are 99Y not 97Y. The load is rated higher on 99Y tires

Retailers who sell tires are more than aware of required load ratings- they won't sell tires that don't meet the vehicles requirements, potentially major liability issue for seller.

[RM7]

Wow...

[chowser51]

Find a different tire place.

[eluded]

Runflats suck compared to mpsp

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by paulymu

Just got back from visiting a Firestone location here in the US, and was told not to switch from run flats due to "weight if the car".

Bullshit. For a given tire size there's very little difference in load capacity. To find out your tire options the best thing to do is go to tirerack dot com. Then if you want to buy locally get them to price match.

[BBri89]

Nonsense.

There are plenty of far heavier cars on the same size tyres.


As long as the load rating is correct for your car there is no issue.


The ONLY advantage to runflats is that you can drive on them after pressure loss.

There are many disadvantages to them, among which include
- more expensive
- less comfortable/more jarring
- less grip
- noisier
- can damage wheels/suspension if potholes


I switched to non-runflats several months ago and will NEVER go back.

[CajunBMW]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Bullshit. For a given tire size there's very little difference in load capacity. To find out your tire options the best thing to do is go to tirerack dot com. Then if you want to buy locally get them to price match.

+1. I have done that with my local Indy shop and have had good luck for the last 15 years doing that. They appreciate the service and make a little money on a simple job.

[Nathen4242]

I switched from the run-flat as soon as i got my 428. whoever told you that you cant run a normal tire should just leave the car business to begin with. load of crap. i Work for BMW/MINI and we switch them over all the time. if you don't have the spare tire, its really just a risk your taking on your own. but 75% of are customers don't run them unless its a lease or something crazy like a x7 with 22'' rims.

[jmack]

They are either severely uninformed or just trying to get a better sale out of you, either way you should take your business elsewhere. Go flats are better than RFTs in every way. Get some MPS4S or A/S3+ and enjoy your car.

[CajunBMW]

Originally Posted by jmack

They are either severely uninformed or just trying to get a better sale out of you, either way you should take your business elsewhere. Go flats are better than RFTs in every way. Get some MPS4S or A/S3+ and enjoy your car.

I have heard and checked on tire rack that a new Michelin rft tire based on these pilot sport tires. Listed as pilot sport 4 zp. On one of the threads here a member commented on how much these Michelin's were like the go flats. I have no idea. I have always used rft because I am many times in rural parts of Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas with kids heading to soccer tournaments. We have used the rft feature a few times, so for me it is worth. I do keep a pump and have been able to save the tire at least until we can get replaced. I was thinking of trying these new Michelin's when my Contis need replacing.

[Nathen4242]

Originally Posted by CajunBMW

I have heard and checked on tire rack that a new Michelin rft tire based on these pilot sport tires. Listed as pilot sport 4 zp. On one of the threads here a member commented on how much these Michelin's were like the go flats. I have no idea. I have always used rft because I am many times in rural parts of Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas with kids heading to soccer tournaments. We have used the rft feature a few times, so for me it is worth. I do keep a pump and have been able to save the tire at least until we can get replaced. I was thinking of trying these new Michelin's when my Contis need replacing.

Good set of tires, well here in Canada they are asked for a lot( DWS06 CONTI)

[paulymu]

Thanks so much for the input. I had a feeling he was trying to scare me but i already made up my mind to switch from run flats.

[jcdub]

Just purchased some Goodyear super sports 255-40/18 to replace me rft asymmetric 3's. Looking forward to experiencing non rft. Plus the grip the super sports are going to provide.

[SlumpLord3000]

Originally Posted by jmack

They are either severely uninformed or just trying to get a better sale out of you, either way you should take your business elsewhere. Go flats are better than RFTs in every way. Get some MPS4S or A/S3+ and enjoy your car.

A/S3+ was replaced by Michelin pilot Sport All Season 4. It's a bit louder and softer than 3. But better performance. I would recommend.

[fluke]

I consider the driving conditions when I choose tires. When I lived in Colorado RFT's would have been great. The roads are in poor condition with narrow shoulders. The speed limits were as high as 80. Changing a tire on a windy mountain road would have been a nail biter. In Florida, the roads were wide and in great condition with ample shoulders. I'm ok changing a tire in the heat so go-flats would have been fine. When I drove through a rough neighborhood to get to work in California, RFT wins again because there's no way I was getting out of my car there (nor was I going to drive a nice car). Some food for thought.

[Chaos236]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Bullshit. For a given tire size there's very little difference in load capacity. To find out your tire options the best thing to do is go to tirerack dot com. Then if you want to buy locally get them to price match.

Complete and utter bullshit, lots of good ideas on this site or tire rack. Good luck

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by fluke

I consider the driving conditions when I choose tires. When I lived in Colorado RFT's would have been great. The roads are in poor condition with narrow shoulders. The speed limits were as high as 80. Changing a tire on a windy mountain road would have been a nail biter. In Florida, the roads were wide and in great condition with ample shoulders. I'm ok changing a tire in the heat so go-flats would have been fine. When I drove through a rough neighborhood to get to work in California, RFT wins again because there's no way I was getting out of my car there (nor was I going to drive a nice car). Some food for thought.

+1 Run flat tires in winter conditions provide an extra margin of safety. No need to get out of the car and change the tire. I had great experience with Pirelli Sottozero Series II run flat winter tires.

My personal and humble perspective: the debate on run flat vs go flat benefits is perhaps harsher than it should be. Run flat tires have a purpose and like any other tire comes with a set of advantages and disadvantages.