New run flats?

[Sidewaze Samm]

OK, so I know the issues many on this forum have with run flats. And I can fully understand the reasoning - and don't disagree with it.
But - for an all weather daily driver, I think this zed needs the ability to continue its journey should it get a puncture. The boot is needed quite often, so adding a spare is out of the question.
That, sadly, leaves the run flats - at least the rims are 16", with SE suspension, so there isn't quite the same ride issue as a sport on 18" rims.

The choice of run flats in 225/50x16 size seems somewhat meagre. So my question is - of those of you who have kept with run flats, what have you fitted?
Still with the Bridgestone Potenza?
Anyone tried Yokohama Advan Sport?
Any other recomendations - besides ditch them?


cheers

 

[Scooba_Steve]

If you can only do 50 miles on a RFT then they are not a guarenteed get you home solution, i.e. You still need breakdown cover.
The tyre is scrap if used flat.
The only use they have imho is getting you off the motorway at the next junction, or home/to a fitter if local.
Tyre weld and a compressor is what i have in the boot, which solves the latter option and recovery to get off the motorway (never do anything on the hard shoulder). Weld can also be washed out and the tyre repaired if puncture in a suitable location.
So while you don't want recs to ditch them, I do think it's a very valid option.

 

[Darkangelv2]

I had 16" with run flats and moved to 18" on Uniroyal RS3s and it really is so much more comfortable.

However, if you are determined to continue with run-flats or similar; have you considered Continental tyres that have Contiseal? It's like built in goo that covers over any puncture.

I had them on a VW Scirocco before and they held air for 2 weeks on a screw puncture.

https://www.continental-tyres.co.uk/car/technology/extended-mobility-main/contiseal

 

[Sidewaze Samm]

Weld can also be washed out and the tyre repaired if puncture in a suitable location

Really? I thought it was monstrous stuff that gunged up the inside of the tyre and the rim and effectively stopped the tyre from being repaired. But then, that is based on a little knowledge that is now some 30+ years old!
Otherwise, I agree with the valid points you made. I'm just thinking of that initial period, to get home if close or to a tyre repair place etc. Maybe I'll go the standard tyre route - certainly more choice in rubber.

Still be interested in comments from those with run flats though, especially other than the original Potenzas.

And any strong recommendations for non RFTs - in my 16" size.

cheers

 

[Sidewaze Samm]

I had 16" with run flats and moved to 18" on Uniroyal RS3s and it really is so much more comfortable.

However, if you are determined to continue with run-flats or similar; have you considered Continental tyres that have Contiseal? It's like built in goo that covers over any puncture.

I had them on a VW Scirocco before and they held air for 2 weeks on a screw puncture.

https://www.continental-tyres.co.uk/car/technology/extended-mobility-main/contiseal

I'll be staying with 16" rims - daily drive with 18" rims just doesn't go well with the state of the roads in Manchester that will be used: an SE was bought rather than a Sport for that exact reason.
That Contiseal was interesting - but seems they don't do my size
cheers

 

[Wood Butcher]

I share your pain with the state of the roads in Mancs, they are indeed manky :x
Some sections are so pothole strewn around Didsbury, that I've seen 4x4's taking to the pavement just to get round them :thumbsdown:

 

[Sidewaze Samm]

I share your pain with the state of the roads in Mancs, they are indeed manky :x
Some sections are so pothole strewn around Didsbury, that I've seen 4x4's taking to the pavement just to get round them :thumbsdown:

Absolutely - was up at the uni the other night and could easily have done some serious damage turning from Wilmslow Rd into Moseley Rd - by far the worst I have seen and right on a junction. ttf I was going really slow for some reason I can't remember, could have been serious damage to turn into those canyons at any sort of speed. Just glad that's not my regular driving area.
Rant over.

 

[Magicarcher]

One word of advice do not buy firestone runflats. Just picked up a BMW E91for my wife, it had firestone runflats on 339 wheels. The front ones needed replacing and the garage selling it said they would replace them like for like. I offered to pay more for a pair of Bridgestone. First day out my wide who has only driven Mini size cars up to now glanced the rear wheel on the kerb of a LH corner, it was the slightest of contacts that I fully expected her to get away with. When I checked the wheel the rim was badly scratched, when I compared the bridgestones with the firestones, the bridgestones has a really nice thick rim protector, the firestones had nothing, the rim was the furthest point out. So any mistake with a kerb is likely to damage your rim.