Run Flat queries

[dan_i]

The following questions come from what I was told yesterday by a tyre fitter with regards to my girlfriends Mini, but some are relevent to me as I'm looking to change my rear tyres atm.

My girlfriend needs one new run flat, so I looked at doing that, or buying two non RF's for the front.

The guy told us that....
1. It's recommended that you don't put non RF's on, and they would wear down much quicker than usual (I'm guessing thats not true as plenty of people on here do)
2. Not to mix Non RF's with RF's (front to back. This is what I was intending to do, I was just gunna put Falken FK452's on the back of mine)
3. He said the cracking around the edges of the tyres is more serious on RF's and that they could do with changing
4. And he said the RF warning light would be constantly light up

I've never had run-flats before, so I don't know how much of this is true, I'm guessing some maybe over exaggerated.

Cheers!

 

[mmm-five]

Items 1, 3, & 4 are bollocks.

Item 2 is right, but only insofar as having two different types of tyres front & back is not a good idea anyway. Doesn't matter that one is run-flat.

 

[no fit state]

Been running non runflats (Falkens) on the back and runflats on the front now for 9 months with no problems. I know some people on here wouldn't do it, but it's never bothered me.

 

[Z4//MMY]

I would say u should pay attention to 3 aswell.

Runflats work by having an incredibly stiff sidewall. If you have a puncture the sidewalls of the runflats will be able to carry the weight of the car without you driving on the rim.

If the tyre wall has cracked then how do you garauntee that the sidewll can still bear that load??

 

[cosmicspunk]

I would never run RFTs on my Z anymore, I never thought a small nail could do this to my Z !! Thank god I was doing only 90KMPH

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=12430&p=188597#p188597

The falkens are better anyday, just get this and you should be fine, up and running in less than 2 min.

http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/detail.jsp?ID=38

If I'm correct, you are not supposed to have different tyre manufactures, it's against the law. It's against the law at least here in Switzerland. And moreover the RFTs are more expensive and reduces ride comfort, and handling.

 

[dan_i]

Been running non runflats (Falkens) on the back and runflats on the front now for 9 months with no problems. I know some people on here wouldn't do it, but it's never bothered me.

The same as I was intending then. I may change the rears and see how it goes. Does having non-RF's do anything to the warning indicator on the dash?

If non-RF's make no difference to the ride then I may be as well getting four regular tyres for the Mini too.

 

[Ian_Mac]

I did away with runflats with no issues at all. The way the system works in the UK is fine to change, over the pond is diferent I think.

 

[dan_i]

I've been told by a few tyre places that ditching the RF's could affect your insurance in the event of an accident. Anyone heard this/know if there is any truth in it?? I might ring to check.

 

[mmm-five]

I've been told by a few tyre places that ditching the RF's could affect your insurance in the event of an accident. Anyone heard this/know if there is any truth in it?? I might ring to check.

The only way it would affect your insurance would be if the insurance company could prove that the accident/incident was directly caused by the difference between RF and non-RF tyres.

As long as they have an appropriate speed/load rating and are road legal then they're fine. Can you imagine how many claims would be thrown out if the OEM tyres were not fitted - plus there'd be no market for Linglong Wonfuks or Blonkian Ditchfinder budget tyres as it'd be impossible to fit them without voiding your insurance.

 

[TonyB]

Mmmmmm interesting post.

 

[srhutch]

I've been told by a few tyre places that ditching the RF's could affect your insurance in the event of an accident. Anyone heard this/know if there is any truth in it?? I might ring to check.

The only way it would affect your insurance would be if the insurance company could prove that the accident/incident was directly caused by the difference between RF and non-RF tyres.

As long as they have an appropriate speed/load rating and are road legal then they're fine. Can you imagine how many claims would be thrown out if the OEM tyres were not fitted - plus there'd be no market for Linglong Wonfuks or Blonkian Ditchfinder budget tyres as it'd be impossible to fit them without voiding your insurance.

Some insurance companies will not insure Z4's if they have had runflats removed though, it pays to check as they only need the smallest thing not to pay out.

 

[BSVA]

Everyone has pros and cons on both types of tires. I replaced my orig Bridgestone RFT's with Michelin PS2 ZP's (also RFT's) and I'm glad I did...no regrets. Superior handling and ride compared to the origs. So the question to you is...what do you feel would be better/safer for your girlfriend?

 

[steelmind]

My biggest shock about runflats was the price - £242.50 for a replacement, and it was only a small nail in the front, plus the tyre only covered less than 4k miles so it was looking new.

On price alone i dont think they are worth it.

 

[dan_i]

^^^ I was also put off by the 250 quid price of the PS2's. It's far cheaper to buy a full set of Falkens and keep the current RF's for when I sell the car.

I rang my company, and got through to one of those great call centres in India, needless to say the guy had no idea what I was on about. He told me that there is no problem, but I don't really feel happy taking his word for it, so I'll ring back tomorrow. O, and I couldn't have it in writing, as proof, for some reason lol. It rumbles on....

 

[Robb]

I rang my current insurer (esure) who informed me there was no issue with putting standard non-runflats on, although if i decided to do it they would want informing but it would have no effect on the premium, guy seemed quite helpful infact.
I was only asking because my renewal is due in a few weeks and this would have an influence on what company I am going to go with due to me going to need new tires sometime in the next year.

 

[TonyB]

I rang my company, and got through to one of those great call centres in India, needless to say the guy had no idea what I was on about.

Now theres a thing LOL

 

[a11y]

I rang my current insurer (esure) who informed me there was no issue with putting standard non-runflats on, although if i decided to do it they would want informing but it would have no effect on the premium, guy seemed quite helpful infact.
I was only asking because my renewal is due in a few weeks and this would have an influence on what company I am going to go with due to me going to need new tires sometime in the next year.

I was with esure last year and had the same - they told me thanks for lettign them know but that it had no effect on the premium. At first they didn't have a clue what runflat tyres were and wanted to charge me for changing the wheels, until I put them right...

 

[dan_i]

Sorted! I rang back and got through to a very polite welsh guy, who said it was no problem, and that calls are recorded, so I have that as proof incase of an accident. So when I get back off my hols I'll get a set of non-RF's ordered.