runflat / non runflat dilema

Magicarcher

Active member
 Warwickshire
When my tyres run out I want to get off runflats. but when I bought the car the RF tyres had 7.5mm tread and I don't want to throw away that amount of tyre that is good.

Here is my dilema, the rears are wearing much faster than the fronts (as expected). There is a likelihood the rears could hit 3mm when the fronts are still 5-6mm.

In this scenario is it acceptable to replace the pair of rears with non runflats and leave the runflats on the front until they also get down to 3mm, then change them?
 
I've just switched to non RF all round which involved getting rid of fronts that had around 6mm tread left.... I wouldn't recommend having mis-matched tyres on any car to be honest, let alone tyres as different as RF and non RF!

Since switching to non RF tyres it's like driving a different car, much more responsive and doesn't dive into every pothole or slight rut in the road as well as more comfortable over the bumps due to more compliance in the side walls!
 
There's no logical reason why runflats and non runflats on different axles should be a problem, I would say it's more to do with the compound of the tyre. if you can get a non runflat version of the same tyre then maybe give that a go? If you think it feels fine then stick with it, if not you can then get the fronts done.!
 
Zeld4 said:
There's no logical reason why runflats and non runflats on different axles should be a problem........

There is a massive difference in the sidewall construction resulting in a completely different response to compression and lateral loads in corners, obvious really as the RFT is designed to stay sufficiently 'up' to prevent the wheel touching the tyre inner when deflated and laterally stiff enough to remain locked on the rim and not roll off.

It would be legal and some people have done it but will make for some unusual feel on ruts, lines and off-camber bends. I'd swap all 4 and sell the 2 good RFT's :thumbsup:
 
I changed just the fronts recently to Eagle F 1 s,totally different car ,much better to drive,changing the rears next week,
 
I was looking at the same dilemma OP, but having got hold of a 17inch space-saver I will definitely go for non RFT's when I need to change my rears.

You could probably get a set of non-RFTs for little more than the price of 2 RFT rears anyway, and you ought to be able to get something back if you advertise your part-worn front RFTs. (I hope). :lol:
 
I have run with RFTs on rear and normal on front which is OK but RFTs on front and normal on rear is LETHAL :thumbsdown:
 
You have confirmed my suspicion, the post suggesting full set of non run flats are not much more than two run flat rears is interesting. If the case, it makes decision much easier.
 
I would never mix runflats and none runflats

I replaced all 4 even though the tears had tread left. Was for the best in my opinion
 
Magicarcher said:
When my tyres run out I want to get off runflats. but when I bought the car the RF tyres had 7.5mm tread and I don't want to throw away that amount of tyre that is good.

Here is my dilema, the rears are wearing much faster than the fronts (as expected). There is a likelihood the rears could hit 3mm when the fronts are still 5-6mm.

In this scenario is it acceptable to replace the pair of rears with non runflats and leave the runflats on the front until they also get down to 3mm, then change them?

You don't say how old the tyres are? They become very suspect as they get old !
Dont mix the two types of tyre or will end up in the ditch - there are posts on here where members have tried to mix and none have been very complimetary!
 
I had different brand on front and rear both non rft and it was downright scary until I went AS2's all round. I could corner in my L200 truck quicker than I could in the Z before DSC light came on.
 
Magicarcher said:
You have confirmed my suspicion, the post suggesting full set of non run flats are not much more than two run flat rears is interesting. If the case, it makes decision much easier.

Just looked on Black Circles for 255/35 x 18 that I have on my rears and Pirelli P Zeros are quoted as £122.15 for non-RFT and £235.26 for RFTs!

My current plan is to use the rears until they need replacement, buy a set of non-RFTs and sell the fronts.
 
I would forget the idea of selling the fronts - Old, part worn runflats just aren't that saleable !
 
someone will buy your old runflats if you ebay them...sold mine off in pairs and they both went within a couple of days :thumbsup:
 
mr.tourette said:
someone will buy your old runflats if you ebay them...sold mine off in pairs and they both went within a couple of days :thumbsup:

How old were the they if you dont mine me asking?
 
I had two fronts I passed onto a friend who bought my E85 - he ended up dumping them!
Should have tried harder :rofl:
 
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