1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

anyone use run-flat tires

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by soldierguy, Jul 24, 2016.

  1. soldierguy

    soldierguy Active Member

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2016
    106
    239
    0
    Location:
    Maryland
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Since I put a ton of miles on the Prius, I'm leaning forward and starting to consider replacement tire options. I was thinking the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus...seems like it'd work.

    But I started thinking...with no spare in my Eco, maybe a run-flat would work. I ran across the Bridgestone DriveGuard on tire rack. Mixed reviews, with a surprising number of comments about sidewall bubbles. But I'm still kicking it around, because my commute has me driving on some isolated sections of highway, and a run-flat would at least let me either get to work, or back home, without getting completely stranded.

    So...has anyone used run-flats before? I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on them.

    EDIT: Just saw in the specs that the DriveGuard weighs a whopping 10 pounds more than the EP422...that's got to kill fuel economy.
     
    #1 soldierguy, Jul 24, 2016
    Last edited: Jul 24, 2016
    ETP likes this.
  2. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2009
    12,470
    6,862
    2
    Location:
    Greenwood MS USA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    Correct, run flats are all heavy tires.
     
    ETP likes this.
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,862
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    never, they would probably cut your mpg's in half. get a spare.
     
    ETP likes this.
  4. Blizzard_Persona

    Blizzard_Persona Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2014
    1,784
    944
    0
    Location:
    Pa.
    Vehicle:
    2023 Prius Prime
    Model:
    XSE
    Maybe call tire rack and see what they say?

    Yeah they have to be thicker to be run flats which means heavier, but isn't the spare that's deleted 60lbs? So in essence 4 run flats weighting 10 extra lbs each is less than a spare? Granted it's rolling weight which might make all the difference... Wondering myself. We need the fourms engineers to speak up here...
     
    ETP likes this.
  5. ETP

    ETP 2021 Prime(Limit),Highlander HYB Plat,B52-D,G,F,H

    Joined:
    Apr 12, 2009
    2,799
    1,170
    0
    Location:
    Auburdale FL
    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Limited
    N for an answer on this as it may be important for us spare less/ clue less folks,
     
  6. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2009
    12,470
    6,862
    2
    Location:
    Greenwood MS USA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    soldierguy and ETP like this.
  7. jdenenberg

    jdenenberg EE Professor

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2005
    3,831
    1,825
    1
    Location:
    Trumbull, CT
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius
    Model:
    LE AWD-e
    Run flat tires will reduce MPG by up to 10%. A spare tire has far less impact. It is not just the rolling weight of the run flat, It is the higher rolling losses due to having thicker sidewalls.

    JeffD
     
    #7 jdenenberg, Jul 24, 2016
    Last edited: Jul 24, 2016
    ETP likes this.
  8. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2006
    5,963
    1,979
    0
    Location:
    Edmonton Alberta
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    The "best" thing about run-flat tyres is you can't fix them when they are holed. Says so on the sidewall. Not exactly sure why.
    So they are expensive to buy, and can't be repaired if you get a "flat".
     
  9. Blizzard_Persona

    Blizzard_Persona Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2014
    1,784
    944
    0
    Location:
    Pa.
    Vehicle:
    2023 Prius Prime
    Model:
    XSE
    How exactly do they work? Is it just that there is so much extra rubber that it can be driven on if you get a puncture??
     
  10. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    54,474
    38,106
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    I wouldn't touch run-flats.

    Regarding the lack of spare, maybe it's time for Toyota to wake up and smell the coffee? I mean: there are a ton of threads on this one subject.
     
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,862
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    i think toy is paying more attention to the competition than p/c.
     
    mmmodem and Mendel Leisk like this.
  12. Gen 2 Tom

    Gen 2 Tom Active Member

    Joined:
    May 15, 2016
    333
    286
    0
    Location:
    Lincoln Park NJ
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Yes what David said, but I would says the worst thing with run flats tires, is you throw them away when you get a flat. If you don't care what it cost when you have a flat and don't want to stop to change a tire, there for you. But for the rest of us I don't think so.
     
    #12 Gen 2 Tom, Jul 24, 2016
    Last edited: Jul 25, 2016
  13. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2009
    17,039
    10,013
    90
    Location:
    Western Washington
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    I've also heard complaints about a harsher ride. My impression is that anyone who can change their own tire, and is unlikely to be targeted by kidnappers or assassins, is not a good candidate for run-flats.

    Though those comments were old, and would not reflect any recent improvements.
     
  14. Autoist

    Autoist Member

    Joined:
    May 18, 2016
    119
    81
    0
    Location:
    Seattle Metro
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I seem to recall that if you have older run flats you need to by two so the wear is the same on both tires on the axle. Don't know if this is true but if it is then the cost is really double for any given flat.
     
  15. mmmodem

    mmmodem Senior Taste Tester

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2011
    2,732
    1,703
    0
    Location:
    Bay Area, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    The Pros and Cons of Run-Flat Tires | Edmunds.com
    This is a good article on the pros and cons of run flat tires. Of particular note is the third bullet point for con: "Blow outs are still possible." The reason you are considering run flats is to avoid being stranded on isolated roads. According to that bullet point, you are still susceptible to punctures on the sidewall or hitting large objects. That means run flat tires saves you from similar hazards that a can of fix-a-flat and a portable pump can save you from. You just have to pull over first.

    Now add in the negatives that everyone has already stated and run flat tires make no sense unless you are in a hurry.
     
  16. 'LectroFuel

    'LectroFuel Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 3, 2016
    880
    673
    0
    Location:
    San Juan Capistrano, CA
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tesla Model 3
    Model:
    N/A
    Don't get run flats. They have so many tradeoffs compared to a normal tire: comfort (usually), mpg (definitely), price (expensive). I really don't like the standard Toyo tires because they create tons of road noise. Look for a comfortable, well-rated tire that is low rolling resistant so you can get the best MPG. Good luck!
     
  17. Gen 2 Tom

    Gen 2 Tom Active Member

    Joined:
    May 15, 2016
    333
    286
    0
    Location:
    Lincoln Park NJ
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I think, there a inner tire that's stiff enough, and stiff side walls to ride on. My guess is they must ride harder than normal tires.
     
  18. soldierguy

    soldierguy Active Member

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2016
    106
    239
    0
    Location:
    Maryland
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    I was kinda hoping that someone who had used them, especially on a Prius, would see this thread and respond. I've read the up and downsides from magazines and websites, I understand the technical reasons behind the weight and mpg loss...was really hoping to hear from a regular consumer who bought them for their own car.

    I'm leaning away from getting them now, but still considering it. Given where I drive on a daily basis, a run-flat, with all its compromises and downsides, could be a lifesaver...literally. I probably won't get them, but I'll watch and see if anything interesting pops up in the tire market that might reduce the compromises of a run-flat tire.
     
  19. HobbsNick

    HobbsNick Member

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2016
    107
    156
    0
    Location:
    Newcastle, U.K.
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    I've had 2 cars with run flats, a 120D M Sport and a Mini Cooper S. These days I would steer clear of them, never had a flat but I did find the road noise loud and the ride was firm letting you feel bumps a lot more.
     
  20. mmmodem

    mmmodem Senior Taste Tester

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2011
    2,732
    1,703
    0
    Location:
    Bay Area, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    You do realize with 17 posts above yours, not one single person endorsed run flat tires. If you don't understand how bad this idea is, go to a BMW forum or other vehicle that come stock with run flats. Ask how many people are replacing their tires with run flats again. You won't find practical experience with them here as it's a unanimous bad idea here.