anyone use run-flat tires

Correct, run flats are all heavy tires.

 

never, they would probably cut your mpg's in half. get a spare.

 

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...

 

N for an answer on this as it may be important for us spare less/ clue less folks,

 

This says that a rotating tire is twice the weight equivalent of a spare tire.

The Effects of Rotational Inertia on Automotive Acceleration

 

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

 

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".

 

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??

 

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.

 

i think toy is paying more attention to the competition than p/c.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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!

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.