To Run Flat or not?

[SinDevils]

Re: To Run Flat or not?

Usually, Tyre is not an item which you cash & carry....

You would required to remove the old ones from your rims, check if your rims is warp, then balance the wheel when tyre has been changed & pump up to your desired pressure...

Then responsible mechanics would also take the opportunity to inspect if there is any leakage found in your set up like absorber or coil over, then alignment done with consideration of your camber & etc...

So visiting / going to the workshop physically would still be an ideal way to shop.... Try to visit a few more reliable establishments before decision is made...

Cheers.

 

[156F1]

Re: To Run Flat or not?

where you buy your RFTs from? bmw charging RFTs for 800+ / tyre. i went to stamford they charge me 600+ / tyre. btw im running on 245/45/18. does that explain the price difference?

Slight difference in profile should not have such big difference in price. Go Leong Seng at Ubi for the CSC3 SSR.

 

[156F1]

Re: To Run Flat or not?

I am also looking to replace my set of run flats, 205/55R16. After the original set that came with the car worn out, I went searching for a cheaper brand and found Hankook selling for about $800+/set. I have gone through 2 sets and of course 2 price increase. They are going to be charging about $900+/set. One thing I noticed is that they doesn't seem to last very long. If I don't rotate my tires around 10K, the rear ones will become botak fast and I think overall, they can only last like 20+K.

Anyway like I mentioned, I am looking for alternate cheaper ones. Yes, price is a big consideration factor. So far I found the Tyrepac are selling Bridgestone and Continental for my size for $175 and $180 respectively before GST and installation cost. I have counted, overall if I were to go for either, it will be about $840. However I am open for anyone who can recommend a cheaper source of RFT.

BTW, I am not interested in normal tyres due to my needs. I know people always recommend to ditch the RFT, but everyone has their own needs and skills/knowledge handling flats. My wife and I worked in Tuas and mostly my wife will be driving through the lousy road, filled with all sorts of trash that could get people killed. So with RFT, it is safer o withstand those conditions,.

Anyone has an alternative to recommend or Tyrepac is an Ok choice?

I changed out my original GY NCT5 RFT 225/50/17 at around 20,000km but they were only like 65% worn, so should be able to hit 35,000km I think.

Try Leong Seng at Ubi for your 16" RFT but think prices should be around $200 a piece, depending on brand and model. Think BS RE050A is most expensive.

 

[156F1]

Re: To Run Flat or not?

It seems that Tyres would last longer with better life span, if regular tyre rotating is done....

In my view, the wear and tear rate of Tyres also contributed by a few other factors:

-the kind of set up and maintenance of absorber or coil over, causing uneven wear rate.
-the camber set up and angle set, may cause uneven wear.
-the condition of rims, if it is warp, would cause uneven wear rate.
-the maintenance of tyre pressures (under/over inflate) & proper wheel alignment, preventing uneven wear rate.
-the driving pattern of the driver, whether negotiating corners at high speed frequently, always sprint/floor from zero once green light and fond of 'E-braking'.
-the profile types and also the choice of Tyres, whether normal, performance, or even semi-slick (soft/sticky).
-the kind and condition of roads usually travelled.
There may be some other factors which I have missed....

Usually, for my case (currently on CSC2 RFT), rotation of tyres (been using CSC2 & CSC3) is done every 5,000 to 6,000 km, and keeping the set of tyres up to 1 to 1.5years or 45,000 to 50,000km, which ever comes first.

So choosing tyre solely based on the retail pricing alone, may not be the most accurate calculation of your ROI/returns/yield... Tyres chosen can be seems cheaper but if always wear out prematurely than expected or when comparison is made with alternatives...you can work out the Math better...

Above are just some of my experience encountered and my feeling, for the past 15 years, for your reference ONLY.

Cheers ^-^

With regards to wheels rotation to maintain even wear for all 4 tyres, I used to do it religiously every 10,000km when I was driving FWD cars (as the wear difference between front and rear tyres was significant) but with BMW's RWD setup (assuming all wheels are properly aligned and no funny suspension setup like agreesive camber and lowering), I don't rotate my wheels anymore as the rear tyres wear only slightly faster than the front; so I just replace 2 tyres at a time and always have the new tyres put to the rear. This way wallet also less painful each time going to tyre shop.

 

[SinDevils]

Re: To Run Flat or not?

"Usually, for my case (currently on CSC2 RFT), rotation of tyres (been using CSC2 & CSC3) is done every 5,000 to 6,000 km, and keeping the set of tyres up to 1 to 1.5years or 45,000 to 50,000km, which ever comes first."

For rubber, even when the mileage may not be high enough since the usage of every individual could be different, still it is advisable to get a change try not exceed the above period, as it is unavoidable for rubber to be hardened over times.

Usually, Tyres manufacturers may state that the shelf life of a tyre is around 4 to 6 years, but most of the time, the Tyres which we bought and installed at the workshop may not be freshly produced from the same year (could refer to the side wall of the tyre for YOM).

Moreover, through the environmental and storage conditions, you would find that the braking distance would be extended, when you compare the same set of Tyres, at the time you first installed against maybe after 1 year of installation, assuming that there is no change in factors like upgrading of BBK & etc.

Of course, if one finds that the condition of the Tyres are still alright from the "appearance", may do so to swap and only change 2 instead of all 4 Tyres, that's exactly fine and it is also one of the common practices which some of us are doing...but just have to be careful that older Tyres may take more time/distance to come to a stop, when you need to...

The above are solely for reference... everyone would have their own concerns, emphasis on their rides and budget. To each his own.

Safe journey. Godspeed.

Cheers. ^-^

 

[156F1]

Re: To Run Flat or not?

I do about 25,000km a year so none of my tyres stay on the car for more than 1.5 years. Anyway, tyres from established shops are usually quite fresh, typically less than a year in storage but RFT could be 1 year plus as not a fast moving item.

 

[bob&cutie]

Re: To Run Flat or not?

My Toyo normal tyre has done 46000km and I am planning to drive up to Ipoh next week. Looking at the experience here I should get my tyres changed before the trip? especially I shall be driving up north every two three months. Does run flat really generate more noise and less comfort than normal tyres?

 

[156F1]

Re: To Run Flat or not?

After 46,000km, what's remaining thread depth? If less than 2mm (i.e. about 1mm to indicator), better change to new tyres before going up North. If got no spare wheel, either get a few bottles of sealants or change to RFT. Actually since you gonna drive over there so often, it's worth changing to RFT IMHO for the convenience and high speed safety.

And yes, RFTs are noisier and less comfortable but the ride with stock suspension is still more comfortable than standard tyres with coilovers.

 

[eng98]

Re: To Run Flat or not?

Just an update.

Did my tyres change over the weekend. Got the tyres from tyrepac last friday afternoon, like 5plus and they could arrange for a fitting the next day afternoon. Now the ride is much better than before using my worn out Hankook.

 

[New5]

Re: To Run Flat or not?

IMO, RFT suits smaller diameter wheel. As what some bros mentioned, if u like bigger 20" wheel and rims, then normal tyres will fit u better. Now worries about no spare in SIN and Malaysia. Just join AA members, free towing anytime - 24 hrs to yr designated locations.

Normal tyre with bigger rims feel lighter compare to original RFT tyres...

Enjoy yr new tyres always!

Cheers.