There are a lot of folks who don't like run-flat tires (including me). If you replace the run-flats with non run-flats, how do you handle flats - especially massive blowouts (i.e. tire is ruined)?

Do you carry a compact spare? Some sort of repair/compressor kit? Other options?

Thanks,

Dan.

 

+1

And maybe you can say what tires you're using (and whether you like them)

 

UK models are supplied with compressors and cans of tyrefix foam for punctures no spare. And no runflats here.

 

What are the approved tires ... oops tyres (in the UK) and specs for 18 inch wheels. Is it reasonable to assume this would be the spec(s) for North American non-runflats as well? .. or are the suspensions different?

 

Only some models are non run flat with repair kits. My c200 AMG line with 19" rims are run flat.

 

The biggest issue I see at work is those repair kits with the compressor/sealant don't help when a tire actually blows out. They are only good for small nail punctures, and if that's all it is you can usually just drive it somewhere to get repaired.

You kinda have to just take a risk if you run normal tires and no spare. I've done it on my personal cars (removing spare tires on regular cars mostly), and never had a serious issue. I also keep on top of my tires and don't let them get excessively worn down or drive over curbs or any strange obstacles if I can help it. Never had a blowout/total failure.

 

In the UK the run flat option was taken away when we changed to the MY16.
Cars previous to that could have them.


This was one of my options that was changed for me, when it vanished from the list.


Not sure on the tyre make for the W205, but in the UK the W204 came with Continentals

 

The specs for Front are 18 inch are 7.5J x18 ET 44
Tyre size 225/45 R18

Rear spec is 8.5J x 18 ET 56
Tyre size 245/40 R18

Hope that helps.

 

Steve,

I don't have a car with run-flats, but I'm trying to order a GLC300. It comes with run-flats. The closest vehicle is the C300. (The GLC is based on the C Class.) That's why I'm asking here.

I'm trying to figure out how other people handle a major blowout with run-flats, or any puncture with a non run-flat and no spare.

Regards,

Dan.

 

If you have a major blowout, you're gonna need a tow if you don't have a spare. The reality is that it doesn't happen very often if you keep good tires on the car though. Most blowouts and separations I've seen are on old tires that are badly worn, often through the cords. If you maintain the car and keep decent tires on it, the odds of something severe enough to render the car undrivable happening are much lower. In that case it's usually driver error, hitting a stationary object that damages the sidewall of the tire. A problem like that won't be fixable with one of those spare tire replacement kits anyway.

 

ItalianJoe,

I understand. Calling a tow truck is reasonable IF you're within range of a cell tower. And being within range of a cell tower is reasonable in many locations in the US. However...

When driving in the mountains in the western US or if driving down a dirt road (reasonable for a GLC), you may not have a cell tower in range. And in the outback, damaging a tire is more common occurrence even if the driver is quite careful.

So the question remains... What are the options? Do people carry a compact, blowup spare in conditions like this? Compressor and tire repair good enough? Other options?

Regards,

Dan.

 

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...are-wheel.html

 

Rusty,

Thanks for the link. I'll research that to see if it would work on a GLC.

Regards,

Dan.

 

Yeah one of those collapsible spares and an inflation pump may work best.

Full size spare rim and tire then?

 

ItalianJoe,

I would think so, but I'm not sure. My choice is the Sport Package with 19" wheels. Definitely not optimal for off-road use, but I'm trying to find some balance of on-road performance and mild off-road utility.

Regards,

Dan.

 

Thanks. One additional question; do the tyres have an XL rating (e.g. 225/45ZR18 (95Y) XL)?

 

Yes.

 

I bought a Winter set of wheels/tires for my C300 Sport 4Matic with the 19" wheels (a set of stock 18" wheels/all season tires off eBay) since the 19" tires are Summer only, and I plan on using a front wheel/tire from whatever set is not currently on the vehicle as a spare for long trips.

You could just purchase a new stock run-flat tire and keep that in your trunk on long trips for a spare. This way whatever gas station you finally make it to would just have to mount your spare tire...since chances are they would not be able to get a RFT in that size quickly. You would be taking your chances though on which size RFT to use as a spare since the AMG wheels are staggered.

 

I'll never buy another car with run flats...until all cars are equipped with them I will have no choice. Run flats ruin the ride and if you do get a sidewall gash you will need a tow. And most tire shops won't repair a nail hole in a run flat so you have to buy a new tire and if you are half way through the tread, do you replace all of them?

 

+1^ You have to replace even for a simple puncture because there is no way to check carcass safety.

 

I purchased one run-flat and keep it in my garage. When taking a long trip I place it in the trunk. It's a new world when it comes to tires: high cost. A simple flat means a new tire.
My son in law has an E model with AMG rims and large run-flat tires. NYC roads have many pot-holes. He has replaced tires (due to pot-holes) four times. In one case he needed a rim too. I learned from his experience and stuck with the standard size. He agrees that the additional rubber stands a better chance surviving NYC roads.
CliffordS
CliffordS

 

I have given order GLC without runflat tires. Do you recommend? Can i buy runflat later if i want to change? Do you think any problem occur with suspension settings? I Really want to have a car with comfort and safety

 

personally i think runflats are pretty much terrible. the only reason companies use them is they can save the weight of the spare tire / rim and it brings curb weight down and because luxury buyers could not be bothered to change a tire.

i have "3rd generation" runflats on my current bmw. they are not nearly as bad as the older generation but still not very good. $330ish per tire, and becuase they are runflat they are stiff.

this leads to 2 things. worse ride, for a given suspension and susceptibility to bent rims (the tires are stiff so you have a pothole, and it will bend the inner edge of your wheel possibly... which is the weakest part of tire since spokes are on the outside)

i think most people just have tire sealant and a compressor. if you take a long trip bring a dummy spare. lots of sports cars have neither runflats or spares and you can get by like this (BMW M cars, mazda rx8, bunch of cars) fine. best of all worlds, you get much cheaper tires (ultra performance summers are like $600 for a set of 4 non runflats) which perform better and ride better and still less weight for the cost of the small risk of being stuck (which you can alleviate by getting a dummy spare for long trips, or getting AAA or both, which is still less money than the cost difference of runflat vs non runflat tires)