Run-flat or normal tires?
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Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 383
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From: SFV
2025 C300
Run-flat or normal tires?
I've been running the factory Bridgestone drive guards for 20k miles which need replacing. I'd like to know whether to change to normal tires keep the run flats.
My biggest concern is how easily the run flats have failed me. I've had a blowout on a pot hole early on and have a bubble in one currently. I live in Los Angeles so are roads aren't the best and littered with potholes.
I know that normal tires aren't as rigid and fragile, but am worried about another blowout at highway speeds that sends me crashing into the median. Has anyone experienced this? On the run-flat, I didn't notice until the pressure dropped to zero a few seconds later - I was able to drive myself off the highway and back home about 20 miles normally.
The benefits of improved ride comfort, noise, treadwear, and price are obvious, but do they outweigh the extended mobility of run-flats? We all have SOS tow (in the US) for a few years so the only thing holding me back is safety during a blowout. I also don't like replacing them as frequently (I've needed about 9 new tires in the last 8 years of run-flats).
What would you all choose?
My biggest concern is how easily the run flats have failed me. I've had a blowout on a pot hole early on and have a bubble in one currently. I live in Los Angeles so are roads aren't the best and littered with potholes.
I know that normal tires aren't as rigid and fragile, but am worried about another blowout at highway speeds that sends me crashing into the median. Has anyone experienced this? On the run-flat, I didn't notice until the pressure dropped to zero a few seconds later - I was able to drive myself off the highway and back home about 20 miles normally.
The benefits of improved ride comfort, noise, treadwear, and price are obvious, but do they outweigh the extended mobility of run-flats? We all have SOS tow (in the US) for a few years so the only thing holding me back is safety during a blowout. I also don't like replacing them as frequently (I've needed about 9 new tires in the last 8 years of run-flats).
What would you all choose?
Last edited by 818benz; Jul 3, 2024 at 07:08 AM.
Member
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 89
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2023 C300 4MATIC AMG Line
I hate the run-flats. They feel stiff and are noisy, even with the noise reduction tech in them. We're probably going to go to the Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 (from Tire Rack) when we switch later this year.
Last edited by 23C300W4; Jul 3, 2024 at 11:54 AM.
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GLE 580
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Joined: Jul 2024
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2021 C300
I just replaced my Conti run flats with the Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3. Major improvement in comfort and noise reduction. Highly recommend. I have 2021 C300 with 18inch wheels.
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Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 37
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C300
I am with run flats, totally hate him on my previous car and this one seems okay but if I replace we will have a regular Tire 100% for sure I don't have spare but usually care air compressor portable and a tire kit to get me out of the woods
Last edited by Turbodoni; Sep 9, 2024 at 12:37 AM.
