Beware-run flats
10-04-2017, 05:41 AM
#51
Junior Member
MOE actually stands for Mercedes Original Equipment. My GLC has normal tyres and came equipped with a pump and a can of goo in the boot (trunk). On my tyres (tires) it also says MOE on the side.
10-04-2017, 08:31 AM
#52
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: S. Ca.
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2015 C300, 2015 F-350 Platinum, 1969 Mach 1 428cj, 2007 Roadking
Changing to run-flats is like any other mod - in Australia it's virtually impossible to find anything written that says you can, and it's also virtually impossible to find anything written to say you can't.
Teckno and I have rather different outlooks. By his own admission (in another related thread) he is rather risk averse. I'm not a risk taker, but I do believe in informed risk management. The best you can do is talk to your insurance company. I did that and switched to non-RFT.
I was also comforted by the fact that when we bought the GLC, I discussed the option with my dealer and they said, sure we can do that, but people usually wait until the first service, presumably to get their money's worth out of the initial tyres. If my dealer didn't see a problem then nor can I. That said, as you can see from recent posts, dealer responses in the US seem to vary enormously.
Teckno and I have rather different outlooks. By his own admission (in another related thread) he is rather risk averse. I'm not a risk taker, but I do believe in informed risk management. The best you can do is talk to your insurance company. I did that and switched to non-RFT.
I was also comforted by the fact that when we bought the GLC, I discussed the option with my dealer and they said, sure we can do that, but people usually wait until the first service, presumably to get their money's worth out of the initial tyres. If my dealer didn't see a problem then nor can I. That said, as you can see from recent posts, dealer responses in the US seem to vary enormously.
10-04-2017, 04:58 PM
#54
Member
Changing to run-flats is like any other mod - in Australia it's virtually impossible to find anything written that says you can, and it's also virtually impossible to find anything written to say you can't.
Teckno and I have rather different outlooks. By his own admission (in another related thread) he is rather risk averse. I'm not a risk taker, but I do believe in informed risk management. The best you can do is talk to your insurance company. I did that and switched to non-RFT.
I was also comforted by the fact that when we bought the GLC, I discussed the option with my dealer and they said, sure we can do that, but people usually wait until the first service, presumably to get their money's worth out of the initial tyres. If my dealer didn't see a problem then nor can I. That said, as you can see from recent posts, dealer responses in the US seem to vary enormously.
Teckno and I have rather different outlooks. By his own admission (in another related thread) he is rather risk averse. I'm not a risk taker, but I do believe in informed risk management. The best you can do is talk to your insurance company. I did that and switched to non-RFT.
I was also comforted by the fact that when we bought the GLC, I discussed the option with my dealer and they said, sure we can do that, but people usually wait until the first service, presumably to get their money's worth out of the initial tyres. If my dealer didn't see a problem then nor can I. That said, as you can see from recent posts, dealer responses in the US seem to vary enormously.
He was absolutely against changing from run flats. I argued that they would not be available in country towns, but, he said that most country dealers had very cheap non runflat tyres that could be used in an emergency. I'm not convinced about that argument.
However, he suggested that the rear tyres were wearing oddly and that a wheel alignment was needed. I had this done.
He checked the tyre pressures (set by the dealer from new) and found that they were way above recommendation. He set them to recommended pressures and now the ride, with Airmatic, is what I expected from a MB car.
It was the hard ride that made me consider changing. Now I am happy with the runflats.
10-04-2017, 05:10 PM
#55
Member
Went to my tyre dealer to discuss this. He knew of no regulation about this, but, advised to check with my insurance since this may affect any claim (As was previously mentioned).
He was absolutely against changing from run flats. I argued that they would not be available in country towns, but, he said that most country dealers had very cheap non runflat tyres that could be used in an emergency. I'm not convinced about that argument.
However, he suggested that the rear tyres were wearing oddly and that a wheel alignment was needed. I had this done.
He checked the tyre pressures (set by the dealer from new) and found that they were way above recommendation. He set them to recommended pressures and now the ride, with Airmatic, is what I expected from a MB car.
It was the hard ride that made me consider changing. Now I am happy with the runflats.
He was absolutely against changing from run flats. I argued that they would not be available in country towns, but, he said that most country dealers had very cheap non runflat tyres that could be used in an emergency. I'm not convinced about that argument.
However, he suggested that the rear tyres were wearing oddly and that a wheel alignment was needed. I had this done.
He checked the tyre pressures (set by the dealer from new) and found that they were way above recommendation. He set them to recommended pressures and now the ride, with Airmatic, is what I expected from a MB car.
It was the hard ride that made me consider changing. Now I am happy with the runflats.
TIA
10-04-2017, 06:55 PM
#56
Super Member
Can you post what they are? I know what is listed by our fuel filler door, but there are 2 values. One with a full load and another. I keep mine on the full load as I typically have at least 2 passengers along with extras...adds about 300+ pounds. I've only got 10k miles on ours and wear doesn't look bad. At times I do find the ride a bit rougher.. when going over bumps. I've asked one dealer about it and they claimed it's normal. I'll be checking another in a few but still curious about TP's
TIA
TIA
Upon delivery mine were low 40's. I dropped them a bit at a time andand ended up around 34 which significantly improved the ride.
I did notice as the weather has now cooled bit i may need to add a bit of air
10-04-2017, 09:37 PM
#57
Member
There is a long thread on tire pressure which can give you the experience of others on what their toes are set to
Upon delivery mine were low 40's. I dropped them a bit at a time andand ended up around 34 which significantly improved the ride.
I did notice as the weather has now cooled bit i may need to add a bit of air
Upon delivery mine were low 40's. I dropped them a bit at a time andand ended up around 34 which significantly improved the ride.
I did notice as the weather has now cooled bit i may need to add a bit of air
10-04-2017, 10:26 PM
#58
Senior Member
I was only reporting what the MD dealership salesman said. Personally I think you'd be better off changing at new and trying to sell them, than waiting 12 months and having partly worn tyres with little residual value.
Did he say why?
If you stick with RFT there's still issue of how you handle a flat more than 80kms from help, esp if you don't have a phone signal. Also if you gash a sidewall enough to negate the ability to drive on a RFT. Has happened to us (saved by my complete spare tyre) and to a family member (no spare).
10-05-2017, 02:14 AM
#59
Member
Can you post what they are? I know what is listed by our fuel filler door, but there are 2 values. One with a full load and another. I keep mine on the full load as I typically have at least 2 passengers along with extras...adds about 300+ pounds. I've only got 10k miles on ours and wear doesn't look bad. At times I do find the ride a bit rougher.. when going over bumps. I've asked one dealer about it and they claimed it's normal. I'll be checking another in a few but still curious about TP's
TIA
TIA
This surprises me, since he said he reduced the pressures considerably. According to my label, it is a little high for the front and a little low for the rear. Don't have any idea why he selected these pressures. (Maybe experience?)
He did say that Pirelli P Zero runflats give a better ride and life than the Continentals and that I should, eventually, change to these.
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RedwinGV (10-05-2017)
10-12-2017, 03:19 PM
#60
I can tell you that i had a similar but smaller nail in my back tire. MB dealer immediately said that they were not going to patch it "That Run Flats are never to be patched" I went to a local shop, the tech took one look at it and plugged in less than 10 minutes. Not looking back. I have less than 5k on them.
10-13-2017, 09:38 AM
#61
Junior Member
I can tell you that i had a similar but smaller nail in my back tire. MB dealer immediately said that they were not going to patch it "That Run Flats are never to be patched" I went to a local shop, the tech took one look at it and plugged in less than 10 minutes. Not looking back. I have less than 5k on them.
02-27-2018, 09:06 PM
#62
Junior Member
GLC Run Flats
Follow up....The Gen. Mgr from the giant dealership that I tried to get help from that day called to apologize, but also didn't really offer a solution for anyone in the same future predicament. My local dealership clarified that the Pirelli run flats CAN be patched twice as long as its on the tread. If you have the Continentals they CANNOT. My patch has held and the tire seems fine. It would have been really helpful that day for someone to just know that patching wasn't a cardinal sin.
I did go ahead and purchase the slime/inflator kit to keep in my car. I know that also isn't really supposed to be used on run flats either, but in the situation I faced I would have done it. Interestingly the same kit is an option from MB. It is mentioned in the manual. I went so far as to suggest they include it with their new car sales if they weren't going to stock any tires.
It seems like such a poor oversight for a brand I thought was supposed to be a cut above.
I did go ahead and purchase the slime/inflator kit to keep in my car. I know that also isn't really supposed to be used on run flats either, but in the situation I faced I would have done it. Interestingly the same kit is an option from MB. It is mentioned in the manual. I went so far as to suggest they include it with their new car sales if they weren't going to stock any tires.
It seems like such a poor oversight for a brand I thought was supposed to be a cut above.
05-18-2018, 11:21 AM
#63
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Albuquerque, NM
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2018 C300 4 Matic
I personally know a BMW salesperson that had a runflat tire go bad on an X5 they were driving. Took a week to get a tire in for it.
05-18-2018, 12:51 PM
#64
Super Member
Considering the large number of different sizes and types of tires in use today, not unusual the retailer does not have the size or type needed. Especially if the buyer has in mind a specific tire.
The biggest disadvantage of run flat tires is lack of choice. My oe tires are getting close to needing replacement. Accordingly have been looking at replacements. Searching on the web keyed up 32 different tires compatable with my vehicle. I then changed the search to runflats. Tire choice went to four from 32.
Last edited by larrypmyers; 05-18-2018 at 03:34 PM.
05-19-2018, 08:52 PM
#65
Junior Member
This may be helpful. I changed from 20" RFT to 19" MO tyres. What a difference. The handling and ride greatly improved. Whilst the downside is the need to carry a MB emergency tyre or the air glue, you do have a better ride and less fear of being stuck on a country road in the middle of nowhere.
05-19-2018, 11:12 PM
#66
Senior Member
Forgot Run Flats
After years of driving MB’s every time I get a new one I go right to the parts dept. and order a spare wheel and then get on the internet to order a spare tire from the tire rack.com and when they get to my house I bring the tire and wheel to Firestone and get them mounted and balanced for $35. So, at the end of the day the car costs me an extra $500 but I never have to worry about flats or blowouts, look if you can afford a $60k to $100k car you can afford an extra $500, it’s that simple.
05-19-2018, 11:17 PM
#67
Super Member
After years of driving MB’s every time I get a new one I go right to the parts dept. and order a spare wheel and then get on the internet to order a spare tire from the tire rack.com and when they get to my house I bring the tire and wheel to Firestone and get them mounted and balanced for $35. So, at the end of the day the car costs me an extra $500 but I never have to worry about flats or blowouts, look if you can afford a $60k to $100k car you can afford an extra $500, it’s that simple.
05-20-2018, 04:59 AM
#68
Junior Member
Whilst a spare tyre takes up space in the rear, it isn't such a big issue as the wagon has a high roof line in the back. Sure stacking cargo is not necessary convenient. Furthermore, in some circumstances you can remove the spare tyre and rely upon a glue air for journeys within the city boundaries .
I wonder those continuously criticizing the vehicle actually own one. The benefits of the car far outweigh the minor negatives. Just enjoy the car. If you can't, sell the car and buy something else.
I wonder those continuously criticizing the vehicle actually own one. The benefits of the car far outweigh the minor negatives. Just enjoy the car. If you can't, sell the car and buy something else.
05-21-2018, 04:22 PM
#70
Junior Member
This may be helpful. I changed from 20" RFT to 19" MO tyres. What a difference. The handling and ride greatly improved. Whilst the downside is the need to carry a MB emergency tyre or the air glue, you do have a better ride and less fear of being stuck on a country road in the middle of nowhere.
05-21-2018, 07:45 PM
#71
Senior Member
Coming from someone who did the same thing just on a year ago with the same results, a couple of questions if I may. Where did you get them from? Tempe Tyres? Which wheels and tyres? I'm not sure I understand what you mean by MO?
05-21-2018, 09:22 PM
#72
Member
These are Mercedes Original tyres. Apparently they are not true run flats and are designed by Mercedes.
I read this somewhere, but, it didn't explain the difference compared to true run flats.
05-22-2018, 01:05 AM
#73
Junior Member
MO are not RFT. They are simply Mercedes approved tyres which can be ordered from most if not all major tyre retailers. Brought mine from Bob Jane Tmart. Rims were purchased from Mercedes Benz Aust.
05-22-2018, 04:03 AM
#74
Junior Member
MO labelled tyres are Mercedes version of RFT specifications. They are very similar in construction to Tyres labelled 'RFT'. The only difference is some concessions to given for ride comfort. MO labelled tyres do come in a little short of the specifications, to allow the 'RFT' label to be used.
Accordingly, MB, stipulates MO tyres as being 'designed by MB for MB vehicles'.
I beg to differ, in respect of my GLC …when the Bridgestone Duellers wear out, they will be replaced by standard tyres. A 12v tyre inflator/compressor and a can of 'slime' gives me the same protection as MO.
From Jax Tyres:
According to Bridgestone (supplier of MOE tyres to Mercedes) MOExtended technology is similar to their RFT (Run Flat Tyre) range. Bridgestone use thinner rubber sidewall inserts in their MOE marked tyres to provide improved ride comfort (when the tyre is operating at standard inflation pressure) compared to their RFT variants. In this case, MOExtended Bridgestone tyres are less durable than RFT when operated at zero pressure and consequently have a reduced runflat capability.
05-22-2018, 04:31 AM
#75
Junior Member
Just to clarify.
MO labelled tyres are Mercedes version of RFT specifications. They are very similar in construction to Tyres labelled 'RFT'. The only difference is some concessions to given for ride comfort. MO labelled tyres do come in a little short of the specifications, to allow the 'RFT' label to be used.
Accordingly, MB, stipulates MO tyres as being 'designed by MB for MB vehicles'.
I beg to differ, in respect of my GLC …when the Bridgestone Duellers wear out, they will be replaced by standard tyres. A 12v tyre inflator/compressor and a can of 'slime' gives me the same protection as MO.
From Jax Tyres:
According to Bridgestone (supplier of MOE tyres to Mercedes) MOExtended technology is similar to their RFT (Run Flat Tyre) range. Bridgestone use thinner rubber sidewall inserts in their MOE marked tyres to provide improved ride comfort (when the tyre is operating at standard inflation pressure) compared to their RFT variants. In this case, MOExtended Bridgestone tyres are less durable than RFT when operated at zero pressure and consequently have a reduced runflat capability.
MO labelled tyres are Mercedes version of RFT specifications. They are very similar in construction to Tyres labelled 'RFT'. The only difference is some concessions to given for ride comfort. MO labelled tyres do come in a little short of the specifications, to allow the 'RFT' label to be used.
Accordingly, MB, stipulates MO tyres as being 'designed by MB for MB vehicles'.
I beg to differ, in respect of my GLC …when the Bridgestone Duellers wear out, they will be replaced by standard tyres. A 12v tyre inflator/compressor and a can of 'slime' gives me the same protection as MO.
From Jax Tyres:
According to Bridgestone (supplier of MOE tyres to Mercedes) MOExtended technology is similar to their RFT (Run Flat Tyre) range. Bridgestone use thinner rubber sidewall inserts in their MOE marked tyres to provide improved ride comfort (when the tyre is operating at standard inflation pressure) compared to their RFT variants. In this case, MOExtended Bridgestone tyres are less durable than RFT when operated at zero pressure and consequently have a reduced runflat capability.
Last edited by Ian of Sydney; 05-22-2018 at 06:12 AM.
