RUN FLATS VS STANDARD
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Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2021
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2019 S 560 AWD
RUN FLATS VS STANDARD
With all the chatter about run flats, here is my question....for those who have switched to standard tires, what is the difference in performance and what benefits result from the change. Also, how do you handle the lack of a spare? Thanks.
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From: In The Woods
2019 W222 S560 4Matic/2025 Yukon Denali
I kept 1 run flat on the rim and put it in the truck, along with my compressor, jack and tire repair kit.
The ride is much quieter and much better. Much less hydroplane with non run flats.
No Way I'd drive around with no spare and a way to change it on the fly.
I dont keep much in my trunk so no big deal for me.
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Santa Barbara, CA
S550C4, Porsche Cayenne
As far as noise, to me they (Michelin Pilot Sport 4) seem to be only slightly noisier than the identical non-run-flats Michelins on my wife's SL.
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From: West Plam Beach, FL
'16 S550 Coupe, '11 Lexus LS460, '02 CL500 (SOLD)
I too have been driving that long (got my license in '57) and I also can't recall ever needing a spare tire. I've had my share of slow leaks from nails, etc. but not requiring the use of a spare tire. When I got my '16 S550 Coupe it came with run-flats and no spare. Initially I was concerned about that but then realized that my driving experience really hadn't required a spare. And BTW I carry a pump and a sealer kit just in case I get a puncture.
As far as noise, to me they (Michelin Pilot Sport 4) seem to be only slightly noisier than the identical non-run-flats Michelins on my wife's SL.
As far as noise, to me they (Michelin Pilot Sport 4) seem to be only slightly noisier than the identical non-run-flats Michelins on my wife's SL.
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From: Santa Barbara, CA
S550C4, Porsche Cayenne
I think that some of the newer run-flats are quieter than earlier versions. I know that the Michelins I now have are quieter than the Goodyears the car came with.
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2024 S580
This has been answered many many times. The non run flats ride a little softer...thats the benefit. Dealing with lack of spare, I have an inflator and fix a flat kit.
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From: Fort Worth TX
2020 S560, 2014 SLK55 (Prev. 2016 S65, 2013 SLK350, 2008 CLS63, 2006 E350, 2006 CLS500, 2005 C230K)
As said the non run flat will ride Softer and will offer more grip.
Personally I just have the MB kit of sealant and compressor plus a set of plugs. I have never used the sealant as I prefer the plugs.
I did have 1 tire with side wall damage once that was not fixable with either but that car had a collapsible spare, in the end its how much of a problem would it be in the remote scenario that you have an un fixable flat.
Personally I just have the MB kit of sealant and compressor plus a set of plugs. I have never used the sealant as I prefer the plugs.
I did have 1 tire with side wall damage once that was not fixable with either but that car had a collapsible spare, in the end its how much of a problem would it be in the remote scenario that you have an un fixable flat.
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From: Texas
63 Falcon vert
RF has a short rigid sidewall that when flat is capable of supporting the car for “50 mi at 50 mph per advertisement”. The rigid side wall improves high speed steering control but but accents any road surface condition change at any speed. That’s the RF basics.
NRF does none of the above. The tall side wall, when flat supports nothing. However, when properly inflated will give a mush ride compared to a RF ride.
The tread type and speed rating can also modify much of the above. As to flats, city vs hwy environments plus your driving needs should dictate the RF vs NRF choice.
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From: Santa Barbara, CA
S550C4, Porsche Cayenne
I haven't experienced non-run-flats offering more grip. The grip in my Michelin RF and NRF are about the same as best I can tell in two different cars. The rubber compund and the tread design seems to have more effect on the grip than the sidewall stiffness.
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S550
I have been pleasantly surprised by the 20 inch Pirelli run flats that came with my 2019 S560 that I purchased used 2 years ago. They seem to be just fine with the way they handle and I don't notice any road noise. Before this car, I owned a 2017 BMW 750i that also had 20 inch Pirelli run flats and I did not like them at all so I switched them for Michelin pilot sports and they were much better. So, maybe the car and/or the year of the tires makes a difference....but right now I'm going to stay with the run flats.
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From: New Jersey
Sprinter, agate grey sports car, e350 Wagon, S
The non runflats track better over the same piece of road.
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From: Texas
63 Falcon vert
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Texas
63 Falcon vert
Super Member
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From: Santa Barbara, CA
S550C4, Porsche Cayenne
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Super Member
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From: Santa Barbara, CA
S550C4, Porsche Cayenne
The word "taller" indicates more than keeping the same diameter. By making the side wall "taller" using the same wheel you are increasing the diameter and it will have an effect. A "taller" sidewall will not have the same rolling diameter unless you change the wheels to a smaller diameter wheel.
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From: Birmingham, AL
2019 S560, 2022 Audi S8
Just make sure you put identical type tires all the way around on all four wheels or the geometric configuration of an odd-ball tire will cause damage to the other three. I learned this the hard way.
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I ditched the pirellis and went with Micheline pilots sports.
I kept 1 run flat on the rim and put it in the truck, along with my compressor, jack and tire repair kit.
The ride is much quieter and much better. Much less hydroplane with non run flats.
No Way I'd drive around with no spare and a way to change it on the fly.
I dont keep much in my trunk so no big deal for me.
I kept 1 run flat on the rim and put it in the truck, along with my compressor, jack and tire repair kit.
The ride is much quieter and much better. Much less hydroplane with non run flats.
No Way I'd drive around with no spare and a way to change it on the fly.
I dont keep much in my trunk so no big deal for me.
For context - I have a 2019 S560 W222. I have staggered rims - Front 245/49 R20. Rear 275/35 R20. If I wanted to mitigate the risk of needing a spare, would I not have to keep two spares for my staggered front and rear sizes ?
Also I was told by my local tyre shop (Melbourne Australia) that he would get me Michelin Pilot Sport 4S non-runflats and to just get a compressor to pump up enough to get me to a tyre repair shop iI get a flat. Not to bother with the Tyre Goo as it woukd render the tyre unrepairable and desyrop the TPMS sensors which (in australia) is greater than the cost of a new tyre.
michelin pilot sport 4s = $ AUD 560 per tyre fitted.
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E55
Runflats were an idea to save mfg's money by eliminating spare tires and associated items. There is zero benefit to a consumer to have them as read the label you cant drive over a certain speed for a certain time. They do go flat and can blow out like a regular tire so all they do is buy you a mile or two to get off teh road quicker otherwise what is teh benefit? You destroy the tire when it goes flat and drive on it? You can damage your rim as the tire is flat. The ride quality is greatly deminished and one ride after the switch will confirm that. For all of that you get to pay $150 more a tire for them.
Switch and get AAA. Your S will never have drove so nice after. I will say one thing about mine is they seam to have lasted way to long although the demise came at 75 and a nasty blow out which made me a convert for life.
Switch and get AAA. Your S will never have drove so nice after. I will say one thing about mine is they seam to have lasted way to long although the demise came at 75 and a nasty blow out which made me a convert for life.
