Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Run Flat Performance Tire Reviews
Love them or hate them, but run flat tires are here to stay. Having been adopted by the majority of the German auto manufacturers, the thought of "never having a flat tire" is a unique selling point. Learn which run flat tires are right for your C-Class.
This article applies to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2014-present).
Many manufacturers have opted to equip their vehicles with run flat performance tires for many reasons that we may be unaware of, but a few reasons we do know. The most obvious reason is safety; the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) shows that more life-threatening accidents happen while a driver is on the side of the road changing a flat tire than from the actual detonation of the rubber while driving. Run flat performance tires allow you to travel upwards of 45 miles at a lower rate of speed with a punctured tire, giving you a chance to safely visit a tire shop or repair shop. Another important reason why manufacturers have made the switch is because a spare tire and tool kit could weigh upwards of 100 pounds, negatively impacting vehicle dynamics and most importantly — fuel efficiency.
Run Flat Performance Tires
Bridgestone |
Continental |
Goodyear |
Pirelli | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Price |
|
|
|
|
Size |
(17" available) |
(17" available) |
(17" available) |
(17" available) |
Treadwear Rating |
140 | 400 | 400 | 220 |
Warranty |
No tread life warranty | No tread life warranty | No tread life warranty | No tread life warranty |
Best Value: Continental
Bridgestone Potenza RE050A
Price – $240-380
Size – 225/40R18 (F), 255/35R18 (R)
Treadwear Rating – 140
Warranty – No tread life warranty; 5 year warranty against manufacturer defects
The Bridgestone Potenza run flat tires are among the top rated tires to use on German vehicles. They are also the biggest name in the tire business, so large market share and great products make Bridgestone an option that's hard to ignore. Although there is no tread wear warranty on these tires, they are guaranteed for up to 5 years against manufacturers defects in the material and build quality. The Potenza tires are rated for up to 168 MPH.
Continental ContiSport Contact5 SSR
Price – $180-290
Size – 225/40R18 (F), 255/35R18 (R)
Treadwear Rating – 400
Warranty – No tread life warranty; 3 year warranty against defects
Price – $180-290
Size – 225/40R18 (F), 255/35R18 (R)
Treadwear Rating – 400
Warranty – No tread life warranty; 3 year warranty against defects
Continental has been the Mercedes-Benz tire supplier for their non-high-performance vehicles for decades. Continental has a serious reputation of building high-quality compounds of long-lasting and energy-efficient tires. That's why the majority of 18" and smaller wheels for Mercedes-Benz are equipped with Continental ContiSport Contact run flat tires. These also come with a three year warranty against manufacturer defects in the material and build quality.
Goodyear Eagle LS-2 ROF
Price – $245-320
Size – 225/40R18 (F), 255/35R18 (R)
Treadwear Rating – 400
Warranty – No tread life warranty
Goodyear is the oldest and most established name in the tire manufacturing industry, although Michelin likes to argue that fact. But what can't be argued is that they've used their racing program platform to bring some of the most innovative and game changing technology to tire consumers. Run flat tires were pioneered by Goodyear and still receive some of the highest feedback and ratings when it comes to their run flat products. They are also right in the medium-high, which makes them a great value tire.
Pirelli P Zero Run Flat
Price – $250-325
Sizes – 225/40R18 (F), 255/35R18 (R)
Treadwear Rating – 220
Warranty – No tread life warranty
Pirelli is a legendary Italian tire manufacturer that produces very purpose-specific tires. They build tires for some of the most iconic and exotic auto manufacturers, like Lamborghini and Maserati, and are the official tire supplier for the Formula One World Championship. Pirelli offers run flat performance tires that sit at the very top of the price range. If you are looking for high performance and exclusivity, then look no further than Pirelli.
Related Discussions
- W205 Bridgestone Potenzas, Terrible - MBWorld.org
- Run-flat Questions - MBWorld.org
- Chaning Run-flat to Conventional Tire - MBWorld.org
- OEM Run-flat Tires - MBWorld.org
- All-season Run-flat Options - MBWorld.org