Run Flat Tires

[dcrooks]

Has anyone looked into using Run Flat tires on the smart? I know the new Corvette uses them and without a spare the smart would be perfect for the Run Flat tires...

[smartxs]

Per people in my office, run-flats require special equipment to (dis) mount the tires and the it is not available everywhere.

But they would seem like a good idea for a car with no spare.

Anyone know for sure?

[msjohnson1974]

We have them on our Z4 which has no spare like our Smart. I wonder if the tires are too small for run flat technology or if no one is making them just yet. The smart has the tire pressure monitor that is required for the run flats so if they are available they would be a great choice.

[nex1]

I just saw a "how's it made" episode about "run flat" tires on commerical trucks that work in junk yards etc, they would get punctured all the time if they needed air, they have to send out special people to change the tire.
But Corvette's have had run flat's or whatever since the late 90's ? My science teacher had a vette with run flats.

[kwagar]

This is only one man's opinion but......
I owned a mini cooper with run-flats. Had two flats during ownership.
The issues:
1. Run flats cost almost 2x the price of non-run flats.
2. During one of my flats there were zero pirelli run flats available in the USA and I had to wait two weeks for a tire.
3. Many tire shops do not have the proper equipment to mount run flats due to the narrow profile and stiff side walls. They will mount them but they often end up damaging the rims during the process.
4. The run flat companies will tell you that run-flats cannot be plugged or patched but must be replaced. You can find people that will patch them but the manufacturers will tell you they can't be repaired.

All in all I'm happier to take my chances with conventional tires.

[nex1]

Found this interesting:
Using Tire Pressure Sensors To Spy On Cars


http://yro.slashdot.org/yro/08/04/01/205203.shtml

[msjohnson1974]

Moot point anyway, I can't find anyone making run flat tires in the size for the US smart. To each their own on whether or not to use them if they become available. I personally like the idea of them given no spare regardless of the cost.

[msjohnson1974]

Originally Posted by nex1

Found this interesting:
Using Tire Pressure Sensors To Spy On Cars


http://yro.slashdot.org/yro/08/04/01/205203.shtml

I'm gonna wait for that to hit a real news source before I believe it.

[SmartAzz]

Its a nice idea and some might be happy with them, but be prepared for an even harder ride and and effect on handling. I was always amazed how much better our Mini was with good regular tires (on even bigger wheels with less sidewall) then how it felt with the runflats.

Perhaps they will improve them in time for the sizes to be avail for the Smart.

[dcrooks]

Originally Posted by kwagar

This is only one man's opinion but......
I owned a mini cooper with run-flats. Had two flats during ownership.
The issues:
1. Run flats cost almost 2x the price of non-run flats.
2. During one of my flats there were zero pirelli run flats available in the USA and I had to wait two weeks for a tire.
3. Many tire shops do not have the proper equipment to mount run flats due to the narrow profile and stiff side walls. They will mount them but they often end up damaging the rims during the process.
4. The run flat companies will tell you that run-flats cannot be plugged or patched but must be replaced. You can find people that will patch them but the manufacturers will tell you they can't be repaired.

All in all I'm happier to take my chances with conventional tires.

Should have figured that it would boil down to cost...

I hope the technology does catch up and the price comes down.

Thanks for all of the responses!