Does anyone use runflat tires? I just ordered 195/60RF-15 Bridgestone DriveGuard RunFlat tires. They were closeout, $80/each from Tirerack. They look nice and have good reviews. I figure since I gave up the spare tire it was time to make the switch. In March I'll put them on (when my studded tires come off).
What does closeout mean in the context of future replacements? Will this mean you have to replace all four when one of these goes bad? I'd be curious to learn how much MPG you lose going up to that size, and any other driving impressions you'd care to share.
I remember reading articles that Toyota and Honda tried runflat tires in the past but then retreated from the programs due to unpopularity among customers.
Anyone who is considering "run flat tires" should research the details of what that designation really MEANS. Seems like I remember it is NOT what most people seem to think. More like they are intended to safely get you to "the next exit" at a low speed without flying apart.
I had Michelin runflats on my C7 Corvette, and presently have Pirelli runflats on my Ferrari. I've never had an issue with the tyres themselves. The only issue I had was with negative camber wearing the insides of the front tyres [this comes with the territory owning these sort of cars] Both these cars were fitted with assymetrical tyres [not directionals] and had different sizes front and rear, so tyre rotation cannot be done. If the tyres were directional I could remount the L to the R so the inside becomes the outside. With an Aqua/Prius C I would save go for it [just make sure the monkey fitting them knows what he is doing] And if you're really paranoid ,carry a plug-kit and a compressor under the seat
OP likely still has his temp spare. non-stock size, runflats, but they’re discounted and look nice, ah well.
These are rated pretty similar to the donut spares. 50 miles @ 50mph. Those donuts are usually 50-70 mile range, so it isn't much difference. I'm a bit curious how they feel to drive, they are much stiffer- the sidewalls have very little flex. I've been running 195/65r15's, these will be 3/4" shorter. They are 1/4'' taller than factory tires, but wider. Unfortunately any mpg change won't really be a good comparison, since currently I have winter studded snow tires on. Bridgestone still has them listed. Not sure why Tirerack had multiple sizes marked for closeout. https://www.bridgestonetire.com/tire/driveguard-driveguard/195-60RF15/ The factory spare is getting replaced by a fairly large subwoofer box, fiberglass molded to use the available space from the tire well. I wanted a 1.7 cubic foot box, and this is the only way to do it and keep the hatch space open.
