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Anyone consider run-flat tires?

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by Godzuki, Oct 23, 2014.

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  1. Godzuki

    Godzuki Active Member

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    I've recently trekked over the 70k mile mark on the OEM Yokohama Avids that came with the PIP... Took the car in for the normal 70k mile service, and it looks like that I can still get at least another 5k or more miles out of the tires. I'm probably somewhere between 4/32nd and 3/32nd of tread remaining - I've not yet hit the tire wear indicators...

    In any event, I've started looking at replacement tires, and I'm thinking of going with run-flat tires so that I do not have to worry about not having a spare tire... Run-flats are not as efficient in terms of fuel economy... In addition, I'm likely going to swap on some 17in Lexus Ct220h rims that I purchased a while back... The run-flat tire I'm considering is the Bridgestone Driveguard Run-Flat Tire.

    Specs for Bridgestone Driveguard 205/50/17 sized tire - 26 lbs, treadwear 460, max pressure 50 psi...
    Specs for Bridgestone Ecopia Ep422 205/50/17 sized tire - 22 lbs, treadwear 480, max pressure 50 psi...
    Specs for OEM Yohohama Avids 195/65/15 sized tire - 18 lbs, treadwear 320, max pressure 44 psi...

    The 205 width tires are heavier, as there's more width to the tires...
     
    #1 Godzuki, Oct 23, 2014
  2. GrumpyCabbie

    GrumpyCabbie Senior Member

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    Someone in the UK recently fitted run flat tyres to their Prius with shocking reduction in fuel economy.
     
    #2 GrumpyCabbie, Oct 23, 2014
  3. jdenenberg

    jdenenberg EE Professor

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    Yes, Run Flat tires significantly reduce MPGs due to their construction. They incorporate a thick sidewall that supports the car without air pressure which heats up as it flexes causing rolling resistance.

    JeffD
     
    #3 jdenenberg, Oct 23, 2014
  4. Ken Blake

    Ken Blake Active Member

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    Every owner of a vehicle that comes factory with run flat tires hates the tires, in my experience. (see my signature for my experience)

    At Toyota, the AWD Sienna comes with run flats because the rear drive shaft goes through the area where the spare is normally located. Many people put regular tires on, and buy a spare, which they either locate in the rear folding seat well, or tie down on the roof rack.

    The tires wear prematurely, are EXTREMELY heavy, compared to non-runflats of the same size, and get poor fuel economy, as noted already.
     
    #4 Ken Blake, Oct 23, 2014
  5. GrumpyCabbie

    GrumpyCabbie Senior Member

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    If you're a diplomat, billionaire or politician then I'm sure they're great. For most normal people they're just an un-necessary expense. But your car so do with it what you wish. Fit bullet proof class too if you want ;)
     
    #5 GrumpyCabbie, Oct 23, 2014
    Last edited: Oct 24, 2014
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  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i'm going with them on my next set. the extra 2 cubic feet in the hatch are worth much more to me than some stupid old mpg's.:)
     
    #6 bisco, Oct 23, 2014
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  7. retired4999

    retired4999 Prius driver since 2005

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    Rrrrrright!!:whistle:
     
    #7 retired4999, Oct 23, 2014
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    an' i'm stickin' to it.:cool:
     
    #8 bisco, Oct 23, 2014
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  9. KennyGS

    KennyGS Senior Member

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    I hate run-flats. Among everything else that's been mentioned, they are noisier and make for a rougher ride.

    Enjoy. :)
     
    #9 KennyGS, Oct 23, 2014
    Last edited: Oct 23, 2014
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    thanks, i will!(y)
     
    #10 bisco, Oct 23, 2014
  11. retired4999

    retired4999 Prius driver since 2005

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    bisco,
    Like fly paper!:)
     
    #11 retired4999, Oct 23, 2014
  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you know you want sum.:sneaky:
     
    #12 bisco, Oct 23, 2014
  13. retired4999

    retired4999 Prius driver since 2005

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    :)
     
    #13 retired4999, Oct 23, 2014
  14. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    mmm-hmm
     
    #14 bisco, Oct 23, 2014
  15. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Some folks on the Volt forum have switched to the Driveguards. They appear happy with purchase but a lot of Volt owners don't track efficiency as closely as we do. For many, the loss of 5 miles of range is no big deal. The same loss in a PIP could prove quite devastating. Just something to consider as well as all of the above mentioned issues with run flats. All of that aside, they offer a measure of safety and confidence on long trips.
     
    #15 F8L, Oct 25, 2014
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  16. Sabby

    Sabby Active Member

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    I had run flats on two BMWs and hated them. They ride hard, do not last long and will not allow you to complete a trip if you get a flat. You can drive it around 75 miles. You also could not patch them if they do have a puncture.

    The Prius replaced one of the BMWs and on the other one I got rid of the run flats. I carry a patch kit, green goop and AAA.
     
    #16 Sabby, Oct 25, 2014
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  17. rxlawdude

    rxlawdude Active Member

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    Echoing what has already been said, "run flat" tires reduce efficiency, cost more, ride and handle worse, have shorter tread life, and most of all: are irreparable after that whole 75 or so miles you can run "flat."

    I wonder what they do to the HSD over time, having to push that much more rolling resistance.
     
    #17 rxlawdude, Oct 25, 2014
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  18. Godzuki

    Godzuki Active Member

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    So after a little more research, it looks like run-flat tires are patchable just like standard tires - e.g., if you have a slow leak in a run-flat tire due to a nail, as long as the nail is not located too close to the sidewall, then the run-flat tire can be patched.

    And yes, run-flat tires are generally not repairable after having driven on them for some time "flat" because the sidewalls tend to deteriorate under the additional pressure and heat that's generated while driving "flat" - but that's the whole purpose of a run-flat tire, to permit you to roll on the tire for a limited number of miles... You might be able to limp 1 mile on deflated standard tire, but you would have to replace that tire anyways, too...
     
    #18 Godzuki, Oct 27, 2014
  19. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    don't try to dissuade me.:cool:
     
    #19 bisco, Oct 27, 2014
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  20. Sabby

    Sabby Active Member

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    #20 Sabby, Oct 27, 2014
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