Run Flat Tyres

[adam1811]

Hi Guys,

I'm new to the forum and do appreciate that there may well already be a post regarding tyres (run flat jobies) for a Leon 2.0 TDI sport.

I've been looking around and found the following and was wondering if anyone else is running these, or if they could recommend a good tyre choice to go for?

CONTINENTAL - SPORT CONTACT 2 SSR RUNFLAT
225/45R17V

I found a good deal on etyres

Any feedback on this would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Adz

 

[GainfulShrimp]

AFAIK all Leons have a (usually space-saver) spare in the boot and don't use runflats. Is there any specific reason you're looking at runflats? I always thought you needed proper tyre pressure monitoring etc to use runflats but happy to be corrected.

 

[adam1811]

Well mine doesnt have a spare tyre (not even a bycycle jobie...) I would rather go for No run flat tyre but as i dont have a spare tyre I'm not sure i want to run the risk..

My car does have a tyre warning switch on the centre console housing next to the ESP button and Hand brake..

 

[Freewheelin']

Don't know if this applies to all run-flat tyres but the impression I get reading about BMW/Mini's fitted with them is that the ride quality suffers. I'd buy some normal tyres and source a space saver spare.

 

[GainfulShrimp]

+1. I'd have a spare over runflats. The tyre pressure system on the Leon just uses variations in relative circumferece of the tyres (affecting their rotation relative to the others) to determine if one is unusually low. So don't think it would work with runflats like the systems in cars that are designed to use runflats?

 

[coggie]

I believe you need a 'proper' monitoring system to be safe with runflats. The system the Leon uses is based on tyre rotation speeds (using the ABS wheel sensors) and is not able to detect minor changes in pressure. You need to know when the air is out of the tyre so that you don't carry on.

To fit the sensors and pay the extra for the runflat tyres you may as well find a space saver and tool kit off ebay / scrappy. You'll save money in the long run by not forking out for run flats.

 

[Leroy75]

Don't know if this applies to all run-flat tyres but the impression I get reading about BMW/Mini's fitted with them is that the ride quality suffers. I'd buy some normal tyres and source a space saver spare.

As a former BMW driver I agree with the above.

 

[adam1811]

Yes i would agree i would rather put regular tyres on and not bother with run flats...

Just cant get my head round why they have them on in the first place unless they came out of the factory with them...

Is the best option to go for a space saver spare wheel or a fully functional spare wheel??

Also what tyre woudl anyone recommend to go for??

 

[Cuprarob112]

As far as I know you need special wheels to mount runflats. Runflats would be no option for me and there is a reason why they are offered cheap "as good as new"

 

[adam1811]

I wasnt aware of that...

Will have to double check wheels and stuff...

 

[GainfulShrimp]

You want to get a space saver if you want to keep the OE boot lining, unless yours is one of those with a big hump in it, to accommodate a full size spare.

 

[sportbilly]

runflats = FAIL



Harder ride, lack of response when cornering - rubbish if you like drving your car

 

[Seatmann]

They're way to expensive and as soon as they're punctured they're done, no repair possible, you could buy two tyres for one run flat. (and they're a pita to fit)

 

[adam1811]

Anyone heard of the following tyres...

Federal Super Steel 595
Fullrun HP199

This is what is currently on my car... Not by my choice as they are quite poor in all driving conditions...

I cant seem to find a definietive answer as to wherther they are run flats or not if anyone could shed further light on this it would be great...

 

[Richard D]

They are not runflats.

 

[jezyg]

...

 

[jezyg]

Runflats are a great idea but after having had them on several BMW's I would not recommend them.

The issues I found other than the more brittle/hard ride they wore out much quicker than conventional tyres and grip was more varied between makes especially in wet or icy conditions. The Pirelli Euphoria I had on one car were downright dangerous in the wet or cold backhend would just step out going round a roundabout or tight corner at a moderate speed.

The final nail in the coffin is that if you get a puncture many places will refuse to repair them even though if you have not driven very far on not at all can be repaired. So are left with an expensive tyre bill think £90+ for 16" and £120 + for 17", 18" seem to come in around £140/£150. But the choice of tyre and make is much more narrow.

BMW switched to no runflats on 16" wheels from 2008 with runflats being an option but still standard on 17" wheels +.

 

[adam1811]

They are not runflats.

Cheers...

Now all i need to do is decide whether to get a spare wheel or just get some form of tyre weld for minor reapirs. As i have full breakdown cover on me so can always be towed to a garage in worst case...

 

[coggie]

It comes down to personal choice, weigh up the advantages of each, costs etc.

I would personally go for the spare wheel option.

 

[Hugo Nebula]

Cheers...

Now all i need to do is decide whether to get a spare wheel or just get some form of tyre weld for minor reapirs. As i have full breakdown cover on me so can always be towed to a garage in worst case...

Worst case: If you get a puncture somewhere where there's no signal, do you fancy walking half a mile or so to get a signal? In the p***ing rain or snow? Do you fancy waiting for an hour for the rescue truck to turn up to tow you to a garage that doesn't have a tyre in your size until after the weekend when you need to be somewhere in a hurry? If the answer to these questions is, "no", then get yourself a spare.