In the past I've had two bad experiences with puncture repair sealant as supplied with my W205. In both cases the puncture was too large to be sealed and the tyres had to be scrapped. I understand that even if the sealant works most tyre repairers won't repair the tyre. Therefore I'm vaguely thinking of changing to run flats but realise that the ride might be compromised. Has anyone actually changed to run flats? If so I'd welcome comments.
grumpyoldgit
MB Enthusiast
Some tyre places will repair run flats, (dependent on where the puncture is located) but say they can only be repaired once, so with the additional cost of a replacement run flat tyre it would work out being more expensive.
It seems that more and more manufacturers are not supplying spare wheels these days and that the repair sealant supplied with the vehicles is a complete waste of time in most cases, meaning that drivers have to call out a mobile tyre fitter to get a new tyre fitted at the roadside.
To my mind, the best solution is to buy a spare wheel (spacesaver if needbe) and a jack, along with the relevant tools.
I believe that a lot of drivers who have run flats fitted are changing to conventional tyres when they need replacing.
It seems that more and more manufacturers are not supplying spare wheels these days and that the repair sealant supplied with the vehicles is a complete waste of time in most cases, meaning that drivers have to call out a mobile tyre fitter to get a new tyre fitted at the roadside.
To my mind, the best solution is to buy a spare wheel (spacesaver if needbe) and a jack, along with the relevant tools.
I believe that a lot of drivers who have run flats fitted are changing to conventional tyres when they need replacing.
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You do.
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Runflats have the additional safety benefit that if you do get a flat tyre, you do not have to stop there and then (e.g. on the hard shoulder at night etc) but can continue to drive or stop at a safe location.
But on balance... given the higher purchase cost and comparatively limited model choice... harsh ride... costly replacement bills... I think that standard tyres with spare wheel (full size or space saver) is probably the best compromise.
And yes, the sealant is pretty much useless....
But on balance... given the higher purchase cost and comparatively limited model choice... harsh ride... costly replacement bills... I think that standard tyres with spare wheel (full size or space saver) is probably the best compromise.
And yes, the sealant is pretty much useless....
Thanks for all the replies. My car does have TPMS so that's not a problem. If you use the sealant to 'repair' a tyre then that tyre is scrapped plus the fact you have to buy another can of sealant so the cost is similar to a replacement run flat. Also there's nowhere to keep even an emergency spare wheel - the boot is not that large on the estate. I think that run flats and sealant systems are all stupid. The only advantage of a run flat is that you don't have to fiddle with the car at the side of a busy,cold, wet and dangerous road!
theogeor
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Get a tyre repair kit (the one with rubber strips ) you already have a pump in the car and it is very cheap with fantastic reviews. Didn't need to use it yet however it looks like very easy to use with almost perfect and permanent results
TG
grumpyoldgit
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This is a good compromise if you can't keep a spare wheel, BUT even the best repair kit will not help with some types of tyre damage... if you want to be sure that you can keep moving in the event of a puncture, then there is no substitute to carrying an actual spare wheel. However, as said, if you can't, then this is a good compromise.
theogeor
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Fully agree. If a normal puncture tyre then fine but not for damaged one but is better than what the repair foam/gell that comes with most cars
ChrisEdu
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I once drove 29 miles on a flat tyre without really noticing! 
Whether it's testament to how good the power-steering and handling were on my S210, or whether it shows my lack of awareness, the car coped fine, including driving at 70mph. I only noticed once I'd virtually arrived at my destination and had to drive at slow <30mph speeds.
Yes, the tyre was rather worse for wear, but the rims had very little damage and, because the 210 had a spare, I was able to fit another wheel.
Whether it's testament to how good the power-steering and handling were on my S210, or whether it shows my lack of awareness, the car coped fine, including driving at 70mph. I only noticed once I'd virtually arrived at my destination and had to drive at slow <30mph speeds.Yes, the tyre was rather worse for wear, but the rims had very little damage and, because the 210 had a spare, I was able to fit another wheel.
wheels-inmotion
Active Member
Point to note is the RFT sidewall is so hard the suspension is downgraded plus they are very heavy so the wheels are light weight in order to keep the unsprung mass down, and did we mention price?
If you look at run flats over the long term the additional cost of replacement tyres must mount up and given the ride quality is also compromised I would go for conventional tyres and a space saver. My experience is that punctures are so incredibly rare these days that run flats are addressing a problem that barley exists.
kjl
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If you are going to carry a repair kit I would recommend you consider the STOP & GO one. You plug the hole with a mushroom shaped rubber plug so that when the tyre is inflated it is pushing the plug against the tyre so that in theory it is more secure than ordinary straight plugs. I haven't had need to use it yet but I am carrying one on my motorbike as well.
Changed to runflats last year, for my car, 215/45/17's, they were the cheapest at £50 per corner. They are Goodyear NCT5 bought from Tyre Leader. On checking the price recently, I noticed they are now well over £100 each. I guess I was lucky. Just another safety bit, it is unwise and maybe illegal to mix runflats and ordinary tyres on the same car.
Did you find any difference in ride quality/noise etc. compared to non run flats?
thanks.
Yes, the ride quality and noise levels were much improved on my previous tyres. It is a bit subjective though, having changed from old worm to new always improves ride and noise levels. I have now covered around 7000 miles and I am more than happy with them.
Having moved from BMW the debate regarding replacing run flat with standard tyres fills many pages of their forums. My experience is they are worth the drawbacks. On my last but one F10 5 series I had screws in both rear tyres. When the alarm goes of for low pressure it makes you jump but without it you would not know that you had a puncture.
The down sides are that if you have run at speed or load beyond 50 miles the tyres cannot be repaired so need to be replaced ( mine had worn down to 3mm so would have been changed shortly so no great loss). Supply can be difficult especially if you have larger optional fit wheels. Costs are normally higher £30- £50 depending upon brand. I found ASDA web site has best price beating Blackcircles. You order and pay on ASDA site and have tyres fitted by local specialist. Tyre life is slightly less than for standard tyres but even so rears on a 5 series do 28k, fronts Are only half worn at this point. Ride quality on the 5 series is super smooth but this could be because the car was designed for run flats.
Would I have run flats on a Mercedes? Sure would miss them on my E Coupe but have opted for 19" with run flats for my new C Class estate
The down sides are that if you have run at speed or load beyond 50 miles the tyres cannot be repaired so need to be replaced ( mine had worn down to 3mm so would have been changed shortly so no great loss). Supply can be difficult especially if you have larger optional fit wheels. Costs are normally higher £30- £50 depending upon brand. I found ASDA web site has best price beating Blackcircles. You order and pay on ASDA site and have tyres fitted by local specialist. Tyre life is slightly less than for standard tyres but even so rears on a 5 series do 28k, fronts Are only half worn at this point. Ride quality on the 5 series is super smooth but this could be because the car was designed for run flats.
Would I have run flats on a Mercedes? Sure would miss them on my E Coupe but have opted for 19" with run flats for my new C Class estate
keith of kent
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Does the current C Class estate have a spare wheel well, either for a full size or spacesaver?
The local dealer seemed to think this could be had as an option when new, but as I buy used 3 years old I can only have what someone else paid for
The local dealer seemed to think this could be had as an option when new, but as I buy used 3 years old I can only have what someone else paid for
