Run Flats

[genew]

Need some help with several questions on Run Flats.
1 Are run flats noisier than regular tires?
2 Can we expect the same tire mileage out of run flats as regular tires??
3 When going larger wheels such as 21's will the tire mileage stay the
same as the standard 19 or 20??
Thanks for your help.

[doc@tirerack]

I'm sure most will agree, but here's my take:
1) Runflats are normally a little noiser, but with firmer (harsher ?) ride.
2) Most runflats will have less durablity than "Standard" tires, but normal guidelines apply (summer tires do not last as long as all season, durability always affected by driving style/frequency of rotation and PSI checks)
3) Mileage should not be affected too much by the proflie, but lower profile tires are more prone to sidewall bubbles and other damage.

[JV]

Hey Doc- as others have already stated, it's great to have you here.

Do all runflats have RFT as a designator somewhere on the tire? Does Falken make a run-flat tire?

[stabmasterflex]

Dont get these tires. WAY heavier and if you get 1 nail through them its garbage, your not to repair them. If you get them then get the tire warranty/insurance, with them.

[motordavid]

Not apples to apples, but having just switched out my oem Goodyear RFTs
on my Vette, for a set of Goodyear SuperCar F1s, (non-run flat), here's
my 25Cts worth:
-my new non-RFTs are a few lbs lighter than the oem RFTs.
-my oem RFTs went 28K+ miles of some hard azz corner carving
and lotsa long trips. They wore well, fwiw.
-They were getting very noisy at the last 1/4 of their tread life.
-Side walls were/are noticeably stiffer on the RFTs vs these non-RFTs
but the new non-RFTs are brand new and thus, should be smoother,
more compliant, etc. A few brief triple digit "squirts" on the BRPkway
suggest they handle "better", but no way better than the oem RFTs.

Most/all RFTs tire brands rec'd against plugging/patching, but I will tell
you that it's done all the time. One does lose a least one speed rating
per patch, but who the hell really every pushes their tires speed ratings?

Do I "like" RFT tires? They are ok and serve a purpose...they will become
nearly ubiquitous in the next several years, imo. Get used to them, gang.

I chose non-RFTs as replacements on the VetteVert: much less expensive,
supposedly a "better tire", better handling, etc. I am also packing a plug kit
and mini-compressor now, too.
Qtr's up...
GL,mD

[doc@tirerack]

All the runflats we have will have some designation on the sidewall (it varies by manufacturer; RFT, Self Supporting Runflat (SSR), Zero Pressure (ZP), Run On Flat (ROF)). We don't carry Falken, so I'd defer to their website for more info.