Does anyone run with non runflat tyres but no spare wheel?

[Spanky Deluxe]

Haha 3Series, that's a good way to look at it!

If you're in a car that doesn't have a spare wheel (i.e. a 7 seater X5) then what's the benefit of having runflat tyres over standard tyres and a Mobility Kit? As far as I can tell, runflats won't protect you from anything more serious than a standard puncture anyway, which the Mobility Kit should be fine for. Am I missing something? Obviously having a spare wheel is infinitely more useful but if you don't have the space for it in the car...

[JCL]

Originally Posted by Spanky Deluxe

If you're in a car that doesn't have a spare wheel (i.e. a 7 seater X5) then what's the benefit of having runflat tyres over standard tyres and a Mobility Kit? As far as I can tell, runflats won't protect you from anything more serious than a standard puncture anyway, which the Mobility Kit should be fine for. Am I missing something? Obviously having a spare wheel is infinitely more useful but if you don't have the space for it in the car...

Runflats provide protection against losing control if you have a blow out. I haven't had a blow out for a long time, so that one is theoretical at best to me.

Runflats allow you to drive (at reduced speed) to a service facility, without having to change a wheel. That is a benefit if you are in a dodgy area, if you are on the side of a motorway in a rainstorm, or if a driver doesn't have the ability or inclination to change a tire.

Runflats have similar speed/distance limitations to temporary spares, and a temporary spare is all that fits in there anyway. If you go fast enough to destroy the runflat while it is flat, it needs to be replaced. Similar to a temporary spare.

Runflats don't require you to transport the flat tire to the service facility. The tire you take off the vehicle doesn't fit in the space the temporary spare came out of. Some people find that out at the side of the road.

I don't see the advantage of a spare tire over run flats, unless you are out in the bush (not likely in London UK). If you are out in the bush, you would need a full size spare for it to be really useful, and that doesn't fit in there anyway.

I have purchased replacement run flat tires and will continue to do so. I see them as a benefit over standard tires. Early ones (and to some extent larger SUV sizes) can be harsher than regular tires. On a car, up through 18" sizes, recently produced run flats are not noticably harsher in my experience.

[BGM]

Originally Posted by JCL

Runflats provide protection against losing control if you have a blow out. I haven't had a blow out for a long time, so that one is theoretical at best to me.

Runflats allow you to drive (at reduced speed) to a service facility, without having to change a wheel. That is a benefit if you are in a dodgy area, if you are on the side of a motorway in a rainstorm, or if a driver doesn't have the ability or inclination to change a tire.

Runflats have similar speed/distance limitations to temporary spares, and a temporary spare is all that fits in there anyway. If you go fast enough to destroy the runflat while it is flat, it needs to be replaced. Similar to a temporary spare.

Runflats don't require you to transport the flat tire to the service facility. The tire you take off the vehicle doesn't fit in the space the temporary spare came out of. Some people find that out at the side of the road.

I don't see the advantage of a spare tire over run flats, unless you are out in the bush (not likely in London UK). If you are out in the bush, you would need a full size spare for it to be really useful, and that doesn't fit in there anyway.

I have purchased replacement run flat tires and will continue to do so. I see them as a benefit over standard tires. Early ones (and to some extent larger SUV sizes) can be harsher than regular tires. On a car, up through 18" sizes, recently produced run flats are not noticably harsher in my experience.

+1. And hopefully, like with all technology, over time manufacturers will continue to evolve the run flats so they have longer tread life and a little less stiff of a sidewall (obviously why you are able to drive on them when flat).