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Pros & Cons of Run Flat Tires

2378 Views 12 Replies 11 Participants Last post by  fitfan
Forgive my ignorance on this topic, but as the title states what are the pros and cons of run flats? More specifically as it relates to high performance cars. It's rubber replacement time on my Evora S (or it will be for the beginning of next season). I noticed that Michelin has the Pilot Super Sport (not a run flat) and the Pilot Sport PS2 (run flat).

For all of you that are well versed in this topic, feel free to edumacate me.
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Runflats use extrmely stiff reinforced sidewalls in order to try to support the tire in the event of a loss of air pressure. This makes them heavy and stiff. If the suspension is designed and tuned for them some cars do a decent job of handling them, but in general it's a bad idea to put them on something that didn't originally come with them. Especially any sort of performance car as they're likely to affect ride, handling, acceleration, and braking.

I'd skip them for the Evora.
Runflats use extrmely stiff reinforced sidewalls in order to try to support the tire in the event of a loss of air pressure. This makes them heavy and stiff. If the suspension is designed and tuned for them some cars do a decent job of handling them, but in general it's a bad idea to out them on something that didn't originally come with them. Especially any sort of performance car as they're likely to affect ride, handling, acceleration, and braking.

I'd skip them for the Evora.
Hard to improve on this explanation.

San
No improvement needed. Thank you! We'll just cross them off the list.
would definitely cross them off the list...get the PSS and a portable air compressor/good tire plug and sealant kit, and you will be better off
would definitely cross them off the list...get the PSS and a portable air compressor/good tire plug and sealant kit, and you will be better off
Thanx. That's the tire I'm leaning towards. Did you put the PSS on yours? Thoughts as compared to the Pirrelis?
Well, one of the reasons why major manufactures use run flats on their cars is so that they don't have to put in spare wheel/tires. It makes the cars marginally lighter and make for good fuel economy and emissions number on paper. :rolleyes:
When I search for tires on tire rack for my 2012 Evora S, I don't see an option for a Pilot Super Sport. The closest thing I see is Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus Ultra High Performance All-Season.

Am I missing something?
I've got the Pilot Super Sports on my DD (Mini), which is meant to have run-flats originally. I use my OEM wheels/tires (RFT) for the winter, but the PSS for the rest of the seasons, along with a spare tire that I managed to get to fit in my trunk without occupying any trunk space above the cargo shelf (don't ask, a LOT of research). Needless to say. the PSS is probably the best tire I've ever had on any of my cars...
Forgive my ignorance on this topic, but as the title states what are the pros and cons of run flats? I noticed that Michelin has the Pilot Super Sport (not a run flat) and the Pilot Sport PS2 (run flat).
The PILOT SPORT PS2 ZP is the run flat (Zero Pressure) the PILOT SPORT PS2 is not a run flat tire.
Another reason not to use run-flats

Another problem with run-flats is the potential for wheel damage. If you hit anything while nursing a flat, like a rock or a pot hole, you will very likely damage your wheel. :no:

That could easily cost a lot more than getting a tow. This is a problem even for cars which are equipped with run-flats OEM.
i hate them... had them on both BMW and took them off - they sux, but i suppose its nice to not worry about getting a flat - however, I've been driving cars since 1982.... and i have had exactly one flat!
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