Hey guys,

I was looking the other day at the options for winter tires and was curious what are your experiences. People seem to have contradictory opinions regarding run flats: some say outright that they suck and some think they are decent these days.

I saw that price is not a major issue anymore since some 17" Blizzak run flats cost only about 20$ more/tire compared to Primacy alpine pa3.

Does the weight difference of almost 5 pounds/tire make a significant impact on steering/acceleration/general feel?

Otherwise from what I read, getting non-run flats would mean that I will always have a light on my dash plus maybe some annoying sound warnings.

Comments welcomed

Otherwise from what I read, getting non-run flats would mean that I will always have a light on my dash plus maybe some annoying sound warnings.

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System has no way of telling whether run flat or conventional tires are fitted. As long as you reset the system after changing tires (or wheels or adding air to tires) you won't get any lights or alarms.

If you run conventional tires you'll have to carry a mobility system (compressor, tire sealant) to deal with flat tires.

Yes - non RFT tires make a HUGE difference!
I've just ditched my factory Michelines for Bridgestone RE-11's - they are not only grippier, lighter, quieter, and cheaper than any RFT options available in 17" size. RE-11s have tranformed the car from a bore-jarring rattle-mobile to an enjoyable ride with properly working suspension. Absoultely pricelly improvement.

As long as you have sensors on the wheels (I reused factory ones), the TPMS light will stay OFF and will still alert you if you loose air through pucture or otherwise.

I purchased Continental tire sealant gizmo as an insurance in case of a puncture. Supposedly, it's goo can be pealed off the TPMS sensor. But even if the sensor dies after using the goo, the replacement cost (~$45) is still way below the difference in tire price between RFT and higher quality regular tire.

YMMV,
alex