My new to me 2008 Clubman is in need of a pair of runflats on the front (rear have around 5mm remaining). Currently have Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25 (winter) 195/55/R16 all round. Does anyone have any runflat recommendations please? Thanks, Angela
Curious you've had no replies, I can't believe this would have happened on previous car forums I've joined. This is a weird forum, so many sub-sections and so many posts ignored.
Regarding tyres, I prefer the same brand all round. Having said which, I've just replaced runflats (two of which were excellent) for standard tyres to improve the ride.
You guys that are replacing your tires with non-runflats, what are you supposed to do if you get a flat? I'm curious because obviously the much cheaper price of non-flat runs are tempting.
I'm facing the same dilemma. I just bought a mini that doesn't have runflats. I've never had a vehicle that didn't have a spare tire. The thought of being stranded for something as simple as a flat tire scares me. But so does the price of runflats.
I could be wrong, but if you're not happy with the sealant solution it looks to me as though there's room for a space saver spare below the boot. At least it does in my Clubman.
And the ride on non run-flats is much less harsh; previously I felt the need to apologise to passengers but now it's firm but not harsh and crashy.
I think Bridgestone also do an A001 all season tyre which will feel similar to your winter tyres, but I don't know if in runflat. The winter tyres are for below 7 degrees really, and over that they will deteriorate quite fast. I would have removed them in March for summer tyres.
Michelin are the dearest tyres of all usually, so wouldn't bother with them.
I took mine off runflats and it's great. You can get inflation kits for slower punctures, or good roadside cover. If worried, stick to runflats.
I was thinking about just relying on roadside assistance. But the cost of that service plus the amount of time I would have to wait on the side of the road for them to assist me..I'm thinking that in that moment I would gladly spend the money for runflats. But you have all provided good points to think about.
I've now got Dunlop SP01 RFTs all round on my JCW and it's a lot better than I expected.
My wife uses it a fair bit and doesn't want the risk of non RFTs - she has RFTs on her Cooper. I did have some on my old BMW 130i but the ride was still very firm as you need stiff sidewall tyres.
I still don't like RFTs but I can tolerate these Dunlops.
We have two minis with runflats and one without...The 2013 GP II actually comes without RF's from the factory, and the factory provides a pump and sealant for flats. I used mine already, and it was good enough to get to a tire shop. I carry the pump and cans of flat sealant. I will keep runflats on my wife's car, and replace the runflats on our third car (which I drive) with standard tires when the RF's are worn.
Brilliant replies folks.... Still torn between worry of being woman alone stranded with regular tyres or the tramlining security of runflats? Anyone know if can fit a spacesaver wheel in boot where tools are currently stored on a 2008 clubbie? Also what tyre foams are people using please?
Thanks,
Angela
My CountryMan came standard without run flats. its got a bottle of gunk & an air pump under the passenger's seat. All u would have to do is put gunk in tyre & pump up.. if u were efficient u could do it in 5 mins
In the 11 years my wife has had her Cooper, it has had all four tyres punctured once (good luck there).
On three occasions I wasn't local, or even in the country, so she was able to get home and still drive around for 4 days, in one case.
There is no way she would be able to undo the wheel nuts and change the wheel (she's not an idiot, just light of touch ) let alone the safety aspect on the side of the road.
She has kept the tyres despite the ride and I have agreed to keep mine as she drives the JCW quite regularly as well. The Dunlop SP01's are quite good considering and even non rft's aren't great because of the stiffer sidewalls needed. I put Michelin PS3 non rfts on my BMW 130 and it was massively improved but it wasn't by any means perfect.
I think it's 'each to their own' circumstances and safety thoughts. Just beware that some recovery companies allegedly won't help if you have ditched the spare tyre or the rft's. That may have changed since I last looked though.
Just beware that some recovery companies allegedly won't help if you have ditched the spare tyre or the rft's. That may have changed since I last looked though.
Is having a spare tyre not a requirement for the mot if you have not got run flats? Or is it the case that if you have a spare it must be usable If you don't have a spare its OK???
And you will fail an MOT of the car is presented with the space saver in use.
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