ELFMAN'S TYRE CHOICE...

[ELFMAN]

I'm going to need a new set of tyres in the next few weeks. I'm sticking with my 7x16" Minilites (I'd only kerb 17's even more!), so I'm looking for info for that size. I know the 'new new' MINI is running the latest generation 16" Runflats as standard - what make are they, and are they an improvement on my (not too bad overall) '03 vintage Goodyear Eagle NCT 5 runflats?

There's also the perennial 'Will I go for non-runflats?' question - better ride/handling/grip etc, but also a chance of being stranded or having to fill space you need with a spare (which would have to be tied down, as the last thing you need in a shunt is a fully loaded wheel and tyre flying around inside the car). Part of me wants to put on some sticky Yokos or similar, but I'm not sure I want to rely on 'tyre-weld' type fluids to get me home - sod's law I'd get a puncture in the 1st week... Any info appreciated!

[KenL]

I have Goodyear Excellence runflats on my R56. Seem fine in terms of grip and they are not too noisey. I have nothing to compare them too though.

Check out BlackCircles for prices and fitting. I bought 2 tyres for the Golf before I sold it and their prices were good. Check their associated fitting centres can handle runflats though. Here are their fully fitted prices.

Pirelli Eufori@ (Run Flat) 195/55 R16 H £86.35
Dunlop SP3000 A DSST (Runflat) 195/55 R16 H £90.10
Goodyear NCT5 EMT (Runflat) 195/55 R16 H £90.20
Dunlop SP3000 A DSST (Runflat) 195/55 R16 V £98.10
Goodyear NCT5 EMT (Runflat) 195/55 R16 V £105.00
Goodyear Excellence (Runflat) 195/55 R16 H £106.78

[Craig]

You know me Euan...

I'm in the non-runflat camp.. :approve::approve::approve::approve:

they are more comfortable, quieter, better grip, better in the wet and MUCH cheaper to buy.

only down side is the puncture issue..

pays yer money and all that. I have already changed my run-flats on my broken R56 to falken ZE512's and what a difference.

[KenL]

quote:Originally posted by Craig & Jude


they are more comfortable, quieter, better grip, better in the wet and MUCH cheaper to buy.

That's what I thought too, but, on BlackCircles, their runflats are only about 10% more expensive than premium non runflats.

[ELFMAN]

Thanks guys, I'll check back later.

Craig - are you taking any precautions Re your new rubber? (OK, OK you 'Carry on' freaks, quiet now). Like a tyre sealant treatment etc?

[Craig]

quote:Originally posted by ELFMAN

Thanks guys, I'll check back later.

Craig - are you taking any precautions Re your new rubber? (OK, OK you 'Carry on' freaks, quiet now). Like a tyre sealant treatment etc?

nope Euan, no precautions.. (other than watching where I am going..)

Got a puncture in one of my new run flats and decided just to change over... :approve::approve::approve:

[roadrunner]

Euan,

Me to in the non-runflat camp, i know we have spoken about this on a run once, however for my 2 pennys worth, i am on Yokohama Parada spec 2. I find the tyre wear has been great(even for me!) and the cornering, wow. The ride quality is good, better than gen 1 runflats...can not comment on the new one's.
As craig said, you pay your money. For me its worth it and at this time of the year, even though i dont travel quite as energetic as in the spring, the differnce with non runflats compared with RF is fairly big in favour in my opinion of non runflats (more grip)

Hope the above helps with the confusion

[Aberdeen Al]

Hi,

I replaced my 2 x front tyres with Toyo Proxes just last week - they cost £168 inc. fitting and balancing.

Just in case of emergencies I have a tin of Holts tyre stuff (technical I know but it's raining outside) in the boot.

[AndyP & Lenore]

Am I missing something on this non-run flats-have-more-grip issue? We have Dunlop 2000 Run Flat somethings on our S and as some of you know we tend to drive everywhere at 0 or 200mph:I. We take hairpin bends on the A7 (Craig will know the sort of bends I'm on about) at a steady 45 to 50mph and we don't feel like we're about to loose grip at all:approve:. We had Pirelli's on our CVT Cooper and there's no way we could take bends as fast or we have just spun off into a pile of dust:blackeye:. But the Dunlop's are great. Harsh as hell, but great at grip.

If I'm being honest, if it was only ever me driving the car I'd probably go for non-run flats, but as I let Lenore drive from time to time - I even trust her to the car on her own sometimes - I'd rather she had the security of run flats.:approve:

A.

[euan]

Get prices from a variety of sources (web and specialist dealers) and compare - BMW price matched the Michelin Pilot Sport 2s on the 3 series which were 40 quid cheaper (each) elsewhere, inc fitting & vat. Plus, they did it properly (put the weights on the inside on the alloy).