Many vehicles come equipped with run-flat tires from the manufacturer. Our sales specialists receive many calls from drivers asking if they can replace th
eir run-flat tires with non-run-flat options. There are a few pros and cons when it comes to changing to a non-run-flat tire.
Pros:
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Conventional tires are typically less expensive
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Better ride quality
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Longer lasting
Cons:
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Many vehicles don't have a spare, therefore you won't be able to drive when you get a flat
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When leasing a vehicle, many companies often require vehicles sold with run-flats be returned with them
Switching to conventional tires will not negatively affect the vehicle and will fit on Original Equipment wheels. Also, for those that don't have a spare, take a look at the Continental ContiComfortKit that seals and inflates tire punctures. It's capable of comfortably sealing typical tire punctures that make it possible for you to complete your drive home, to work, an important appointment or a tire repair facility. The ContiComfortKit combines a powerful, high-volume, 12-volt air compressor, integral pressure gauge and a latex liquid sealant packaged in a compact, lightweight unit that's easy to store in your vehicle.
I have experienced first-hand the differences between non-run-flat tires and run-flats. The BMW I owned came with 18" wheels and Bridgestone Potenza RE050A RFT tires and I switched to 19" wheels and the Sumitomo HTR Z III. Normally, increasing the wheel diameter has a negative impact on ride quality, however I thought the conventional tires on larger sized wheels actually rode a little better than the 18" run-flats.
To find the tire that works best for your car, shop by vehicle.
General is a great brand that offers terrific value and has been a subsidiary of Continental Tire for many years. Often, when I talk to customers about their products, I am asked what's the difference between General's AltiMAX HP and AltiMAX RT?
The AltiMAX HP is General's flagship Grand Touring All-Season tire. This tire will offer a slightly more comfortable ride, have better handling and responsiveness, as well as offer a little bit better winter traction over the AltiMAX RT. They are offered with a 55,000-mile treadlife warranty for the H-speed rated version and a 40,000-mile treadlife warranty for the V-speed rated version. AltiMAX HP tires feature General's Replacement Tire Monitor (RTM) branding. Similar in purpose to federally mandated treadwear bars required to run across the tread pattern, RTM consists of the words "Replacement Tire Monitor" branded into the center rib of new tires. As the tires wear down to 2/32" of remaining tread depth (the legal minimum in most states), the visible branding reads "Replace Tire" to confirm the tires need to be replaced based on wear.
General's AltiMAX RT is a Standard Touring All-Season tire. The primary advantage to this tire is its treadlife. It's offered with a 70,000-mile treadlife warranty and is only available in a T-speed rating. Some drivers prefer this tire as it is made in some smaller and hard-to-find sizes.
Research all General tires available for your vehicle and see if one is right for how and where you drive.
With high fuel prices, everyone is looking for ways to save money at the pump. The tires on your car have an impact on your fuel economy. One easy way to reduce your rolling resistance is to always maintain proper air pressure in your tires. An underinflated tire takes more energy to roll - costing you money.
Today, many manufacturers have designed tires to help reduce rolling resistance and improve overall fuel economy. They have been able to accomplish this by making improvements to the rubber compound, tread design and sidewall construction. When many of these tires were introduced a few years ago, it was initially thought, by many, that they may suffer in their traction capabilities, especially in the wet. To their credit, the manufacturers have been able to overcome these concerns and have been able to produce some very capable tires.
One of our best-selling low rolling resistance tire is the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422. This Grand Touring All-Season tire offers an excellent ride and good all-season traction. The Ecopia EP422 uses an all-season tread compound featuring Bridgestone's unique NanoPro-Tech (Nanostructure-Oriented Properties Control Technology) to reduce rolling resistance and energy loss while maintaining dry, wet and wintertime traction. This tire is offered with a 65,000-mile treadlife warranty.
Another great option is the Continental ProContact with EcoPlus Technology. You may be familiar with the ProContact model as it has been an Original Equipment tire on many vehicles. The EcoPlus Technology's all-season tread compound features Continental's Tg-F Polymers and +Silane additives to improve treadwear, fuel efficiency and traction on slippery roads. This tire is offered with an 80,000-mile treadlife warranty.
Michelin's Defender features Green X technology to provide a level of energy efficiency among the highest on the market for its category without compromising other key characteristics, such as traction and treadwear. The tire is offered with either a 90,000- or 80,000-mile treadlife warranty depending on the speed rating.
2011 Ford Ranger XLT
2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 Sedan 4Matic
