run flat tires vs. regular
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: RI
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Question](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon5.gif)
Hello:
I am a recent new member so I hope this hasn't been asked too many times but here goes ...I have had a 2004 sc430 for 3 years now. It presently has 54,000 miles on it. Last year, I was pretty tired of the harsh ride compared to my other Lexus cars, an 02 LS 430 and an 07 RX 350. I know it is a different car but I went with the suggestion of my local mechanic who suggested that I replace the run flats with conventional tires and what a difference!! I guess I will just call AAA if I get a flat. Has anyone else done this and if so, have you been happy? I went with Michelin Pilots.
Thanks
I am a recent new member so I hope this hasn't been asked too many times but here goes ...I have had a 2004 sc430 for 3 years now. It presently has 54,000 miles on it. Last year, I was pretty tired of the harsh ride compared to my other Lexus cars, an 02 LS 430 and an 07 RX 350. I know it is a different car but I went with the suggestion of my local mechanic who suggested that I replace the run flats with conventional tires and what a difference!! I guess I will just call AAA if I get a flat. Has anyone else done this and if so, have you been happy? I went with Michelin Pilots.
Thanks
#2
Moderator
![](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/ranks/rank-mod2.gif)
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I changed mine out and then ordered the spare tire kit... yes... it's pricey, but the thought of tow truck fellow yanking, tugging, lashing, pulling or slinging the car around was not very appeasing to me. Ride improved and spare gives me peace of mind. I put on Goodyear Eagle F1s
#4
Lead Lap
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
My guess is that because the RF characteristics require the tire to be stiffer, the extra stiffness creates more noise. (Sort of like the difference between walking in hard soled shoes and moccasins on a wooden floor.) Also, the RF get quite a bit noisier after they worn down to their last few thousand miles.
#6
Moderator
![](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/ranks/rank-mod2.gif)
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Here is one example: http://www.sewellpartsonline.com/par...l.asp?id=87769
Pricey yes ... but a 30 minute DIY job. You'll also find spares on ebay from time to time but not the kit and cover...
Pricey yes ... but a 30 minute DIY job. You'll also find spares on ebay from time to time but not the kit and cover...
#7
Trending Topics
#8
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Hello:
I am a recent new member so I hope this hasn't been asked too many times but here goes ...I have had a 2004 sc430 for 3 years now. It presently has 54,000 miles on it. Last year, I was pretty tired of the harsh ride compared to my other Lexus cars, an 02 LS 430 and an 07 RX 350. I know it is a different car but I went with the suggestion of my local mechanic who suggested that I replace the run flats with conventional tires and what a difference!! I guess I will just call AAA if I get a flat. Has anyone else done this and if so, have you been happy? I went with Michelin Pilots.
Thanks
I am a recent new member so I hope this hasn't been asked too many times but here goes ...I have had a 2004 sc430 for 3 years now. It presently has 54,000 miles on it. Last year, I was pretty tired of the harsh ride compared to my other Lexus cars, an 02 LS 430 and an 07 RX 350. I know it is a different car but I went with the suggestion of my local mechanic who suggested that I replace the run flats with conventional tires and what a difference!! I guess I will just call AAA if I get a flat. Has anyone else done this and if so, have you been happy? I went with Michelin Pilots.
Thanks
#9
Lead Lap
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Sewell sells the spare tire kit on ebay occasionally also. The best I've seen has it dipping just below $700.
Be careful with the slime kits and inflatable repair cans as the sealant can damage the tire pressure sensors and that is an expensive repair. The best non-spare solution I've seen is to buy a small compressor (like the Viair 70P) and a small repair kit (tire plugs). Short of a real blow out, that should get you to the tire shop. With a real blow out, it is either a spare or a tow job.
BTW, I've already bought a spare (for longer trips), the compressor and a plug kit. Non-runflats are due when I change out my tires sometime this spring. I plan to get the Yokohama YK520 since they have an actual 60kmi warranty.
Be careful with the slime kits and inflatable repair cans as the sealant can damage the tire pressure sensors and that is an expensive repair. The best non-spare solution I've seen is to buy a small compressor (like the Viair 70P) and a small repair kit (tire plugs). Short of a real blow out, that should get you to the tire shop. With a real blow out, it is either a spare or a tow job.
BTW, I've already bought a spare (for longer trips), the compressor and a plug kit. Non-runflats are due when I change out my tires sometime this spring. I plan to get the Yokohama YK520 since they have an actual 60kmi warranty.
#10
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I have not plugged any leaks on my wife's SC but have plugged leaks on my 2 previous cars and our Mitsubishi SUV. The SUV just this past month. The plugs work great. I have a Black and Decker Air Station compressor and got the plug kit from Walmart. Less than $60 invested and I have not had to take a tire to a dealer or tire shop for repair in years. The SC has a spare tire and I am glad it does.
The SC was just upgraded to Nitto 555 20's so I guess I am screwed now for saying this!![Egads!](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/pat.gif)
I totally agree with the "keep the tire pressure maintained" routine and upgraded to the Orange Electronics TPMS system when we put the 20's on. The Orange Electronics TPMS system has user settable alarms and temperature monitoring as well. Best deal out there!
The SC was just upgraded to Nitto 555 20's so I guess I am screwed now for saying this!
![Egads!](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/pat.gif)
I totally agree with the "keep the tire pressure maintained" routine and upgraded to the Orange Electronics TPMS system when we put the 20's on. The Orange Electronics TPMS system has user settable alarms and temperature monitoring as well. Best deal out there!
#12
Instructor
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Formerly Easton, Pa. Bradenton FL, now Osprey Fl.
Posts: 877
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
6 Posts
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I haven't switched yet, waiting for the RFs to wearout. I did find a spare at a local hubcap store & rims place that fits. The tire is a little bigger (don't remember the size)than comes in the Lexus kit or the Mazda kit. It fits on both the front and back and into the tire well in the trunk. I am still thinking about a portable compressor, and a slime (or other brand) tire fixing method. I got it just for the piece of mind, but really how often do you really need it. I also have an air tank that if she calls I can fill it and take it to her. Also have AAA. And as far as the tire sensors go, once you get rid of the RFs you really don't need them, you can do a visual and see if they are low. Tire guages aren't that expensive, even a good one.
#13
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Sewell sells the spare tire kit on ebay occasionally also. The best I've seen has it dipping just below $700.
Be careful with the slime kits and inflatable repair cans as the sealant can damage the tire pressure sensors and that is an expensive repair. The best non-spare solution I've seen is to buy a small compressor (like the Viair 70P) and a small repair kit (tire plugs). Short of a real blow out, that should get you to the tire shop. With a real blow out, it is either a spare or a tow job.
BTW, I've already bought a spare (for longer trips), the compressor and a plug kit. Non-runflats are due when I change out my tires sometime this spring. I plan to get the Yokohama YK520 since they have an actual 60kmi warranty.
Be careful with the slime kits and inflatable repair cans as the sealant can damage the tire pressure sensors and that is an expensive repair. The best non-spare solution I've seen is to buy a small compressor (like the Viair 70P) and a small repair kit (tire plugs). Short of a real blow out, that should get you to the tire shop. With a real blow out, it is either a spare or a tow job.
BTW, I've already bought a spare (for longer trips), the compressor and a plug kit. Non-runflats are due when I change out my tires sometime this spring. I plan to get the Yokohama YK520 since they have an actual 60kmi warranty.
#15
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I am selling my Pirelli Net Zero RFTs on my SC430 for the Michelin non-RFT.
The Pirellis have about 2,600 miles of wear and are in *excellent* condition as you would expect. Im asking $500. If interested, please let me know.
The Pirellis have about 2,600 miles of wear and are in *excellent* condition as you would expect. Im asking $500. If interested, please let me know.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
clubaddict
SC430 - 2nd Gen (2001-2010)
9
01-20-06 08:48 AM