sixonemale

Hi everyone,

This is a poll in a sense. Could everyone that responds to this thread please let us know whether you prefer Run Flats or Conventional Tires, in addition to letting us know what your favorite tire is. I'm still on the edge of choosing between Run Flats or Conventional tires on my next set. To eliminate a possible blow-out I'm leaning toward Run Flats inflated to the approximate PSI listed on the drivers door which gives a tolerable ride. However I'm open to listening from others based on past proven experience of driving with conventional tires. I'm currently driving with Bridgestone Turanza Run Flats at 34 PSI.

Thanks in advance

PS I have bought a spare in anticipation of switching to conventional tires, but am hesitant to do so, due to the risk of blowout on the freeway

redliner8

iTrader: (1)

I use conventional and have a spare tire in the trunk for peace of mind. It rides good to me. When I switched, I got a tire alignment, so I'm not sure if the difference is from the tires or the alignment or both.

Habious

I think the risk of a "blowout" at highway speed is EXTREMELY rare. Could it happen? Sure. Do I think it will...almost certainly not.

With that being said...my SC came with the Dunlop runflats. VERY harsh ride. But, lots of security knowing I wouldn't need a spare tire.

When they wore out very quickly (<10K miles) I replaced all 4 with Michelin Pilot A/S non-runflats. HUGE difference in the ride quality. Those lasted 40K+ miles before being replaced...by another set of Michelin Pilot A/S non-runflats.

I picked up a Conti comfort kit in the truck as well as a spare tire kit. So, I've got belt and suspenders.

The only downside to going this route is my decreased trunk space. The full spare tire kit really does eat up what little trunk space (top down) was there in the first place.

76210Guy

Agreed w/Habious totally. Mine came with RFTs and they were gone before I had it for a month. HUGE ride difference and I bought the Spare kit, covers and all from Sewell for my own peace of mind.

abbeyrd

I switched after 4 years from runflats to Michelin a/s Plus convential tires and don't regret it at all. Ride is so much better. I have a space saver spare bought from Tire Rack and the wheel (for a 98 Supra) from some Toyota parts dealer in Ohio and I take it with me only on long trips. In the summer, I store small luggage, etc in the back seat and smaller things on each side of the tire in the trunk. In non top-down weather, there is still room behind the tire. In the winter, the car stays stored and covered in the garage.

2006 Sc 430 white/ecru

R052822

At the first day without runflats it was impossible to get the smile off my face

donsmith

When I purchased my car, the dealer put on new Bridgestone runflats, over $1200 with balance, mounting, etc (he gave me the receipt). I hated them. Within a couple days I went to the same Discount Tire dealer and he gave me a fair $800 trade allowance. I got Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 and it's a world of difference. The runflats are like riding on Fred Flintstone rock tires and they don't respond well. Upgrade your comfort and handling and save some money by switching to conventional tires. I don't have a spare and refuse to use the fix-a-flat spray crap, but instead have a plug kit and 12v compressor (and free towing via my insurance policy if I'm really in a bind).

Fashion

I had our SC for 2 weeks and got rid of the runflats one because of inner tire wear and two they rode terrible. Purchased a set of Continental Extreme Contact DWS and a spare from a GS430. Love the tires and it now rides like a Lexus should. For the money you cant beat these tires.

mandyfig

What are the other Lexus models which use the same spare as the SC?

GS430
...

sixonemale

Mandyfig,

This site shows matching wheel bolt patterns for the SC430:

http://www.roadkillcustoms.com/hot-r...&Models=SC+430

Also, as illogical or counter intuitive as this sounds, the spare is 17". The actual spare tire size is 145/70-17".

Great information thus far on the RF's vs conventional tires. It's no surprise to hear about Michelin's, great tires!

cyberlexus

iTrader: (2)

A set of good runflat tires cost about $400 more than a set of good conventional tires. I would go with conventional, and spend $200 for a 3-4 year AAA membership. That way, I would have comfort, peace of mind, trunk space, and $200 in my pocket.

rdostroph

I've run on both. I'll never go back to run flats. Conventional tires are quieter and smoother. They also eliminate some of the shimmy that occurs at 30-40 mph on nearly all of them. I've placed a couple of cans of flat repair in the trunk along with a small compressor in case of a flat. This allows re-inflation and driveability for replacement. The only issue is that the run flat mixture will likely damage the sensors in the valve stems but they are inexpensively replaced. It's worth the trade off. We are currently running Falcon tires. They perform well. Some minor wear pattern on the front inside edges which is due to the offset on the non factory wheels.

mandyfig

Thanks for the info. Just want to have a solid back up plan for a punctured tire. You'll never know. Knock on wood.

mandyfig

Have to watch out for compare spares on craigslist, too.

KBALL

I switched from rough riding bridgestone rft to michelin pilot a/s plus within a month after getting car. No spare, but AAA member. Only got about 1500 miles on them so can't report treadwear but ride is order of magnitudes better.

I read on those fix a flat cans they should NOT be used for low profile high performance tires.