TNT63

I just purchased a gem of an ‘02 SC430 as it only has 12K miles on it. However it still has the original tires on it and they’re 19 years old. I took it to a tire store and although they said the tires are in “good” shape they should probably be replaced. My question is whether I replace them with run-flat tires or not? Will the ride be better/different without them? Any recommendations on beans and model of tires?

thanks!

Tracy

GmanSC

Welcome to the club and congrats on your purchase. How did you find such a GEM.

For the question, if you do the search on this subject, you will find lots of infos. In the nut shell, most of us when replaced tires, would get rid with the run-flats. Keep in mind, the SC does not have spare tire, so if you go with the regular tires, you need to have some kind of protection i.e. compact spare (will cost $$$$), or can of fix-a-flat and portable compressor. For the tire choices, many members go with Michelin AS3, but there are others.

DJWLDW

Trace

I will tell you what every member on the forum will tell you. Ditch the run flats NOW. Your car came with a 245/40/18 I am guessing. When you get new tires go to a 245/45/18. I and a lot of folks have the Pirelli Cinturato P7 Plus II All season which will make your SC ride amazing. I have these tires on both my 06 SC430 and my 2010 LS 460L. If you do a search for tires on the SC forum you will find lots of info. Do away with the run flats and either get the spare tire kit which lots of folks (including both myself and I did it for my sons 05 SC) have retrofitted their SC with or carry a can of tire inflator in case of a flat.

PS: Welcome to the club and congrats on the mint 02. One of the first things you want to do is make sure the timing belt and water pump have been changed. Given that it had the original tires on it I am guessing it has not been. Do a search for timing belt/water pump change.

Dennis

Harold57

Welcome to the forum TNT63. Sounds like you got a rare bird indeed. Regular tires will indeed improve your ride. Run flats have improved quite a bit in the last 20 years but I doubt that they compare to regular tires yet. But if you want to stick with runflats for the convenience, I believe that a couple of the members here have reported in finding some models that perform fairly well. (You'll have to do a search since I don't remember when or who that was.)
Post some pictures when you get a chance.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

The P7's are great tires. Whatever you choose I would go for at least 600+ tread life rating.

leexed

I just purchased 4 Vredestein Quadrac Pro 245/40 R18 all season tires from Tire Rack. I am very happy with these tires. They are not run flats, very quiet, very good handling wet and dry, no flat spots when veh sits for awhile. 163.98 and 655.92 total for 4. No tax, free quick UPS shipping and free 2 yr road hazard. You can't beat this deal

DJWLDW

leexed

Who makes those tires? I have never heard of them?

Dennis

iolmaster

iTrader: (1)

They are in the Netherlands and owned by an Indian company. I think they are produced in the Netherlands also.

DJWLDW

Nice. Them seem to do well in the reviews?

Dennis

leexed

Yes, if you look at customer reviews, they are mostly very good, unlike Goodyear, Pierelli, and even some Michelins, that are priced much higher.