Do I need Run-Flat Winter Tires

[ejm3]

I was about to purchased some winter tires for my 135 vert.

Tire Rack's preferrred package with Blizzak W80's and steel wheels cost just under $1k.

Then I saw that Bridgestone has run-flat Blizzaks about $150 more for all four tires. I figured this was reasonable and would just get those instead. Then after an on-line chat with the Tire Rack guy they inform me that that if I get the run-flats I must have the TPMS also installed, which will add another $250 or so.

So now the cost is of the run flats is an additional $400 or 40% more than the regulat Blizzaks.

So do I really need the RFT's or can I live with the regular W80's?

[darkrom]

You don't need runflats in winter or summer. You don't ever need runflats.

[awns729]

What does having the run flats have to do with TPMS? if you want the light to stay off, you'd need it either way.

[awns729]

Unless he was speaking in terms of safety? You won't visually see the flat with runflats but you will with regular tires..

[ejm3]

Well he said its a Tire Rack rule that they will not ship run-flats without TPMS installed.

I'm guessing for the reason you mentioned, that unlike a normal tire you might not notice its low/flat without the TMPS light on.

[IEDEI]

Originally Posted by ejm3

I was about to purchased some winter tires for my 135 vert.

Tire Rack's preferrred package with Blizzak W80's and steel wheels cost just under $1k.

Then I saw that Bridgestone has run-flat Blizzaks about $150 more for all four tires. I figured this was reasonable and would just get those instead. Then after an on-line chat with the Tire Rack guy they inform me that that if I get the run-flats I must have the TPMS also installed, which will add another $250 or so.

So now the cost is of the run flats is an additional $400 or 40% more than the regulat Blizzaks.

So do I really need the RFT's or can I live with the regular W80's?

you don't need runflats.....BUT if you're really paranoid about getting a flat in the middle of a blizzard then you may want to explore the idea of getting runflat tires.

i got a flat on winter tires last year in my 135is and had to get towed in the end to a dealer. fortunately i was not in the middle of a storm or anything.

this year in the 1M, i've decided to carry a 5th wheel and tire in the trunk for the winter.

[Qunadry]

As much as I dislike run-flats (I use Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3's 8 months of the year) I think run-flat winter tires are not a bad idea. I have the winter wheel/tire package sold by BMW. I purchased them when I placed the order for my car.

[128Convertibleguy]

When I purchased non-run flats for my summer tires, I also purchased TPMS for the new wheels. I don't understand the hate. It's just a no lose deal, eliminates a chance to overlook one bad problem. The cost is trivial for anyone who can afford these cars.

So my advice is to buy whichever tires you choose, and get TPMS regardless.

[Mach1er]

Originally Posted by ejm3

Well he said its a Tire Rack rule that they will not ship run-flats without TPMS installed.

I'm guessing for the reason you mentioned, that unlike a normal tire you might not notice its low/flat without the TMPS light on.

I don't know about buying them with wheels, but if you're just buying run-flats from TireRack on their own you absolutely can buy them without TPMS. TPMS sensors regularly outlast tires. I have bought just run-flats and re-used my old TPMS.

Either way, it's a very good idea to still have TPMS sensors on run-flats.

[CAVU]

Last year I bought wheels and Michelin PA3 runflats from Tire Rack. I chose the PA3 runflat because I wanted the security of being able to get myself off of a busy road with no shoulder (common in my area) if there were true winter conditions outside. What I found was the PA3 runflats rode harsher than the stock runflat summers the car came with, so I would probably get a non-runflat winter tire if I had it to do all over again.

I also got a set TPMS sensors. Even though I check my tire pressures at least once per month, I wanted the security of detecting a slow leak early and having the time to address the issue. Plus I didn't want to deal with the light. I'm a dark cockpit kind of guy. I only want warning information I need to react to.

[PA135i]

6 1/2 years and have 2 sets of wheels. 1 for winter, 1 for summer. Both have the original TPMS sensors. And I always run non-runflats in winter. The $ savings is significant.

[ejm3]

I've gone two winters now on the stock run-flats. We get plenty of snow but I just drive the RX a lot in the winter.

I'm just getting tired of how crappy they are when it gets cold and that I'm sweating it out if there's a flake of snow or a drop of rain in the winter.

I'm not sure how much longer I'm going to keep the car or I would just stop whining and spend the extra $400 to get the RFT's and TPMS. Warranty is up in a year and a half and I need to make some decisions at that point.

[Nemco]

I've had the Pirelli Sottozero II winter run flats the last two seasons - definitely softer ride than the stock summers, and available in the identical size.

[awns729]

Originally Posted by ejm3

I've gone two winters now on the stock run-flats. We get plenty of snow but I just drive the RX a lot in the winter.

I'm just getting tired of how crappy they are when it gets cold and that I'm sweating it out if there's a flake of snow or a drop of rain in the winter.

I'm not sure how much longer I'm going to keep the car or I would just stop whining and spend the extra $400 to get the RFT's and TPMS. Warranty is up in a year and a half and I need to make some decisions at that point.

You can also look around for a used set on the forums. Or buy non run flats and get a spare, and then you can switch your summer tires to non RFT too. This has the long term benefits of cheaper overall cost (after a couple sets of non RFT tires), typically less tire wear, less harshness over potholes and less damage over potholes too.

[awns729]

Oh, ^ on the assumption that you want to keep the car, which you probably will Repairs off warranty will almost always be less than a new car payment. And otherwise, you can always sell wheels/tires to someone else, so it's not a total loss of the $ you spend on them.

[JimD]

I don't think I need run flats. I carry a compressor and a plugging kit. I've driven for 43 years now and have never had a flat the compressor would not have allowed me to get home with. But a plugging kit is a little more insurance. I also have AAA.

My wife disagrees. She likes her run flats and they have gotten her home before. But a compressor would have too.

I also never got summer and winter tires when living in the snow belt (for about 30 of my driving years). I used all seasons. They are not the best in the summer or winter but they are pretty good in both. Just another option. (I never got stuck with all seasons)

[Chunner]

I have run flats winters on 17 inch rims and TPMS on my 1er. All from Tire Rack for about $1500 bucks.

Do you need run flats? It depends on you. I've actually blown out two tires on my X3 before and was sure glad I had those run flats. It was dark, I was far from home and with my kids. Sure glad I had those run flats. I hobbled home in good time.

For my 1er, it's a torn decision. I love my MPSS but feel that run flats are also important. In fact, two weeks ago. I blew out two MPSS's good thing I was close enough to home to run over and get my winter tires. If I was farther form home, I'd be upset.

For the winter. I stick to the convenience of dedicated winter runflats with TPMS. You might just blow out two tires. You never know.

Just my 2 cents.

[128Convertibleguy]

Originally Posted by ejm3

I've gone two winters now on the stock run-flats. We get plenty of snow but I just drive the RX a lot in the winter.

I'm just getting tired of how crappy they are when it gets cold and that I'm sweating it out if there's a flake of snow or a drop of rain in the winter.

I'm not sure how much longer I'm going to keep the car or I would just stop whining and spend the extra $400 to get the RFT's and TPMS. Warranty is up in a year and a half and I need to make some decisions at that point.

If you're going to sell the car, no TPMS would have a negative effect on market value (not with everyone, but with some), and there may even be a legal issue.

[Dackelone]

No, RFT's are not needed for winter.


Heck... most people just dump the RFT's for summer use too.

[angler]

Say no to suck flats summer or winter!

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by ejm3

Well he said its a Tire Rack rule that they will not ship run-flats without TPMS installed.

I'm guessing for the reason you mentioned, that unlike a normal tire you might not notice its low/flat without the TMPS light on.

Tell them you have a Canadian car, we do not have TPMS sensors.

[darkrom]

Originally Posted by 128Convertibleguy

If you're going to sell the car, no TPMS would have a negative effect on market value (not with everyone, but with some), and there may even be a legal issue.

Correct. You can not legally sell a car without TPMS sensors when they are meant to be on the car. Not sure how anyone enforces this though.