I have a nail in one of my stock Dunlop 205/45/17 run flats. So, I either have to replace the one tire (at MINI dealer was $350 + install, FORGET it!), probably $150 somewhere else??

OR

Replace all 4 tires with something else that is softer. I do not race the car or do anything fancy, what I want is the softest (most comfortable) ride I can get.

What tires should I get, and/or should I just replace the 1 tire? In other words, does it really make a big ride difference with non-runflats?? (again, not talking performance, talking comfort!)

Thanks

 

I found 4 NEW Como (i think that is how it is spelled) 205/45ZR17's Run Flats for $778.00. That price includes mounting, balancing, maintenance plan and tire disposal of old tires. Check out the www.tirepros.com. I don't know if there are any locations in NY, but it might be worth the try.

 

Depending where the nail is, and whether you ran it 'flat', you may be able to get it repaired. Some shops say they won't repair runflats, but many do.

 

If the nail is in the tread (at least 1/2" from the shoulder), it should be possible to plug the tire. I have had two tires plugged without any problem. You just need to find a repair shop equipped dismount/mount run-flat tires.

When replacement time came I replaced all four w/ Goodyear Eagle F1 All Seasons from Tire Rack. The new Goodyears worked well during one of the worst winters Chicago has seen in many years.

 

Hmmm... never thought of that. I should see if I can get it fixed.... I even have a plug kit myself....

 

yep, i've had two RFT's patched (at a qualified RFT repair shop). No issue. . Tirerack list's sites that are RFT qualified.

 

I fixed my Dunlop 205/45-17. As long as the area to be repaired is within the tred area. Don't buy into the Dealer Spill on Not repairing. I'm selling my 3 for $185 Each and giving the 4th away, Repaired by Discont Tire. Living in a rural area, Run Flats don't work well on the dirt.

 

I've had RF's on and off since 02

- RF's are as patch/plugable as any other tire. But on the same hand, if you drive on a 'flat' RF for 50 miles you trashed the side wall, and the tire should not be patched/plugged. If you see a nail, and it is in a repairable area (not in the side wall or within 1/2 inch of the side), and the tire did not go 'flat' ... repair away. I've had RF's plugged twice and used DynaPlug 3 times. (I used fix-a-flat once and ended up throwing the tire away as the balance was never right again) Had RFs on the 02 w/17's then went to YOKO's then Kumho....non RF. Back to RF on the 07...but have 16's now (not impressed with the Conti's ...but the taller side wall is softer ride)

- going to the dealer for a tire repair replacement bad bad move

- you want to soften the ride...loose the run flats. Run flat technology means the sidewall alone is strong enough to support the car 'for a while'. A stiff sidewall equals a hard ride. Change to a standard tire and get a soft sidewall and a softer ride. Zillion threads about how to deal with no spare. My choice has been a small cig' lighter pump, a DynaPlug and a AAA card! (no Slime for this guy)

- many shops don't want to touch run flats because it takes a good bit more skill to mount/dismount them.....special machine or not. My fav tire guy when I was replacing worn RF's asked if I minded if he used mine as a training project for a new guy.....getting them off the rims is tough....not only are the 17 performance RF's hard but low profile too. Double tuff. The kid tore 2 before he got the hang of it (I got to watch....no rim damage )

 

FYI, didn't (and WOULDN'T) take the car to the dealer to get a tire fixed!! I was there for something else, they noticed the nail in the tire and let me know. And to show what a nice dealership they are, they informed me I was better off getting it fixed elsewhere.

The tire never lost air, just had the nail embedded in it.

Anywho, I plugged it myself with a "Dyno plug" thingy, worked like a charm the nail was about 2" from sidewall, right in the middle of a thick part of tread. Back in bidness.

BUT, will be shopping around for some non-runflats soon.