I've got an 05' MCS with the stock rims and run-flat tires. One tire already has a slow leak. The dealer and the tire shop both told me that run flats tend to develop leaks and blisters when they hit pot holes. Is that right? Are run-flats significantly more fragile than a regular tire?

If that's the case, I guess I better replace the tires with non-run-flats. I like my stock wheels so I'd like to just replace the tires. The guy at the tire shop said that there weren't many non-run-flat tires that fit on the stock rims. Does anyone here have any recommendations?

TIA,
Colin

 

ColinD -
Get a new dealer! Or at least talk to someone who knows what they are talking about.

A leaking run flat can be repaired as long as the puncture is not in the sidewall. So you don't necessarily need to replace your tires.
Runflats are a stiffer tire (which allows them to continue to roll even after all the air is out of them) so why would they blister or leak after hitting a pot hole? If anything they should act like a normal tire.

There are a number of tires that will replace the run flats.
Go to an on-line site (Tire Rack is a NAM sponsor) and put in your make / model and they will give you a selection of tires to choose from.

Good luck!

 

I had a nail in my Goodyear Eagle NCT runflats and my local tire shop easily fixed it. Your dealer and tire shop are giving you a load of BS. Run flats may be more susceptible to damage since the sidewalls are not as compliance and able to absorb shock as a non runflat, but leaks and blisters? Doesn't sound right. And if your tire shop said that non runflat tires won't fit on your rims run for another shop because they haven't got a clue as to what they're talking about. Do a search in this forum and you'll find that in the 16" size, 205/50-16 is one of the most popular replacement sizes. It's true you won't find many non runflat tires in 195/55-16, but there are many many tires in 205/50-16 size.