Run Flat Tires Wear Quicker, Cost More Than Regular Tires

A popular new tire that is becoming standard on a growing number of cars is generating hundreds of complaints.

Many drivers say it has a flaw, and when they try to replace it they run into another problem, reported 5 On Your Side's John Matarese.

The new type of tire is supposed to never go flat. If you run over a nail, you can drive all the way home.

However, many owners of these tires are unhappy.

Tom Lehn says the tires are the worst feature on his new Toyota Sienna minivan.

"You can see it's worn all over, but especially at the edges. It's wearing faster than expected," said Lehn.

Lehn bought the run flat tires to keep his wife and kids safe, so they wouldn't be stranded by a flat.

Then he learned that the tires can cost twice as much as a regular tire.

"It was $275 for one tire," said Lehn.

Tire shop owner Dan Brogan is not surprised by the high cost.

He said run flats are costly to produce because of the special hardened rubber sidewalls they require, which allow them to keep going with no air.

And that tougher rubber won't last as long.

"You can't have everything. A tire that runs flat and lot of mileage out of it, you can't have both," said Brogan.

But some car owners don't buy it, and have filed a class action lawsuit against Toyota and Dunlop tires.

The suit claims Sienna minivan tires last only 10,000 to 20,000 miles, and have to be replaced annually at cost of $1,300 or more.

Toyota and Dunlop won't comment on pending litigation, but Toyota dealers say the tires should last 30,000 miles in normal use.

Despite their price, run flats can still be a good feature if you do a lot of interstate driving or commute through a rough part of town.

That peace of mind might be worth $250.

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i personally dont like them either, but what do you do if your car doesn't come with a spare tire.... 6 series and such....

They are never avvailable, special order, and most palces are sold out.... my firend payed $400 per tire for his six series. had no choice.

Well I think run flats are a good thing, the problems with ride quality seems to have disappeared with the new 3er! They also mean the car has more room and stop you getting stranded somewhere! Also, when all car companies use them (I think they will) the cost will come down! It's only because it's something new that it's expensive!

It isnt new, and all companies are going to use them...

I bet that by replacing the RF tires with normal ones the ride quality will increase significantly no matter what car we are talking about.

I hate them. You have all mentioned some reasons, and they are crap performance tires!

I know many BMW onwers that changed their run-flats to proper tires.
M5 dont use flat-tires at all, guess why...

That's why the 3er's suspension was designed to run on RFTs... it hasn't received the complaints the 5er has.

Personally until the technology is ready, I'd get normal tires and have a can of mousse in the trunk. that should solve the problem for now. Eventually the cost and availbility will be better.

how will the can of mousse solve the problem? that is for after the puncture.....if you are going along a motorway at 100mph and your tyre blows out what do you do....think oh ill get the mousse out and repair it (when you have recovered from the accident of course or if you dont get injured get killed while repairing the tyre next to the motorway...) or you just spend that little extra bit of money for tyres which mean you dont lose control of your car ay 100mph with a blow out....and can continue going for a few hundred more miles until you get home then change it? i know which one i would rather have.....

So which cars come with these tyres as standard spec?