What IS the point of Run Flats?

mikey72

sunshinetours wrote: »

Yes it can although by no means will espeically if used so that it doesn;t get too hot, however a run flat will be destroyed if run whilst flat for too long

Thats the difference

???

you asked a question, I answered it.
If you think there is legislation on spacesavers, post it up.

sunshinetours wrote: »

I assume its a legislation thing rather than the tyre will self destruct, like a run flat actually could. Space savers are just supposed to be a temporary fix as they are clearly not as safe as your regular tyres

supermanjo

I purchased a vehicle not knowing it had run-flats on it. It was pre-standard so that means no trip computer to tell you that you have a flat. The tyre kept going flat and it was driving me nuts as I had it looked at and the guy told me it was the rim. I later found out it was a run-flat tyre. Moral of the story is, they are useless. I got rid of them and put on standard stuff, the runflats where 40R so I slapped on some 55R's and wooot! Smoooth ride.

sunshinetours

mikey72 wrote: »

???

you asked a question, I answered it.
If you think there is legislation on spacesavers, post it up.

No I didn't I made an assumption actually. My point was that a space saver may have probelms as you mention for those reasons, but a run flat will almost certainly breakdown aftre excessive useage once the strengthening in the side walls gives way

As far as use of space save, the AA says

Space-saver wheels are designed for temporary use to enable the vehicle to be driven to a place of repair. There is no maximum distance but due to the speed restriction, limited tread depth (only 3mm from new) and the fact that the tyre compound is often softer to simulate the traction capabilities of a wider tyre, the distance covered before repair should not be excessive.

link

almillar

apples2 - I'm on about people saying space savers are only OK for 50 miles, and have a top speed of 50mph. Just because one person's manual for a Ford Fiesta says that doesn't mean a Mercedes-Benz S-Class will be the same.
sunshinetours - My space saver has a speed limit of 50 I think, and I'm not aware of a distance limit. It's sitting in my garage though as I'd rather carry around an air compressor and a can of gunk...

sunshinetours

almillar wrote: »

apples2 - I'm on about people saying space savers are only OK for 50 miles, and have a top speed of 50mph. Just because one person's manual for a Ford Fiesta says that doesn't mean a Mercedes-Benz S-Class will be the same.
sunshinetours - My space saver has a speed limit of 50 I think, and I'm not aware of a distance limit. It's sitting in my garage though as I'd rather carry around an air compressor and a can of gunk...

And some have 80mph limit so as you say need to check manuals - agree with that

mikey72

sunshinetours wrote: »

And some have 80mph limit so as you say need to check manuals - agree with that

Which ones have an 80mph limit?

grizzly1911

Some Austin Metros used to have run flats:rotfl::rotfl:

I am sure there is a safety angle to run flats more than it being a good idea to drive any distance.

I believe space savers save money for the manufacturer, who watch every penny, in the build process.

Many LPG conversions use the spare wheel well for the reservoir too.

Lum

sunshinetours wrote: »

And some have 80mph limit so as you say need to check manuals - agree with that

Careful, most of them have an 80kmh limit, or 50mph.

Better to check the tyre sidewall than the manual IMO. Someone may have replaced the spacesaver with a different brand.

Wonder if Linglong make spacesavers?

Tucker

LPG conversion and not carried any spare for 45k miles.

It's very rare to need one in reality. People just like the piece of mind of it.

I've been driving 20 years and never yet had to change a wheel roadside. I've woke up to find a few flat tyre, but never had an issue while on route anywhere.

My spare is gunk or breakdown rescue. Runflats just seem a huge rip off at £200 per tyre!

Weird_Nev

Tucker wrote: »

LPG conversion and not carried any spare for 45k miles.

It's very rare to need one in reality. People just like the piece of mind of it.

Likewise, my spare wheel well is full of... ahem... amplifiers.
Not missed it in 16,000 miles! I have a can of tyre weld in the boot just in case, and recovery.

To be honest, if the car died now I'd just pull the audio gear out of it and leave it at the roadside!