Run-Flat Tires

Run-Flat Tires are the new standards.  Prior to purchasing my new BMW, I did not know what Run Flat tires were.  What I was told by the Salesman was I should seriously consider the "tire warranty" for an additional "$899 + tax".  Replacement of the tire and rim could easily cost over $2000 each!  All the new BMW's (not sure about other luxury cars) do not come with a spare anymore, or a jack or anything to assist you when you have a flat...hence, "Run-Flat". 

After doing some reaearch, I found that J.D. Power and Associates asked thousands what they most wanted in a new vehicle for a 2001 study, 87 per cent of respondents said: run-flat tires, making these the most desirable feature by far.

These so-called run-flat, extended mobility, continuous mobility or zero-pressure tires can be driven at normal speeds, for some distance, without any air pressure in the event of a puncture, a deep cut or the ravages of just about any other road hazard.

By contrast, "self-sealing" tires use different methods to preserve inflation, but there is a definite limit to the severity of the damage they can incur. These tires simply cannot be driven without any inflation pressure.

With run-flat tires, there is no need for a spare wheel or a car jack, for that matter. This frees up space for luggage, lowers cost and saves some weight, which makes for a small gain in fuel economy.

New systems make changing flats a thing of the past...