Do you need special rims for Run flat tyres or will standard rims do

Can you fit them in pairs ( on same axle ) with the other axle being ordinary tyres or do you have to run all 4 corners the same

Thanks

Andy

From what I understand, run flats need a special rim to hold the tyre on when flat

Sent from my GT-I9100. Not a Crapple!

Runflats (RFT type) don't usually require a special rim as such (some older tyre designs did as they used a beadlock, but generally now just need "high tolerance" which is what a lot of manufacturers ask for).

They are fine fitted in pairs on the same axle, same rules apply as when mixing tread patterns. BUT, if you have runflats you should have a TPMS too, otherwise it's possible to drive around on flat tyres without knowing (and then experiencing subsequent overheating and failure of the tyre). Also, cars not originally equipped with runflats will not have their suspension optimised for the harder sidewall and increased unsprung weight.

I have to ask, why do you want runflats? They're expensive, harder to repair, ruin the ride, noiser, tend to wear quicker and not everyone can fit them.

EDIT: Michelin PAX tyres are an exception, they DO need a special rim. Instead of having a reinforced sidewall, they have an auxiliary system which utilises the wheel itself.

Edited 14 June, 201213 yr by ckyliu

Runflats require special rims. You may fit an ordinary tyre to a runflat rim, but not the other way around. They are fine fitted in pairs on the same axle, same as when mixing tread patterns. Also, if you have runflats you should have a TPMS too, otherwise it's possible to drive around on flat tyres without knowing (and then experiencing subsequent overheating and failure of the tyre)

Have to ask, why do you want runflats, they're expensive, harder to repair and ruin the ride?

Just curious really,

I've had a read on the net and they can be fitted to ordinary rims ( so I've read ) but the car needs a TPMS fitted

I've had a read on the net and they can be fitted to ordinary rims ( so I've read ) but the car news a TPMS fitted

That's correct but I don't really see the point (not sure how easy or expensive it is to retrofit a TPMS either, most fitted to new cars go off the ABS sensors so they simply detect if one wheel has a smaller rolling radius compared to the rest). You did use to need special rims, but not for most tyres now.

If you Google run flat tyres most stuff is about getting them replaced with standard rubber! Had several cars with runflats in the family (Two BMW Mini Coopers, 120d and F30 320d) and the F30 is the first one that actually rides decent, which I suspect is down to the adaptive dampers.

Edited 14 June, 201213 yr by ckyliu