timeToy

iTrader: (11)

So I have the 450h, it comes with run flat tires (noisy, stiff, blah, blah…) but my spare wheel pit is used with the active suspension system, so if I move to a “real” tire, I will go completely spare less…
Is there a lot of people out there doing that, and what is you guys experience ? And how are you coping with flats ?

mkorsu

I guess it's fine if you don't mind waiting an hour for AAA to come, then another 45 minutes for a tow, then another hour waiting for a new tire to be mounted.


See where I'm headed here.

Jace7

I do it daily.

If I really needed to be somewhere ie. an emergency, I would still drive it even just on the wheel.

But yes, I drive it without a spare.

If you really just wnat to protect yourself, aside from a complete blowout, get some of that spray foam tire repair. Now that studd will totally kill the inside of your tire and probably leave it non repairable, but at least you won't be stuck waiting if time is a concern, otherwise, just wait for Lexus to pick you up, or whomever your insurance is through.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

go visit the sc430 forum, tons of people there run on normal tires with no spare, including me

BKruptcyJD

For everyday use, I don't see it as a problem.

However, for trips (i.e., LA to Vegas or SF), I'd be a little nervous. Plus, I have kids and the thought of not having a spare w/o runflats just makes me uneasy (incase there's a flat). Not only would I need to have the car towed somewhere, then I'm pretty much stuck with a tire shop along with their tires & prices.

whlkev

this is something i've been thinking about for a while too.

I travel from AZ to CA quite often and even with runflats to go 100miles under 50mph, if the blow out is in the middle of no where. i am still screwed either way.

i might just go ask the dealer for the donut just in case...

Jace7

First off, I can't stand run flats.
I will never own a car and have run flats on them.
I swapped out my original dunlop5000's for my current PS2's within 5K after the purchase.
I don't have a spare, and I will never own a run flat.
Yes, if I have a blow out I will be SOL, but the ride is more important to me than the run flat technology.
You have lexus link or a cell phone right? just call for help if you get a blow out..
If you just have a hole, or just need air, becuase of a nail, get those cans of tire fill-up. Yes, they are terrible and they will destroy the inside of your tire, but at least you won't be stranded.
That's what I do, and I can't complain.
Actually in my landcruiser, I filled up a tire 2 years ago with that tire goop, and it's still in there. I never had the tire cleaned out, and now I have 30K mor miles on them.
Never any balancing problems and never any wobble.

Get the real tires, scrap the runflats!!!

you'll be happier, and don't sweat not having a spare.

timeToy

iTrader: (11)

I did took the jump few weeks ago, I dumped the stock rims and (crappy) tires for some nice 19" SSR Vienna rims (pictures to follow soon...) and some real rubber, the Michelin PS2. I must said that the changes are like day and night, the car is much more quieter and ride much more comfortably, even with higher pressure in the tires. Also the new, and wider tires make a incredible difference in term of handling and traction, it is like getting a new car... I would recommend this mod to anyone with run flat tires it is a complete no brainer, now the Lexus feel and sound like a lexus !
I do carry a 12v air compressor and a tire goop can, just in case.

Jace7

what size tire did you go with?
same size front and rear or different?

costanza

As I recall, some MB AMG's don't have spare tires, but have a "kit" consisting of an electric pump and fix-a-flat. My 3 MB's (190E, C240 and C230) all had spares.

whlkev

bmw m3 e46/e92 don't come with spare due to the size of the exhaust and don't use run flats

comes with the bmw mobility kit that consists of a pump and goo.

i might consider that

socalJD

About the tire goop, if you do use it, it will destroy the tpms sensor as well. I guess in an emergency it won't matter, but figure another >$100 for a replacement tpms sensor along with the cost of a new tire . . .

rominl

iTrader: (4)

yup, i wouldn't dare

whlkev

damn, thanks for letting me know..

hmm.. there is no easier solutions to this

timeToy

iTrader: (11)

19"x8.5 in the front wrapped in 245x35x19 and 19"x9.5 in the back wrapped in 275x30x19. No rub even with the heavy 450h and the Tanabe NF20 drop