gandro

I am considering buying a new lexus sc430. Runflats seem to be the only way to go. But how many miles are they good for, if they become "flat"? Are they more resistant to going "flat" than stock tires? I would think it would be a royal pain in the *** if I was on a road trip and I ran over a piece of glass that would require I get a new run flat tire within 50 miles, when a lexus dealer could be over 100 miles away and I would have to delay my trip until I can get roadside assistance to come out with a new tire. Has anyone had a "flat" with these tires? Can you use that fix-a-flat spray to heal the flat like you can on standard tires? Did roadside service come quick and replace the tire? How expensive are these tires to replace? Do you have to replace the pair when one goes "flat"?
Thanks
Neil

Knicksfan

The Lexus brochure says to expect 15,000 miles of treadwear (or less) on the run-flats. They also say that they should not be driven more than 55mph for more than 100 miles if they do lose pressure.

My experience is limited: 5000 mi so far with no problems. Others on this board have said that the "fix a flat" spray is a no-no.

The ride is a bit harsh with them, but I am constantly getting flat tires on my RX300 (3 in last 2 years) so I kind of like the run flat concept. Of course, living in NYC there are about 20 Lexus dealers in the area in case something goes wrong!

Good luck with the purchase - its a great great car!

RX300 Guy

How expensive are these tires to replace?

If you have to ask that question you should not buy the car. It might be out of your price range! guy!

RodF

How expensive are the tires to replace?

I just did some checking for a friend who needed to get new runflats. Tirerack seems to be the best bet at less than $1500 for 4 tires. There is a dealer in Canada who was selling for even less than that. I don't have the web address handy but email me if you want to find out more info.

gandro

Thats a completely ridiculous statement. Its not a matter of being cheap, its a matter of determining the overall cost of maintenance each year for the car, when deciding between the GS430 and SC430, especially since this will be my only car (don't have the space in San Francisco for two cars) and I drive as much as 18,000 miles a year. These tires are known to last only 6,000 miles on some cars and that can get not only pricey $4500 each year, but require more trips to the dealer to have them replaced regularly. It may mean the difference between keeping the standard tires over getting the runflat option. Although most people I talk to tell me, the standard tires are just way too impractical for cargo space purposes. So the brochures says 15,000 mile treadlife? How many miles are most of you getting, and have any of you had a "flat" with them? And if so, do you have to spend $800 to replace the "flat tire" along with the one on the other axle?
Again that can add up if you get flats often. Here in SF, especially on the 101, flats are a common occurrance on these roads.
Thanks

BertL

Lots of talk on the board further down with varying opinion on effect on the ride due to run flats -- Net is, I didn't have a choice -- not many cars are shipping without run flats at least when I bought mine. The ride is OK, but not the ride I used to have in my SC300 -- have never been in an SC430 with normal tires, so don't have a personal opinion there. I've not yet had a flat, but if so, the entire tire must be replaced as indicated in a prior post. Can't repair run flats officially at least (I wouldn't). If you get a flat during the first 25% of tread loss, Lexus/Bridgestone replaces it free -- after that, it's on a prorated basis, sorta the way car battery replacement works during warranty. If your SC does not come with Bridgestones, the other run flats have similar warranty from what I read in all the owners material.

ceboyd

I plan on going to the P-Zero Rosso when my run-flats wear out... I tried to get the car without runflats but it just wasn't possible. Get the car though... It is WONDERFUL! .especially in SAN FRAN where you can drive top down so often!!!!

eggplant

For this past winter, I replaced the 4 runflats with michelin snows and even though they are snows, I noticed a positive difference in the ride (much less harsh over the bumps). Of course, this is totally personal, but having experienced this, I am seriously thinking of putting on regular tires in the spring. Can anyone suggest the best performing non-runflat tires for the sc 430 and the ideal size configuration.

pot_head

dont dunlops have runflats also?

2SAVVY

Eggplant,

First of all welcome to ClubLexus.. Good to see some more Canadian folks finding this little place on the web.. To answer your question look into Toyo T1-S or Bridgestone S03 for your non run-flat solution..

Personally I don't mind the run-flats but I only put 6400 kms on the car before it went into winter storage so this being the first full spring/summer i'll be driving the SC430 around I might change my mind..