For those that purchased a Modern Spare - two comments after having to use ours last night - First, on the "lug wrench" where there's that hole to insert the long handle for leverage. That hole has extremely sharp edges and will cut you. I spend the rest of the tire change process with blood running everywhere.

Second - their web site claims: "In addition, each spare wheel is equipped with a durable space-saving tire with a DOT “M” speed rating indicating the tire is tested for a constant speed of 81mph. While it is wise to limit your speed to 50mph as some tire manufacturers state, we have chosen these “M” speed-rated tires knowing the tire’s strength and capability exceed that of normal use. This ensures that the tire is durable and well-built." On the tire it clearly says the max speed is 50 MPH.

It's still better than no spare, though. Oh - and for those still considering ordering, get the wheel pin things to help mounting the tire. I think it'd be dern near impossible without them. At least for my old *** :-)

 

Thanks for the tips from actual use. I did buy the pin and am glad I did so based on your experience.

 

Thanks for the info.

 

Good info. I would also suggest you keep a pair of work gloves in the trunk for these kinds of situations.

 

First off, sorry about the blood, I too am prone to bleeding regardless of the task.

Questions: Assuming you have run flat tires on your car, how did the run flat tire perform before you had to replace it? Is/was the RF repairable or are you going to have to replace it?

Although I have confidence the RFs will take me to somewhere safe to buy a new tire, I do not expect anyone will have them in stock and will end up with a non-run flat and will eventually use the relatively inexpensive insurance I bought to put up to four new RFs on the car.

 

I reached out to Modern Spare to ask about the discrepancy between what their web site says and what the tire says., This is their response:

Our spares are rated for 81mph, the 50mph stamp on the side of the tire is placed by the manufacture because it is usually used with a smaller wheel. Our 18" and 19" wheels will safely accommodate the 81mph rating along with a 200-300 mile driving range per use.

So I'll consider that part closed.

 

Yes, we have the stock RF tires. In this case, we didn't drive on it after it lost tire pressure. However, this isn't the first time we've had a flat. The previous time my wife ran in to something and took a chunk out of the side wall. The RF's did what they were supposed to do. We were able to drive the car home (only about three miles in-town speeds) then we were able to order a new tire from Tirerack.com, have it shipped to the local Firestone store, then drive the car to the Firestone store (another 5 miles) and get it replaced. If only around town, I'd trust the run RF's to do what they do. We ordered the Modern Spare because my wife and a friend are going to take a road trip and we'd both feel better if she had a real spare. I'm glad we had it. Also, at least in our smaller town, no one has these tires in stock. This is Friday and the local Firestone store won't have a replacement to install until Tuesday.

 

That will definitely be thrown in the back with the tire. I'll also be taking a Dremel to the sharp edges.

 

Good to know. I always keep a pair of mechanic gloves near the spare so that I can keep my hands clean and protect them.

 

We have a 2024 Lexus NX350h with RF tires. Got a flat last fall while on the interstate. RF performed as expected, but we did have to replace the tire. Based on my research, the OEM RF is the only one available on the market. We had to order the tire and wait 24 hours for it to arrive. Could not drive the car until then. I am now considering the purchase of a Modern Spare.

One other issue we have with the OEM RF tires. We live in the Colorado Rocky mountains at 9,000' above sea level. The OEM RF tires do not perform well in snow. Another reason we are considering a Modern Spare, then we can get better tires for the snow.

 

I went to the site and did not see what you are referring to regarding "wheel pins".
What am I missing? I have not ordered yet, but will in the not so distant future. See link. Thanks

https://modernspare.com/products/

 

I just order the pins: https://modernspare.com/product/thre...t-pins-m14x15/

 

When you add the kit to your cart they do the typical "You may be interested in..." thing and one of the items is the Alignment Pins

 

There is no substitute for a spare, a wheel pin and a good functioning lug wrench (Breaker bar and impact socket). Compact/short lug wrenches do not work.

 

Other than the sharp edge that cut me, I was quite happy with the performance of the included lug wrench. It was obvious to me, but make sure you extend it all the way.