Ugh! Run flat "threading"?
Thread Starter
2nd gear
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: PA
Ugh! Run flat "threading"?
Hi All,
I'm brand new here but have had my 2019 UX for a little over a year. About 3-4 months ago I noticed that my tires appeared to be shredding. Big chunks of rubber missing or loose flaps of rubber flopping around on my tires. When I asked the Lexus service guy about this, he said it's called "feathering" and it's normal for run-flats. He also said there are no safety issues with this happening. The tires are at 50k miles and wearing. I have never been a fan of run flat tires and would love to get regular tires. My concern is not having a spare (and nowhere to store one!) or a jack. I drive A LOT and would hate to be stuck on the turnpike with no spare.
So, I'm looking for advice. Replace with run flats? Take the chance and go for regular tires with no spare. Lastly - IS feathering normal or is that just their way of blowing me off?
Thanks all!
I'm brand new here but have had my 2019 UX for a little over a year. About 3-4 months ago I noticed that my tires appeared to be shredding. Big chunks of rubber missing or loose flaps of rubber flopping around on my tires. When I asked the Lexus service guy about this, he said it's called "feathering" and it's normal for run-flats. He also said there are no safety issues with this happening. The tires are at 50k miles and wearing. I have never been a fan of run flat tires and would love to get regular tires. My concern is not having a spare (and nowhere to store one!) or a jack. I drive A LOT and would hate to be stuck on the turnpike with no spare.
So, I'm looking for advice. Replace with run flats? Take the chance and go for regular tires with no spare. Lastly - IS feathering normal or is that just their way of blowing me off?
Thanks all!
Racer
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,266
Likes: 379
From: Illinois
Get regular tires and carry a patch kit in your trunk with a portable air compressor. I know it's not the most ideal but non RFTs handle far better and the ride comfort is superior too due to less stiff sidewall.
I ditched my RFTs a couple of weeks ago at 30k miles, while they still had plenty of tread, I just hated the slip-n-slide performance in the winters here in Chicago, got Michelin Cross Climate 2s on my new wheels, couldn't be happier. Seeing that you're in PA, I would highly recommend getting the Michelin CC2s as well. Do a little research on it, I think you'll be quite surprised at how well they perform even when down to last 32nds. A few others I recommend and have run in the past are Pirelli Cinturano P7s, Goodyear Eaglesport All Seasons and Continental DWS/06s.
I've personally never heard of tire feathering issues on RFTs, unless if factory comes from camber/toe issues such as cars with RAS (rear active steer) such as my prior G35 coupe, it wouldn't almost have a cupping to the edges and would produce a low hum while driving.
I ditched my RFTs a couple of weeks ago at 30k miles, while they still had plenty of tread, I just hated the slip-n-slide performance in the winters here in Chicago, got Michelin Cross Climate 2s on my new wheels, couldn't be happier. Seeing that you're in PA, I would highly recommend getting the Michelin CC2s as well. Do a little research on it, I think you'll be quite surprised at how well they perform even when down to last 32nds. A few others I recommend and have run in the past are Pirelli Cinturano P7s, Goodyear Eaglesport All Seasons and Continental DWS/06s.
I've personally never heard of tire feathering issues on RFTs, unless if factory comes from camber/toe issues such as cars with RAS (rear active steer) such as my prior G35 coupe, it wouldn't almost have a cupping to the edges and would produce a low hum while driving.
Rookie
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 40
Likes: 2
From: Ontario
Never heard of tire feathering before. What I found on Google is abnormal uneven wear. Nowhere I saw that junks of the tire were coming off. I would get rid of those tires fast.
I had a Grand Cherokee SRT8 for 10 years which I switched over from run flats to regular tires. Never had a problem but then I did not drive it daily either. Much smoother ride. Did as tofuprod said, had patch kit and a compressor in the car for emergencies.
I had a Grand Cherokee SRT8 for 10 years which I switched over from run flats to regular tires. Never had a problem but then I did not drive it daily either. Much smoother ride. Did as tofuprod said, had patch kit and a compressor in the car for emergencies.
Rookie
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 33
Likes: 7
From: AB
Tires feathering/chunking/shredding occurs for a number of different reasons. Typically from gravel roads, rough roads. Also occurs due to hard cornering, bad alignment, or worn suspension components. Most tire shops can inspect the tires to see if they require replacement. They will look to see if any of the belt package is exposed, or if any large chunks are missing that will affect ride comfort.
These are the things that I looked for when I used to work in the tire industry (over 14 years).
These are the things that I looked for when I used to work in the tire industry (over 14 years).
Rookie
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 30
Likes: 3
From: ON
Last edited by rickeveru; Jul 14, 2023 at 04:28 AM.
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Pit Crew
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 122
Likes: 12
From: OH
I really cringe as I ask this question, but does using a patch on the tire mean I have to take it off and patch from the inside of the tire, or something else? That really doesn't help me if I'm stuck on a busy highway or on a dark road at night.
I'm at 50k miles and will be OK until November when I will replace the tires I really want to get rid of the run flats but also don't want to do something stupid with no spare in the car.
I'm at 50k miles and will be OK until November when I will replace the tires I really want to get rid of the run flats but also don't want to do something stupid with no spare in the car.
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I really cringe as I ask this question, but does using a patch on the tire mean I have to take it off and patch from the inside of the tire, or something else? That really doesn't help me if I'm stuck on a busy highway or on a dark road at night.
I'm at 50k miles and will be OK until November when I will replace the tires I really want to get rid of the run flats but also don't want to do something stupid with no spare in the car.
I'm at 50k miles and will be OK until November when I will replace the tires I really want to get rid of the run flats but also don't want to do something stupid with no spare in the car.
Pit Crew
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 122
Likes: 12
From: OH
I've had a similar debate with myself, I think I'm going to stick with run flats. They aren't too bad here in FL, it doesn't snow obviously.
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 5
Likes: 2
From: MI
Hi! I purchased my 2020 UX F sport at 20K miles off a lease December 31st. Currently at 27500 I have also noticed the tread "flaked off" in 2-3 areas. Small strips of tread are missing. Not too serious but something to keep an eye on. I know I will not be getting RFT when it's time for a new set. On my commute there are a couple of higher G corners I would not take with passengers so that could have an impact.
Last edited by Shades44; Aug 4, 2023 at 05:44 PM.
My service guy at our local Lexus shop said he's seen it on the Bridgestone RFs more than any other tire. He recommended when it's time to swap them out to go with another brand of RF, which I will be doing.
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