If you get the low tire pressure light chiming and you can tell there is a slow leak can you take this to a tire center to see if you can patch it? Or do these run flat tires automatically have to be replaced? Does anyone know?

 

Patch them up unless the whole is on a sidewall then you cant do it. I think the run flats just have a thicker side wall. I could be wrong. I had one of my wheels pluged took it to the dealer since the light was on to check it out, they where nice enough to replace it for $430

 

Can you patch a run flat? I have been told you can't is that true?

 

I've been told (and even TireRack will confirm) by the dealer that the run flat tires on our SC430 are NOT patchable/plugable... and even the tire mfgr will tell you the same thing..

...although I'm not sure what the reasoning is to be honest...

 

So why would people pay extra for a run flat tire if you cant patch it this is rediculous? I only have 1800 miles on this car. Does anyone know how much Lexus is going to charge me to replace one tire?

 

Bob, if the tire needs to be replaced, now might be the time to get four new Michelin Pilot Sports. I'm just waiting for my runflats to wear so that I have an "excuse" to replace them with the Pilots. If I wasn't leasing, I'd get the Pilots right now and store the runflats (I just got my SC430 a few weeks ago). You could do that now, and when it came time to sell the car, you could have the runflats put back on and have nearly new tires to help the resale value.

 

I am also leasing the car why dont you just buy the michelins now and store the runflats you have to put back on later? I am thinking this tire has to be under warranty since its only got 1800 miles on the tire.

 

it is very possible that it will be under warranty... but you won't know until you go to Lexus..... ...and let us know what happens!

 

Don't wait for an excuse to get rid of your RF. I waited 21,000 miles......felt "guilty" to get rid of them while the tread was still good.....But, woke up one morning and said "no more".!!! Got my Michelin Sports.... A world of difference. Its a new driving experience....great ride, handling, and NO MORE STRANGE NOISES, inside or out. GO FOR IT...Life to too short to........wait!

 

How much are we talking when it comes to these Michelins and did you also have Lexus do it to have the Tire pressure on your console show up.

 

I had mine since last October and only have 3200 Kilometers ( <2000 miles). Since I only drive it on weekends, it'll take years 'til the tread would be gone.

Listening to you guys, I'm really tempted to take the plunge for the Michelins soon.

 

About $430 for one tire, mounting and balancing.. one of mine was replaced when I had around 1500 miles. I know how you feel

 

430 dollars for one tire?? How much is a set of 4 michelins?

 

Thats what I was charged @ Lexus Of Manhattan. Tirerack price would probably be cheaper. Avoid going to the dealer for this.

 

Why didn't you just say screw it to the runflats and buy regular tires since everyone says they are much better?"