RFTs stay on them or change?

lafors

So I'm nearly due a set of rear tyres for my car (rwd). Size is 275/35R19, currently bridgestone potenza rft.

I'm wondering is there much of a difference in changing over from rft to regular tyres? I really don't want to have to carry a spare and because of the huge battery in the space below the boot i don't think i can. So does anyone ever switch from rft and doesnt carry a spare?

Next, ive found the potenzas not great to be honest, the rear slips around alot when its damp out and really only when its damp/light rain. No problem when fully wet. Is this normal? So I'm looking to change to another brand/tyre, any recommendations?

Avns1s

From your description, I think I might have the same type car as you though mine is on 18" wheels.

I changed from continentals Sport 3e RFTs to Bridgestone Potenza RE050A non RFTs. Apart from being cheaper, the ride was better and quieter. The rears last about 22K miles. I am still on the same fronts with over 38K miles on them. Another couple of K left on them too. Can't say I noticed any issue with slippage and I wouldn't be the tamest driver. I will also say the braking is awesome, wet or dry!! So, I would recommend the switch.

As regards the punctures, I carry a tyre plug repair kit, 2 cans of 'tyre weld' or equivalent, a foot pump and a 12V compressor. I figure one or other of these will sort out a normal puncture sufficient to get me home or to a garage. Anything more, I have breakdown cover for, and yes, it is covered!

BTW, I buy the tyres online at oponeo.ie and get them fitted locally.

bazz26

I've Goodyear Excellence 245/45/R18 RFTs on my F10 and find them to be a very good tyre, low road noise and comfortable. Current generation of RFTs are much improved over previous versions. About 25,000 km done on them and touch wood not one puncture yet and still plenty of thread left on them.

Priced replacements - non RFTs v RFTs and there is about €100 in price between each. A spare wheel kit would cost more than that and takes up space in the boot so just going to replace like with like.

MetzgerMeister

Bazz, any experience of Pirelli P Zero RFT's?

bazz26

I'm afraid not MM. I noticed the P7s were almost the same price as the Goodyears in my size alright but I'm happy with the Goodyears.

Maybe have a read of their reviews on www.tyrereviews.co.uk

lafors

I was having a look at the website you linked for the reviews, cheers!
So something i hadn't thought about was winter tyres. Should i be thinking of getting winters for the rear... Btw ive never driven a big rwd car during the winter

TBi

Get rid of run flats and if you put winters on then put on all 4 wheels. Grip is very different so while the back might hold the front could slide.

vintagevrs

I would also get rid. The price difference used to be more between RFT and non RFT when comparing the same tyres, it's less now but still some saving. For this saving alone I figured if I get a puncture the saving can off set the inconvenience. If you are completely stuck miles from home/help your insurance normally allow 2 or 3 free recoveries a year depending on policy so use it, you are paying for it.

Other than that, consensus is that ride will improve with more compliant side walls.

How often do you get a flat?

The last time I got one was maybe 7 years ago so it pays for me not to go for them.

*I'll prob get one today after writing that...

sunnysoutheast

vintagevrs wrote: »

I would also get rid. The price difference used to be more between RFT and non RFT when comparing the same tyres, it's less now but still some saving. For this saving alone I figured if I get a puncture the saving can off set the inconvenience. If you are completely stuck miles from home/help your insurance normally allow 2 or 3 free recoveries a year depending on policy so use it, you are paying for it.

Other than that, consensus is that ride will improve with more compliant side walls.

How often do you get a flat?

The last time I got one was maybe 7 years ago so it pays for me not to go for them.

*I'll prob get one today after writing that...

Definitely check the small print of the recovery policy though - mine specifically excludes attendance for punctures where there is no spare wheel. Having said that, it may still be worth paying the recovery fee yourself with the savings from the non-RFTs.

Also, fitting non-RFTs where they are usually standard may or may not be a disclosable fact to the insurer, depending on the specific company.

I'm not sure the difference in ride quality is massive on mine - 225/45/R18 - but I found the Conti SSR RFTs were very noisy when they wore down to 4/5mm.

The Bridgestone RFTs are meant to be good I think.