Runflats on a Focus

BongoHunter

BongoHunter

BongoHunter

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Joined
14 Apr 2014
Posts
2,620
Location
East Sussex
Afternoon

Got a puncture on my nearside rear - cars got runflats on (2015 Focus EcoBoost) that the previous owner fitted - they went on the car about a month before I got it last year. They've only got about 3K miles of wear on them (maybe less).

Popped round to KwikFit and tried to get it booked in for a new tyre as apparently runflats can't be repaired. Anyway - the guys were pretty insistent that the runflats on a Focus are a very bad idea as Ford alloys aren't really strong enough? They appeared very genuine and were very surprised with the tyres already on the car.

Tyres it's got on it are Michelin Primacy 3 (205/55V R16) - the wheels on my car are standard Ford alloys.

Checking online I can see plenty of sites that list run flats as an option for my Focus when I go through an online quote things (even KwikFit online booking system lists run flats tyres for my car when I put the reg in!).

So ignoring the horrible ride you get on runflats - what's the opinion of the Motors collective? Runflats on my car a bad/stupid idea? I've just ordered another Primacy 3 to put on it - but now I'm home I'm questioning my choice due to reaction of the guys at the garage!
 
Man surprised to find that tyre garage would rather sell a set of 4 tyres than one single tyre.


More at 10.



It's Kwikfit, the absolute dregs of the motor repair world. I'd take what they say, write it on a little piece of paper, roll it up nice and tight and shove it up their balloon knot.
 
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Primacy are ok

I like the Michelins PS series
think were upto PS5 now

unless you want all seasons ? Cross Climate 2's


www.tyrereviews.com

Michelin Primacy 3

Will the Michelin Primacy 3 suit your car? Find the best tyre for your car read 187 reviews for the Michelin Primacy 3 and compare to other Premium Comfort tyres at tyre reviews
www.tyrereviews.com www.tyrereviews.com
 
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I think he’s talking some sense - I believe you do need stronger alloys to deal with the greater shock incurred from the steel-reinforced sidewalls.


That being said, I couldn’t tell you whether the original Ford alloys would be strong enough.



Since it’s a Ford, and they’re made to a price/cost, I suspect they probably aren’t. But I don’t know for sure.
 
snapdragon69 said:
I was of the opinion that wheels for run-flat tyres have a differently profiled rim to secure the tyre to the rim when the tyre is running deflated.
Click to expand...

Correct, they have an additional groove to support the load. Unfortunately you can't see when the tyre is mounted.
 
The wheels aren't designed for runflats. The sites with reg search only list the tyres for the size that matches the car, doesn't mean they are recommending runflats for the car.

Just wear them out and swap to normal tyres, if you ever get a puncture don't assume you can just drive on them normally and swap to your spare.
 
As above, also they CAN be repaired depending how long they have been driven deflated as we have had a few repaired over the years..
 
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