XC60 Run Flat Tires
#1
#2
I've never used run flats but there's some documented pros and cons. the tires use stiffer side walls that allow for a limp home should you get a puncture. The pros are no side of the road tire changes, no need to carry a spare etc. The cons are they will have a stiffer ride and wear differently plus will cost more. What I do is I keep 3-5 PSI more air in my tires than the door card says - typically 36-39 PSI for 235/45-17s, which is well under the max tire pressure. This will help avoid blowouts. The one time I got a puncture when the tire picked up a screw, I was able to drive about 25 miles from when the TPMS went off.(my car is older with the in wheel sensor). which is enough to get to a gas station to refill etc. Not sure if you car came with a donut - for some models which didn't come with a spare, you can always buy one used and keep it in the trunk (there should be a space for a compact spare). Since you've already owned run flats you already know about the cost and ride quality so I don't see the down side of going that route assuming you can find a run-flat the brand you want in the tire size you need. Think of it this way - if BMW can ship a new $100K 7 series car with run flats, it should be ok for your XC60 :-)
#3
Thanks very much for your thoughts. I appreciate them. It is an unfortunate trend / fact that so many cars no longer come with a donut, let alone a spare tire. Seems like the luxury cars (BMW, Mercedes, etc) started or accelerated the trend. My 2023 XC Recharge came with neither — just a can of air and sealant. The wear on run flats is crazy (I got about 20-25k miles on mine) but the comfort factor is real. Once my tires need replacing I will likely put on run flats. Maybe someone else on the forum has gone that route? Thanks
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