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Author Topic: Run Flats for 2004 Altima SE  (Read 1160 times)

Offline scarberian

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Run Flats for 2004 Altima SE
« on: April 30, 2005, 09:05:34 am »
The 2003 Altima SE V6 comes with 215 55 17 bridgestones. I want run flat tires so I can jettison the spare and jack in the trunk. This should aid fuel economy by removing the extra weight and free up space. Run flats are found mostly on performance/high end cars, but I would like aftermarket options even if it means new size rims and the requisite tire pressure monitors.
I also wonder if run flats are, in general or theory, more efficient in regard to rolling resistance than a comparable conventional tire?
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Offline footlong58

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Run Flats for 2004 Altima SE
« Reply #1 on: April 30, 2005, 09:26:47 pm »
Getting rid of a 15 pound tire in the trunk will do NOTHING for fuel economy...

Draining the washer fluid tank though...

Run flat tires have much stiffer side walls than conventional tires, so the ride may be a little firmer...  Many advances have been made though, so the ride differences may not even be noticed...  The major advantage is the lack of a spare tire to free up space, no changing at the side of the road, etc...





(Message edited by footlong58 on April 30, 2005)
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Offline johngenx

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Run Flats for 2004 Altima SE
« Reply #2 on: April 30, 2005, 10:06:08 pm »
Getting rid of a 15 pound tire in the trunk will do NOTHING for fuel economy...

Back in my drag racing days, I would watch guys killing themselves trying to shave a few pounds, sometimes only ounces from their cars.  Then they would stuff their 320lb beer-gut behind the steering wheel.  Uh, geez, want to lose 120-150lbs from your car?  Hhhhmm.

Not saying you do, but it might be a place you want to check first...
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Offline scarberian

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« Reply #3 on: May 04, 2005, 01:36:08 pm »
After further research, I have found run flats are heavier than conventional tires, have a harsher ride, and are also not readily available.

My better solution is a small cigarette lighter compressor and a couple spray cans of tire puncture sealant. Then I can leave the spare tire and that extra weight at home.  

I'll leave the cash I saved in my pocket.

How cool is that wise guys.  

Later.....
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Offline footlong58

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Run Flats for 2004 Altima SE
« Reply #4 on: May 04, 2005, 05:50:23 pm »
My better solution is a small cigarette lighter compressor and a couple spray cans of tire puncture sealant. Then I can leave the spare tire and that extra weight at home.  

I'll leave the cash I saved in my pocket.  

How cool is that wise guys.  

Later.....

And what happens when you have a blowout and you spray in the sealant and it all comes spraying out of the "hole" onto your dockers pants?  Then what?  You pay 80 bones for a tow, a new pair of pants, all to save 15 pounds...

Here's and idea, maybe you can find more weight savings if you drain the motor half full of oil!?
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Online quadzilla

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« Reply #5 on: May 04, 2005, 09:43:19 pm »
Wouldn't it be better to remove all of the seats excluding the drivers seat?  Having all of those seats + passengers in the car must be murder on fuel economy.  If the avg person weighs in at 150 lbs and you can sit 4 other people in the car, that is over 600 pounds in weight savings.
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Offline johngenx

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Run Flats for 2004 Altima SE
« Reply #6 on: May 04, 2005, 10:37:28 pm »
To reduce unsprung weight, take the wheels OFF.  Drive on the brake discs.
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Offline morty

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Run Flats for 2004 Altima SE
« Reply #7 on: May 06, 2005, 03:07:40 am »
Wow...how are the synics? It sounds expensive for a small amount of gain. You could invest in lighter wheels and perhaps some engine mods to boost power if the car isnt fast enough for you.

If you are really serious...give us a call and we will look into it for you 1-877-920-TIRE(8473)



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Offline scarberian

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« Reply #8 on: May 24, 2005, 10:41:22 pm »
Morty, thank you very much for your helpful comments.  

Canadian Tire has a great little kit that combines a compressor and sealant for $49.99. Product # 09-5065-8. Called the Airman Tire Repair Kit. 12V air compressor with Dunlop sealant to effectively seal a tire puncture. Takes 5 minutes and plugs into the cars cigarette lighter.  
Smaller and lighter than a spare.  

The only time I have ever had a blowout in the sidewall was when a tire was severely underinflated on an employers truck. I was 16 then, and have since checked tire pressure monthly with a good tire gauge. I have never had a sidewall blowout since. Yes nails and road debris can flatten through the tread, and it is possible to ruin a tire completely from a puncture at highway speeds, but that happens when you're not paying attention.
To those that gave their 2 cents worth of sarcasm, open your minds to something new, and stop cluttering up useful threads with inane comments. Mercedes Benz includes a compressor/sealant instead of a spare in their sporting models that have little storage space.  

To anyone out there who thinks for a living, consider this alternative to changing a spare on a 400 series highway or in the dark when you've brought no flashlight and the wheel is rusted in place. Then a quick fill up of sealant and compressed air will get you to a safe place. I'm getting one for the wife and leaving her the spare in her Corolla. My spare will rest at home. In my opinion, they are only a sop to Car company lawyers and those who can't think outside the box. Hey, theres always cell phones and credit cards in a worse case scenario.

I'm predicting now that once tire pressure monitoring systems are mandated in new cars as planned, spares will be dumped and replaced by this type of fix. You heard it here first.
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