Topic: RunFlat tire rotation

[senior]

I can find no information on proper tire rotation using runflats. The owner's manual makes reference to following proper rotation practices, but does not say what they are. At one time it was considered wrong to move a radial tire from one side to the other, only front/back, what about runflats?  I asked this same question on another forum but received several replies all giving conflicting advise. Can anyone give the official rotation pattern?

[Craig]

If the tires are not directional, you can rotate them to opposite corners.  Directional tires are rotated front-to-back on the same side.  AFAIK, there's no magic to it.  Rotation interval is only slightly more interesting.

[tpl]

I dont think the world is quite ready for BMW & Mini's devotion to run flats yet!  next: find run flat winters.

An By Jove there are some! Blizzaks in mini sizes and run flat    at $166 US each which aint cheap

(Message edited by tpl on August 13, 2005)

[morty]

If they are directional and not staggered...front to rear if they are asymmetric or non-directional then they can be front to rear or cross rotated. Rotating front to rear is the most common and extends the life of your tires by moving them from the drive axle, which tends to induce the most wear.

If you are looking for specific info on your vehicle you might also consult with the dealer if you cant find it in your owner's manual.



TireTrends - A Life Less Ordinary!


(Message edited by morty on August 14, 2005)

[capriracer]

There's nothing magical about RunFlats - except that they can be operated for a short time and a short distance without inflation pressure - something that regular pneumatic tires can't do.

So all the regular stuff about tires applies - rotation pattern, interval, inflation pressure, maintenance checks and intervals, alignment, etc.

BTW, most manufacturers say RunFlats should not be repaired after being operated in the runflat mode.  This is because structural damage due to operating a tire when its flat, which is usually visible, is usually NOT visible in a RunFlat tire.

Hope this helps.

If you don't mind my asking - Which web sites did you ask this question?  I monitor many sites that deal with tires and this is the first time I've encountered this question.  Perhaps there are sites I ought to be monitoring?

(Message edited by CapriRacer on August 14, 2005)

[senior]

I asked the question on the Mini2.com site forum under Canada which appears quite far down the first forum page. Many replies. Now I am confused at what is a directional vs a non-directional tire, and how do I know which I have? I have asked Goodyear and am waiting for their response. For what its worth, to date, I really like the runflats.

[capriracer]

The easy way to tell if you have directional tires is too look for an arrow on the sidewall indicating the direction of rotation.  No arrow - Non directional.

The other way (and it's easy to get confused using this method) is to look at the tread pattern.  Generally if there is a "pointedness" in the tread, then it's directional (There are some notable exceptions.)

The other thing that gets confused is asymetrical.  If the tire says "This side out", it's asymetrical, which is different from directional.  Asymmetrical tires just have to be mounted on the rim correctly, but rotation patterns, intervals, etc. are the same.

Please note:  A tire can be directional AND asymetrical.  This results in the rotation pattern being limited to front to rear.

Hope this helps.