Hey folks,

I am planning on replacing the rock solid run flats on my Mk8 ST and I’m stuck on what to replace them with. I’d usually grab some PS4’s or PS5’s but it seems like this has a less common sizing. 

I can’t get PS5’s (although Michelin supposedly make that size). PS4’s seem to be £180 a wheel. 

I could go “lower” quality with a Yokohama Advan V701 or Hankook Ventus Evo, both around £120. Anyone have any suggestions, particularly around how the cheaper tyres perform? 

It may just be a case of coughing up for the PS4’s to be honest, but would appreciate any input. 

Do the new Sport Contact 7 come in the right size?

I got them on my Focus ST and really rate them. 

I've seen some discussion of run flats on the ST but this is the first time I've seen mention of them actually fitted. More normally found on Mini Coopers as an alternative to "goo". I believe they can cause problems if fitted to a non run-flat rim.

Most people seem to stick with the PS4s. I have these on mine, also on my previous ST-Line - the ride is still pretty much on the firm side, though.

There is a fair amount of discussion on other forums about the merits or otherwise of moving to 225/40/18s on the standard rims. 

Alleged plus factors : greater choice of brands, cheaper than 205s, more protection for the rim, 205 is the minimum recommended width - 215 or 225 are nearer ideal.

Minus factors: non standard, Speedo under reads (by approx 2mph at 80), possible clearance issues particularly if mudflaps fitted.

 

 

35 minutes ago, alexp999 said:

Do the new Sport Contact 7 come in the right size?

I got them on my Focus ST and really rate them. 

The narrowest available as far as I can see on the Conti website is 225/40/R18. 

59 minutes ago, alexp999 said:

Do the new Sport Contact 7 come in the right size?

I got them on my Focus ST and really rate them. 

Afraid not, only Premium Contact 6’s at circa £160 a pop!

30 minutes ago, Eric Bloodaxe said:

I've seen some discussion of run flats on the ST but this is the first time I've seen mention of them actually fitted. More normally found on Mini Coopers as an alternative to "goo". I believe they can cause problems if fitted to a non run-flat rim.

Most people seem to stick with the PS4s. I have these on mine, also on my previous ST-Line - the ride is still pretty much on the firm side, though.

There is a fair amount of discussion on other forums about the merits or otherwise of moving to 225/40/18s on the standard rims. 

This is the other option, it would allow for PS5’s at £130 each which is appealing…but some fitters aren’t a fan of fitting different size rubber, people say online. 

I can only imagine the previous owner of this car either found these run flats cheap (ProTyre has them for £144 currently) or they really didn’t want to wait for the AA. Unfortunately West Sussex roads leave much to the imagination pothole wise so they’re coming off!

24 minutes ago, Buxty said:

Unfortunately West Sussex roads leave much to the imagination pothole wise so they’re coming off!

I think that's pretty much the picture nationwide!

Amazingly, my local council have resurfaced a short section of a local road properly - removed layers of "surface dressing", replaced it with smooth tarmac, levelled the manhole covers, etc.

The ST feels like a limo on there, but It really shows just how much our roads have deteriorated since I started driving. Back then a road with a pothole was a local talking point, now it's the other way round!

 

 

Had similar experiences to you, council recently waited until they laid fiber in a pot holed road, and let the contractors fill em in. Little victories I suppose!

 

I’ll go to some local tyre fitters and check they’re cool with fitting 225’s on my rims, if so I’ll do that and report back with findings. Although my “expert” findings I’m sure, won’t be revolutionary! 

Pulled the trigger on some Goodyear Asymmetric 6’s in 225/40/18 size. Initial impressions are that compared to the run flats I had before, it’s way more comfortable with less lateral jiggling about. 
 

They look like they fill the arches better and no clearance issues (car is stock suspension etc).