Run-flat tires give you a bit of peace of mind that in the case of tire rupture, you will be able to roll to the nearest tire shop and have it fixed or replaced.
But, they come with some problems that lead people to want to replace them.
Replacing the run-flat with regular tubeless tires is something you can do on your Mercedes. And when doing so, you should replace them with the same size tires, preferably ones that Mercedes-Benz recommends.
If you choose to have the run-flat tires replaced with regular ones on your Mercedes, there are some things you should know beforehand.
Some of them could save you a lot of time and money, while others could help you make the best decision for yourself.
Can You Replace Run-Flat Tires with Regular Tires on A Mercedes?
Yes, you can replace run-flat tires with regular ones on a Mercedes. The difference between these two types is the design of their sidewalls.
Run-flat tires have them reinforced, which makes them able to carry the weight of the car for a certain distance, even without any air in them.
In all other aspects, the run-flat tires do not differ from the regular tubeless ones. But, you must make sure that you replace them with the same size tires.
In case you choose different sized tires or rims, you will have to recalibrate the speedometer because of the changed wheel diameter.
How Good Are Mercedes’ Run-Flat Tires?
Mercedes-Benz is a carmaker that is known for sourcing their OEM tires from tire manufacturers specifically for the individual models of their vehicles. They are always tested for both comfort and safety.
And in that regard, they are an excellent choice for your car. With them, you will have your Mercedes behaving on the road as expected.
Though that is just a half of the story, the OEM run-flat tires on Mercedes’ are still run-flat tires and come with the standard issues of this type.
Mercedes does offer their customers Mercedes Original Extended (MOE) tires, which offer a compromise between the ability to run flat and provide comfort.
But, both certified run-flats and MOE tires still suffer from two of the same issues, shorter lifespan and high costs of replacement.
What Are the Advantages of Replacing Run-Flat Tires with Regular Ones?
The first advantage of replacing run-flat with regular tubeless tires you will notice is the lower price of tires.
Depending on the size and make, and model of a tire, run-flats are 40% to 200% more expensive than regular ones.
You will also notice that your car is driving much smoother and quieter because regular ones are much less rigid.
Another advantage, which you will notice down the road, is the much longer tread life.
What Are the Disadvantages of Replacing Run-Flat Tires with Regular Ones?
The disadvantage of replacing run-flats with tubeless tires is that you are losing assurance that you will be able to drive to a shop if you get a flat tire while on the road.
This problem can be solved by carrying a spare tire, whether full size or a space-saver, jack, and a lug wrench. All of these take space in your boot.
Without these, you are risking getting stranded on the road with a flat tire and in need of towing.
Are All Mercedes Cars with Run-Flat Tires?
No, run-flat tires are optional on Mercedes vehicles, and many dealerships offer you a choice of whether to have them or regular tires.
If you are purchasing a new vehicle, you can save some money at the start by not choosing them if you do not want them. This way, you will also avoid the expense of replacing them at some later time.
How to Recognize Mercedes Run-Flat Tires?
It is very easy to recognize whether the Mercedes has run-flat tires or not.
On the sidewall of its tires, along with the information about the type, intended weather conditions/season, and sizes, you will find large RFT lettering if they are run-flats.
Near the same markings, you might also find the letters MO, MOE, or MOExtended.
MO stands for Mercedes Original and means that your car is equipped with OEM tubeless tires.
MOE and MOExtended mean that they are OEM tires, but a type similar to run-flat that is a compromise between regular and true run-flat tires.
Do You Have to Replace Run-Flat Tires After a Puncture?
In short, yes. Run-flat tires allow you, if pierced, to drive on them for 50 miles at speeds under 50mph, so you can get your vehicle to the nearest shop and have it replaced.
They are not intended to be driven the way a functional tire can be.
They only save you from getting stranded on the side of a road and waiting for a tow truck to pull you into a shop.
Can Run-Flat and Tubeless Tires Be Mixed?
They can be mixed in pairs on different axles, but having them mixed on the same axle is only inviting problems.
If you have different types of tires that wear out at differing rates on the same axle, your car will develop serious handling issues.
The longer you drive this way, the more pronounced this problem will become and more dangerous.
If you have a 4Matic, 4-wheel drive Mercedes, and you put one tire type on one axle and other types on the other, you will not experience serious handling issues.
The 4-wheel drive will become less efficient in some situations, and a slight under or oversteering will eventually appear, depending on which tires wear faster, front or rear.
For the best results, without any problems, it is always best to replace all four tires.
Can I Replace Run-Flat Tires Myself?
Replacing tires on the rims is always best left to professionals with proper equipment, especially in the case of run-flat tires.
They have thicker, more reinforced, and rigid sidewalls, so removing them with tire irons and by hand can very easily lead to damaged rims.
Conclusion
Many Mercedes vehicles can come with the optional run-flat tires, and over time you might start disliking their performance, which is often subpar, or the economic side of owning them.
Which will make you wonder can you replace run-flat tires with regular tires on a Mercedes?
You can, as long as you do so with properly sized ones. When doing so, you can mix them, but only on different axles.
It is safe, but it is always better to change all four and avoid any small or big handling issues caused by uneven wear.
Sources
https://www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/blog/tires/can-i-replace-run-flats-with-regular-tires/
