Can I mix runflats with non-runflat tyres?
I returned from holiday to pick up my BMW from one of the Meet and Greet firms at Heathrow T2 to learn that when they went to bring it to the airport from their secure compound, they discovered that one of the rear tyres was cut and deflated on the inside sidewall with a 4-inch gash. They replaced it with a second hand tyre for £60 to "get me home". I had very little choice in the matter, so accepted the tyre change.
My BMW 520 runs on Goodyear Eagle F1 runflats, 245/40 R19 98Y specification. The "get me home" tyre fitted on the rear nearside is a Fronway Eurus 08 245/40 ZR19 98WXL. I have no idea if it is a runflat (they said it was) and there's a bit of a chunk out of the outside face of the tyre. The tread seems fine.
I felt I had little or no choice when they fitted it, but I needed to get home (a 2.5 hour drive). More importantly, is this tyre okay for the car? Can I mix brands/runflats with non-runflats or should I change it ASAP?
My BMW 520 runs on Goodyear Eagle F1 runflats, 245/40 R19 98Y specification. The "get me home" tyre fitted on the rear nearside is a Fronway Eurus 08 245/40 ZR19 98WXL. I have no idea if it is a runflat (they said it was) and there's a bit of a chunk out of the outside face of the tyre. The tread seems fine.
I felt I had little or no choice when they fitted it, but I needed to get home (a 2.5 hour drive). More importantly, is this tyre okay for the car? Can I mix brands/runflats with non-runflats or should I change it ASAP?
Asked on 11 September 2025 by
Answered by
David Ross
Although it is not illegal to mix runflats and conventional tyres on the same vehicle, we would strongly recommend that you change the odd tyre for a matching runflat or one of a similar specification. Runflats have stiffer sidewalls to provide stability in the event of a puncture, so this could upset the ride and handling of your car, particularly as the odd tyre is on the rear wheels in a rear-wheel-drive car.
We would also suggest you check the terms and conditions of your booking with the parking company regarding their policy in the event of a puncture, as mixing tyre types is one issue but providing a tyre with a chunk missing is potentially dangerous.
We would also suggest you check the terms and conditions of your booking with the parking company regarding their policy in the event of a puncture, as mixing tyre types is one issue but providing a tyre with a chunk missing is potentially dangerous.
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