‘2 Pirellis, 2 Michelin’: Man Goes To Tire Shop. Then He Buys 4 Run-Flat Tires For $600

Shopping for new tires isn’t cheap. For the average vehicle, getting a complete set can cost hundreds of dollars.

While there are ways to get deals, the costs associated with a new set of tires are often unavoidable. This may be why some buyers instead opt for used tires. Although there are drawbacks to buying used tires, the benefits of buying used—namely, the significantly reduced price—are occasionally too tempting to ignore.

Sometimes, however, these downsides come back to bite buyers. One tire salesperson recently experienced this firsthand, sharing her story on TikTok.

What Went Wrong With This Tire Purchase?

In a video with over 1,400 views, TikTok user Tire Princess (@tireprincess) says that she recently sold a customer “four run-flat tires … for $600, 20-inch, for his BMW.”

The tires were a mixed batch—two Pirellis and two Michelins. She says that soon after installation, however, the man called the shop and complained that his car was shaking. The TikToker says she responded by inviting him back into the shop to have his car looked at.

“When he gets here, I said, ‘Balance the front two and don't leave until I check inside your car, because BMWs need to, like, calibrate everything, and I changed the size,’” she recalls. Despite this direction, she says the man left. 

She says the man later called again and complained that his car was still shaking. After returning to the shop and receiving a thorough examination, he received a diagnosis: two of the tires had separated.

In response, the TikToker says she offered him a new set of Lexani tires that could replace his current ones, free of charge. While the customer didn’t like the idea at first, claiming he would go through them quickly, he eventually decided to take them.

“Did y’all know Lexani’s got run-flats now? Like, kudos to y’all,” she says. "And they're a harder rubber than Continental. So, the Lexani run-flat will take a whole lot longer to run than the Pirellis.”

What Is A Run-Flat Tire?

For context, a “run-flat” tire is a tire that has reinforced sidewalls that can support a car for a short distance after it loses pressure. This means that drivers with run-flats can safely keep driving for a certain distance, generally 50 miles at less than 50 mph, before changing their tire.

What Causes Tires To Separate?

Tire separation is when the tire comes apart internally. Tires are composed of layers, and over time, these layers can come apart. This can result in shaking, uneven wear, visible bubbles, and more.

While tire separation can simply occur over time, there are a few factors that can exacerbate it. For example, heat build-up from long-distance drives in hot weather is known to encourage tire separation. Other factors that can cause tire separation include improper inflation pressure, excessive load, impact damage, and punctures.

If a tire is exhibiting the aforementioned symptoms of separation, it’s best to get the tires looked at—and, likely, replaced—as soon as possible. Unsafe tires can cause blowouts, loss of control, damage to the car, accidents, or all of the above.

Should You Mix Tire Brands?

One of the issues that many customers have with run-flat tires is their price. While a set of four non-run-flat tires can be found for around $200 per tire, run-flat tires are significantly pricier. In fact, depending on the brand, run-flats can cost anywhere from 25% to 100% more than standard tires.

Consequently, many seeking run-flat tires may be tempted to buy whatever run-flat tires they can of the same size and then put them on the same car—even if that means mixing and matching brands. But is that really a good idea?

The answer to that question is a bit complicated. Tire manufacturers largely advise against the practice. That said, others say it’s mostly fine, so long as certain guidelines are followed.

Generally speaking, experts state that it’s best practice to try to make the tires comparable. This means matching size, load capacity, speed rating, and construction. The tread patterns and tire types should also be as similar as possible.

Is It A Good Idea To Buy Used Tires?

If one follows all of the aforementioned advice, they can likely drive safely on mixed tires. 

It should be said, however, that those considering mixing tires are likely utilizing used tires, which come with a host of their own problems.

While there are some good used tires on the market, one can never be sure of the provenance of these tires. As such, some who buy used tires claim that their tires started showing issues within months of use. 

Plus, while many new tires come with warranties, protections for used tires are few and far between—meaning that some used tire buyers will end up needing to replace them soon after their purchase.

In short, it’s probably best in most cases to simply save up for the new tires, even if it means making a few compromises.

Motor1 reached out to Tire Princess via TikTok comment and direct message. We will update this story if she responds.