Piston Slap: Spare Me Your AWD Drama

TTAC Reader DeSoto writes:

Greetings, Sajeev — longtime reader, first time writer, and I enjoy the content your column adds to TTAC! (Woot! — SM)

I recently acquired an all-wheel drive 2014 Cadillac CTS with about 15,000 miles on its factory 255/35 R19 Pirelli P7 run-flat tires. Looking ahead to an upcoming 3,500 mile driving trip, I have concern for the durability/drivability of the run-flats. The CTS is not equipped with any wheel-changing tools (jack, wrench, spare tire/wheel). A spare tire assembly (for the CT6) is available online, but I believe the standard compact spare is too small in diameter to be compatible with the 19-inch wheels on the AWD drivetrain. I prefer the freedom of having the option of changing a tire myself and continuing on my way, rather than waiting hours for assistance. I am thus considering, in order of my current preference:

Read more
  • Doc423 Come try to take it, Pal. Environmental Whacko.
  • 28-Cars-Later Mazda despite attractive styling has resale issues - 'Yota is always the answer.
  • 28-Cars-Later Try again.
  • Doc423 It's a flat turn, not banked, which makes it more difficult to negotiate, especially if you're travelling a little too fast.
  • Jeff “So, the majority of our products are either ICE vehicles or intended to utilize those multi-energy platforms that we have. This is a great opportunity for us, compared to our peers, having the multi-energy platforms for all of our products in development and having the agility to move between them,” she said. From what is stated about the next generation Charger it will be released as a 2 door EV and then as a 4 door with the Hurricane turbo straight 6. I assume both the 2 door and 4 door is on the same platform.