Are run flat tyres safer than regular tyres?
Run flat tyre safety
The safety profile of run flat tyres depends on the situation you are comparing.
In a puncture situation
Run flat tyres offer a significant safety advantage. They allow you to keep driving at a controlled speed to reach a garage, rather than stopping on a busy road, motorway hard shoulder, or in an unsafe location to change a wheel. This is one of the most dangerous situations for motorists, so the ability to continue driving is a meaningful safety benefit.
In everyday driving
In terms of day-to-day grip, braking performance and handling, there is no significant safety difference between run flat and standard tyres. Both are engineered to the same safety standards for their respective sizes and ratings.
Safety comparison by scenario
| Scenario | Run flat advantage? |
|---|
| Puncture on a motorway |
Significant — avoids a dangerous roadside stop |
| Puncture at night or in bad weather |
Significant — allows you to continue to a safe, lit location |
| Normal dry weather driving |
No measurable difference |
| Normal wet weather driving |
No measurable difference |
