Do I need run flat tyres?
Do you need run flat tyres?
Whether you need run flat tyres depends on your vehicle's original specification and what alternative puncture solutions are available to you.
When you should keep run flats
If your car was originally supplied with run flat tyres and does not have a spare wheel, you should replace them with run flats. Without a spare wheel, switching to standard tyres would leave you with no way to continue your journey in the event of a puncture.
Advantages of run flat tyres
- No need to change a wheel at the roadside, which is particularly valuable on motorways and in bad weather
- Continued mobility after a puncture, up to 50 miles at 50 mph
- No spare wheel needed, which saves boot space and reduces vehicle weight
Disadvantages to consider
- Higher purchase price, typically 20 to 30 percent more than standard equivalents
- Slightly firmer ride quality due to the reinforced sidewall
- Most cannot be repaired once they have been driven on while flat
- Fewer brand and model options in some sizes compared to standard tyres
If your car has a spare wheel
If your vehicle has a full-size or space-saver spare, you may have the option to switch to standard tyres. Check your vehicle handbook first, and consider the practical trade-offs. Our registration search on Tyres.co.uk identifies whether your vehicle requires run flat tyres and shows the correct options automatically.
