Run flat tyres let you keep driving safely after a puncture — but are they really worth the extra cost? This guide explores how they work, their advantages and drawbacks, and whether they’re the right choice for your driving habits and budget.
When it comes to vehicle maintenance, there are plenty of components that you can check on regularly to keep your car in good working order – as well as several factors that you don’t have any control over.
The quality of the road you drive on is something that you cannot control, with potholes and debris causing punctures and blowouts almost every day for drivers across the UK.
One solution is to invest in run flat tyres. But what are these tyres, how do they remain functional even after suffering a puncture, and are they a worthwhile investment?
What Are Run Flat Tyres?
Run flat tyres are reinforced, self-supporting tyres that can be driven on for a limited distance following a puncture.
The main purpose of run flat tyres is to improve the safety of vehicles that have suffered damage, keeping drivers on the road and able to get home or to a local garage for a thorough repair and assessment of any lasting damage.
It’s the sidewall of run flat tyres that is built differently, able to hold the weight of the vehicle and the core tyre structure even if all the air has been lost.
Advantages of Run Flat Tyres
The advantages of run flat tyres are relatively obvious.
These tyres are designed to keep drivers safely in control of their vehicle, and able to complete their journey even after hitting a pothole or debris and causing a puncture to their tyre.
While regular tyres can blow and cause a sudden loss of control and grip on the road if they hit an obstacle, run flat tyres keep moving smoothly and ensure that the driver retains their control of the vehicle.
The subsequent advantages of this are of course the safety factors, and the reduced risk of the wheel suffering extensive damage. For drivers, other notable benefits include the reassurance that they can embark on a long journey, knowing that their tyres are reinforced for maximum safety on the road.
Drawbacks and Things to Consider
Of course, with every benefit and advantage there’s something else that you need to consider.
When looking at run flat tyres, the main drawback is the cost of these tyres – which are significantly more expensive than standard tyres.
It’s also very important to note that while these tyres enable you to stay on the road following a puncture or blowout, there are limitations. Run flat tyres should only be driven at a maximum of 50mph following damage and can only safely be used for around 50 miles before they need to be repaired or replaced.
What’s more, run flat tyres are not known for facilitating a particular smooth or comfortable drive, and will require you to have a TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) installed in your vehicle which lets you know if and when damage has occurred.
