Run flat tyres give drivers extra peace of mind, allowing you to stay in control even after a puncture. But they’re only designed to take you so far. This guide explains how run flat technology works, why the safe limit is around 50 miles, and what happens if you push them beyond that distance.
Run flat tyres are a premium option for vehicle owners and drivers, who want to benefit from a little extra protection in the face of punctures, flat tyres, and blowouts.
A run flat tyre is manufactured with a reinforced sidewall, which essentially means that the tyre is still safe to drive on for a limited distance, even after suffering a puncture. The rigid structure keeps the tyre spinning and ensures the driver retains control over the vehicle.
However, this won’t last forever.
What Happens if You Drive on a Run Flat Tyre For Too Long?
If you drive for too long, or over too far a distance with a puncture to your run flat tyres, then you risk causing damage to the structure of the wheel.
This becomes a much more costly repair job than simply replacing the tyre – which is why heeding the advice regarding the maximum travel distance on a run flat tyre is so important.
Recommended Maximum Distance to Drive on a Run Flat Tyre
The maximum distance that drivers should stick to on a punctured run flat tyre is 50 miles.
Anything more than this can and likely will cause damage to the wheel itself as well as the tyre.
If you experience a puncture or blowout on a run flat tyre, the important thing to do is to make sure that you can get to somewhere safe within around 50 miles, so that you can change the tyre or replace it with a new one at a local garage.
Run flat tyres may help to keep you on the road following a puncture or blow out, but they will only carry you so far before they need to be changed for a replacement tyre. Here at Tyres.co.uk we offer a wide range of both run flat and standard tyres to help upgrade your vehicle and optimise its safety on the road.
