Run Flat vs Normal Tyres: Can You Mix Them?

Mixing run flat and normal tyres might seem convenient, but the risks to handling, braking, and overall safety are often overlooked. This guide explains how each tyre type works, why mixing them can affect your vehicle’s stability, and the safest approach for UK drivers. Read on to make an informed choice before your next tyre replacement.

Vehicle owners will already be aware of the different types of tyre that you can buy and fit to your vehicle. From standard tyres to premium options such as those which include run flat design features, the best option for you will depend on your budget, the typical road surfaces you drive on, your driving style, and road habits.

One question that vehicle owners often have revolves around mixing and matching these tyres – namely whether or not it is safe to use both run flat tyres and standard tyres on the same vehicle at the same time. 

To answer this question, we first need to understand a little more about these different tyres and how they work. 

Differences Between Run Flat and Standard Tyres

Standard tyres are made from a rubber material with a deep tread on the surface, which wears down over time and with regular use. These tyres are more pliable than run flat ones, as run flat tyres are designed to be driven for a limited distance even after suffering a puncture. 

More on that in a moment.

Other differences between the two types of tyre include the cost, the longevity of use, and the comfort of the drive. Run flat tyres are considerably stiffer and more solid in design, which means that they can be driven after suffering a puncture thanks to the reinforced sidewall, but also creates a more uncomfortable drive.

With that said then, when should you use run flat tyres and can you mix and match these two different types of tyre on the same vehicle?

When Should You Use Run Flat Tyres?

Run flat tyres offer the benefit of being able to drive on them for a limited period after suffering a puncture. The recommended distance for travel on a puncture is no more than 50 miles, which should be enough to get you to a garage or somewhere safe to call for further help and roadside assistance. 

As such, these tyres are recommended for those who live in remote areas and on particularly harsh and bumpy roads.

Can You Mix and Match Tyre Types?

While there is no legal legislation which tells drivers not to mix and match run flat and standard tyres, it is widely believed that combining these tyre types on the same vehicle could exacerbate a loss of control if a tyre gets punctured or suddenly blows.

The difference in pliability and friction across the two different types of tyre means that when you brake suddenly, drive on wet or slippery road surfaces, or suffer a puncture, the tyres will respond in different ways and impact the control you have over the vehicle. 

Not to mention, tyres are more difficult to replace in a timely manner as they will wear down at different rates. 

All of this means that while it may not be illegal to mix and match run flat tyres with standard ones, it is neither safe nor good for the performance of a vehicle to do so. Instead, the best advice is to stick with the same type of tyre across all four wheels of your vehicle, for optimum safety. 

If you want to learn more about the benefits and hallmarks of run flat tyres compared with standard ones, or you need to replace your tyres and want to find the best and most efficient set of tyres for your vehicle, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Tyres.co.uk team.