What Are Run Flat Tyres? Everything You Need to Know
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What are run flat tyres?
What do you do when you get a flat tyre? With a run flat tyre you’ll be able to keep driving - usually at a maximum speed of 50 mph - until you can get to your nearest local Protyre garage. This short guide will take you through the ins and outs of these tyres, so you will never again need to ask 'what are run flat tyres?'
If you want to know whether your vehicle has run flat car tyres, check the spare. If there’s no tyre repair kit, the chances are you have these reinforced tyres. If you have a new car and no spare tyre at all, then you almost certainly have this type of tyre fitted.
How Do Run Flat Tyres Work?
Run flat car tyres use reinforced sidewalls or a reinforced support ring to cope with the loss of air pressure after a puncture. These reinforced tyres must be used in conjunction with a TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System), so you’re alerted when you experience a puncture and your tyre loses pressure.
If you have run flat vehicle tyres and you do experience a flat, don’t ignore the speed and distance limitations of your tyres. Get to your nearest Protyre garage as soon as possible. Remember, a run flat tyre is designed to get you home safely if it gets a puncture, avoiding you being left stranded by the roadside. If TPMS warns you that your tyres are compromised, you must pay heed to that warning.
What are the benefits of Run Flat Tyres?
Run flat technology allows you to drive safely in the event of a puncture:
Strengthened tyres have more integrity and help you to keep your car under control.
You don’t have to change your tyre in uncomfortable and potentially dangerous situations at the side of the road.
You won’t need a spare tyre, so you have more space in the boot of your car and less weight overall, leading to improved fuel efficiency.
Can I switch back to Normal Tyres?
There’s no doubt that run flat car tyres are more expensive than regular tyres, but obviously they’re more convenient too. It is possible to swap out your run flats for regular tyres, but be aware that if they’re OEM equipment that decision could have an impact on your car’s suspension and handling. And of course, you’ll need to purchase a spare tyre / wheel as well.
You can’t retrofit this type of tyre to an older vehicle unless it has TPMS and a suitable suspension. Our years of experience tell us that you shouldn’t mix tyres on your vehicle, so avoid running conventional and run flat vehicle tyres together. Of course, this advice goes for any type of tyre, just like batteries, old and new should not be mixed.
Can my Run Flat Car Tyres be repaired?
For safety reasons, it’s NOT recommended that run flat tyres are repaired. If you’ve exceeded the speed or distance limit for your tyre, then the strength and reinforcement may be compromised. As there’s no way of knowing the internal condition of the tyre, a punctured run flat tyre needs to be replaced which further adds to the cost of run-flats.
How long do Run Flat Vehicle Tyres last?
Because your run flat car tyres are manufactured from conventional materials, they’ll last as long as a regular tyre. Inspect them regularly and keep them inflated to the correct pressure to optimise their lifespan.
Choosing the Right Tyre Made Easy
When it comes to your car's safety and performance, tyres can play a huge role. That's why we've put together a collection of helpful articles to guide you through the process of selecting the perfect tyres for your ride and maintaining your vehicle in general.
If you're looking for a smoother, more luxurious driving experience, premium car tyres might be the way to go. Or, if you want added security against flats, run flat car tyres could be your best bet. Trying to decide between summer car tyres and winter car tyres? We've got you covered there, too.
We also dive into the world of tyre brands, comparing top manufacturers like BF Goodrich tyres, Bridgestone tyres, Continental tyres, Dunlop tyres, Falken tyres, General tyres, Goodyear tyres, GT Radial tyres , Hankook tyres, Michelin tyres, Pirelli tyres, Runway tyres, Sumitomo tyres, and Toyo tyres.
But we don't just stop at helping you choose the right tyres – we also share tips on how to keep them in tip-top shape. From checking your tread depth and keeping your tyres properly inflated to extending their life through regular rotation and balancing, our articles have got you covered.
So, whether you're a car enthusiast or just looking to keep your vehicle safe and reliable, our car help and advice articles are here to help you make informed decisions about your tyres. Check them out and feel confident in your tyre choices!
Ask the Experts
At Protyre we’re the local garage you can trust. That means you’ll get a personalised service plus professional and knowledgeable mechanics and a wide range of run flat car tyres from brands like Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, Falken, Goodyear, Michelin and Pirelli. Many are available with same-day fitting.
Even if you are not in need of a new set of tyres, or are unsure as to your requirements, you can contact your local Protyre garage and book your vehicle in for a free tyre check. Our qualified tyre specialists will be able to assess your vehicle, letting you know the condition, and above all safety, of your tyres, advising you on the best next steps to take to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly.