How to Identify Run Flat Tyres

How do run flat tyres work?

Compare a run flat tyre with a non-run flat tyre and you will not see any visible difference; however, take a cross section between the two tyres and you will see that the run flat tyre is considerably thicker than the conventional tyre thanks to its reinforced sidewalls. It is these tough rubber inserts that hold up the wall of the tyre after a puncture when a conventional tyre would simply collapse.

What are the benefits of run flat tyres vs non-run flat tyres?

• Run flat tyres allow you to drive safely after a puncture and a loss of pressure without losing control of your car, as they stay firmly anchored to the wheel rim and will not blow out. You do not have to change the tyre there and then, especially if you are on a motorway or driving at night.

• Unlike conventional tyres, run flats allow you to drive for around 80kms at speeds of up to 80km/h after a puncture, allowing you plenty of time to get home or to the nearest garage in comfort. As you do not need to carry a spare tyre, there is more room in the boot for luggage. However, some drivers of performance cars may find the ride to be a little jittery at high speeds due to the reinforced tyre wall and the lack of give compared with a non-run flat tyre.

• Since run flat tyres do not collapse when punctured, they protect expensive alloy wheels from damage and an expensive repair. The weight reduction achieved by dispensing with the spare wheel and tyre means that your car is more fuel efficient, saving you money in the long term.

• Non-run flat tyres are significantly cheaper than their run flat tyre equivalents; however, the additional cost of run flats can be partially offset by the improved fuel economy. In reality, your car will only get a flat, on average, once every five years.

Can I equip my car with run flat tyres?

If your car is already fitted with run flat tyres, it is recommended that you continue to use them. If you want to retrofit these tyres to your vehicle, you will need to check with our specialists; not all vehicles are suited to run-flats. You will also need a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) fitted to alert you when there has been a loss of pressure. Only by using a TPMS can you drive on a punctured run flat tyre safely.

 
You may also need adjustments made to your suspension to compensate for the stiffer nature of the run flat tyres. Finally, you should never mix different types of tyre, as they have very different handling characteristics.

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!