No Spare, No Problem: Advantages of Run-Flats

You may have heard that michelin tyres established the first self-supporting tyre back in 1934. The tyres with run-flat technology were introduced in the public market in the mid-1980s. They have gained quite a bit of popularity over time.

Run-flat tyres are so named because they can be driven even if they are punctured. They achieve this through the use of reinforced rubber, which prevents the tyre from collapsing upon a sudden loss of pressure. Self-supporting tyres (SSRs) have a tougher, thicker side wall that holds its shape upon deflation, while another type of run-flat tyre has a supporting ring of hardened rubber that prevents a collapse.

What are the advantages of run-flat tyres?

Firstly, the most obvious advantage is that you do not have to pull over and change the tyre right away. Run flats are made so that you may continue driving to a service centre and have the tyre replaced safely.

The second advantage is a follow-on from the first that you do not have to change a tyre on the side of the road. Not only is this always a huge inconvenience, but it can be unsafe if there is no wide shoulder in the parking lot to pull into. The run-flat tyres Blyth also save you from hanging around for roadside assistance.

Thirdly, if you experience a puncture, the toughened nature of run flats lends the car greater stability. In other words, the driver will maintain greater control over the car’s handling and be more able to negotiate obstacles.

Another significant advantage is the reduced chance of blowouts. A blowout may occur for numerous reasons, including underinflated or worn-out tyres, an excessively large load, or a particularly terrible pothole. Whatever the cause, blowouts are sudden, frightening, and dangerous. Fortunately, the reinforced side wall of run-flat tyres greatly reduces the chance of your tyre rupturing and rapidly deflating.

In the fourth reason, convenience overrides safety. Because a run flat allows you to continue driving to a service centre - you guessed it - there is no need to carry a spare tyre! Hooray for extra boot space! Additionally, the reduced weight (although a little) improves fuel efficiency.

How far can you drive with a punctured run-flat tyre?

It depends on the tyre. Manufacturers will always have guidelines for you to follow. As an example, though, the Continental Self-Supporting Run Flat (SSR) allows you to continue driving for up to 50 miles at a top speed of 50 mph. Unless you are in the middle of nowhere, that gives you a very good chance of reaching a service centre.

Is it possible to have both run flats and regular tyres?

No, we strongly recommend that you do not. Not all tyres perform in the same way; each one exhibits different qualities and different handling. If you mix and match the tyres in your car, you will end up with unpredictable dynamics. Plus, it makes the car unroadworthy. So it is all or nothing; you either have four run-flats or four normal tyres, but you cannot have a mixture.

Can you fit run-flat tyres on your own?

Not really. The thicker, stiffer side walls make it almost impossible to remove and refit the tyre without a good quality tyre-changing machine. Tyres such as the Continental Self-Supporting Run Flat are technologically advanced products that should be mounted by a certified Continental-trained tyre specialist.

The walls on run-flat tyres are very rigid, so you may not even notice a puncture. For this reason, we recommend the use of a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), which will alert you when there is a loss of tyre pressure in the tyre. If a professional fits the tyre and the monitor, you will know all components are functioning correctly.

Are run-flat tyres available for your car?

It all depends on the make and model. Some cars have been approved by the manufacturer for SSR tyre use, and some have not. Bring your car into any nearby garage and they will tell you if run flats are appropriate for you and what type.

Here is where you can learn more about the Continental Self-Supporting Runflat.

Are punctures in run-flat tyres repairable?

Yes and no! Some manufacturers allow it, but some do not! The issue is that when a run-flat tyre is flat and you have been driving on it, the side walls become damaged.

If there is any evidence of ‘creasing’, 'cracking', or deposits of rubber inside the tyre, then a repair must not be carried out, as these are signs that the tyre has been running at very low or no pressure for a very long time. If there are none of the signs above, then it is generally okay to proceed with the repair.

Conclusion

It must be clear to you now how many benefits run-flat car tyres Blyth have. Not only do they enable you to drive even after having a puncture, but they also eliminate the requirement to change the tyre on the side of the road. Besides all this, they also offer extra space and improved fuel efficiency as you do not have to carry a spare tyre in your car.