Sudden tyre punctures can be very dangerous, as they can cause you to lose control of your car. For total peace of mind on the roads, it might be worth considering getting run flat tyres for your car.
What Are Run Flat Tyres?
A run flat tyre is a tyre that will still offer traction and support, even if it’s flat due to a puncture. In fact, if you’re travelling at high speeds – on a motorway, for instance – you might not even notice that you have a flat, as the quality of your ride won’t change much.
How do run flat tyres work?
Run flat tyres either have a reinforced sidewall or strong internal structures that you won’t find on an ordinary tyre. As a result, they can maintain their shape even when they’re deflated after a puncture.
Why Don’t All Drivers Use Run Flat Tyres?
The main reason run flat tyres aren’t fitted as standard is that they’re considerably more expensive than standard tyres. They’re also harder to repair and replace.
Also, though run flat tyres might be a bit more reliable – as there’s less chance you’ll lose control of your car after a puncture – they’re not a total failsafe. They’re not invincible, and they’re not designed to last forever. You’ll still have to replace a run flat tyre if it ever gets punctured or damaged.
In fact, run flat tyres can cause many problems that you simply wouldn’t get with standard tyres. As they work so well when deflated, you can drive for miles on a run flat tyre without even realising there’s a problem. This can seriously effect the efficiency, performance, and even the safety of your drive.
Plus, the longer you drive with a flat, the more damage you’ll do to the tyre. This can make repairs and replacements even more expensive than they have to be.
Are Run Flat Tyres Worth It?
You should still consider run flat tyres if you’re worried about sudden punctures and blowouts. Just make sure you test drive your car with run flat tyres first. They can result in a much firmer ride, which might take some getting used to!
Also, run flat tyres always come with a tyre pressure monitoring system, which makes it easier to detect punctures and any other faults.
How Long Can You Drive on a Run Flat Tyre?
If you do suspect you have a puncture on a run flat tyre, you should aim to get it repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Ideally, you should travel no further than 50 miles on a deflated run flat tyre. You should also limit your speed – try not to travel any faster than 50 mph.
Take all these precautions and run flat tyres could offer extra protection and peace of mind on the roads. But considering the added expense, the increased need to monitor your tyre pressure, and the hassle you might face when it comes to repairs, you have to ask yourself – are run flat tyres worth it?
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