You may have heard of both Run-Flat and DriveGuard before and thought they were the same. They’re not miles apart, but there are certain features and technologies that separate the both of these. Keep reading to find out all about them both.
What Are Run-Flat Tyres?
Run-Flat tyres are a tyre that was designed to enable you to carry on driving safely after the event of a puncture. The theory is that this then gives the driver enough time to pull over or make it to a garage safely to have the tyre changed.
However, you can only drive on them once you’ve acquired a puncture for so long. It’s best to practise to double-check your manufacturer’s handbook, to see how long you can drive on them for. Generally, though, you can drive on a run-flat tyre after a puncture 50 miles at 50mph.
How Do Run-Flat Tyres Work
There are two different run-flat tyre systems, which are self-supporting and support ring.
Self Support
The self-support system within a run-flat tyre is primarily used to maintain the structure of the sidewalls in the event of a puncture. This is so the vehicle you’re in can still travel whilst experiencing air loss and the tyres can still hold the weight of the vehicle.
Support Ring
The support system, on the other hand, employs a ring of hard rubber or another structure, in the inner section of the wheel, that can support the vehicle’s weight when experiencing continued air loss.
Both systems brilliant work equally as well. However, whichever run-flat tyre you choose can only be fitted if your vehicle has a TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System). This system notifies the driver as soon as any of your tyres begin to lose air pressure. If you didn’t have one of these, you wouldn’t know if you had experienced a puncture or not. This could lead to a potential blowout, which could cause serious damage to you and other drivers on the road.
Benefits of Run-Flat Tyres
The first benefit of run-flat tyres would be that they are convenient, in the sense you don’t have to change your tyre in any uncomfortable situations. No one wants to have to change their tyres by the side of a busy motorway with cars flying past. With run-flat tyres, you can drive safely to a point at which you feel comfortable.
The second benefit of run-flat tyres is that they are more stable than regular tyres. For example, when you experience a puncture with a regular tyre there is the chance of loss of control. Whereas with a run-flat, they maintain the structure of the wheel and allow you to have control and drive safely.
With safety becoming the thing that people look for most when purchasing a new vehicle, tyres such as run-flats look to becoming the usual tyre that people expect to be equipped.
What Are DriveGuard Tyres
DriveGuard tyres are extremely similar to run-flats, however, are much more improved and include the latest rubber technology. These technologies include a proprietary patented high-tech cooling fin design, which redistributes heat and friction after a puncture. DriveGuard tyres also come with a reinforced sidewall, making them unstoppable when damaged.
How Do DriveGuard Tyres Work
DriveGuard tyres allow you to drive 50 miles at 50mph in the event of a puncture, helping you to drive safely to a comfortable position for them to be replaced. It does this like the run-flats, where it will notify you through a TPMS and tell you you are losing pressure in your tyre.
Benefits of DriveGuard Tyres
Compatible with your car through TPMS
Provides safety and convenience
Has the highest wet braking performance with short braking distances
Includes innovative technology
Conclusion
The differences between both run-flat and DriveGuard are very minimal, but hopefully, this has helped to breakdown each and your understanding of them both. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch and speak with an Asda Tyre expert. For any other blogs or tips on tyres, be sure to check out our official blog page.