Alongside flat batteries, flat tyres are one of the biggest causes of roadside breakdown callouts in the UK. There are many reasons why people may experience a puncture, old tyres, poor road surface, sharp objects are just some of the usual potential causes. Unfortunately, fewer cars are fitted with spare wheels and not all motorists know how to change a tyre. Luckily, there is another option – the run-flat tyre.
Run-flat tyres are reinforced tyres that can run in deflated conditions. If you’re ever worried about getting a puncture, maybe due to the road conditions in your surrounding area, then you may want to consider run-flat tyres. They are designed with either a reinforced sidewall or additional internal structure to help support the tyre if it suffers a puncture. Now, this doesn’t mean you can drive like you normally would, as you can only drive on a ‘flat’ run-flat tyre for a limited number of miles and at a lower speed. When you have run-flat tyres fitted to your vehicle, you’ll notice that the ride may be a bit firmer compared to your previous tyres.
If you do happen to get a puncture in a run-flat tyre you might not be able to notice any difference, particularly on a motorway, because the ride quality will be very similar to normal. This is why run-flat tyres are always fitted with a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Again if you get a puncture and need to find out more about any restrictions on the usage of your tyres, your handbook will give you all the information you need.
Useful information on run-flat tyres:
- Expect at least 50 miles range, depending on load, at speeds up to 50mph
- When punctured, get them renewed/repaired as soon as possible
- When replacing a run-flat tyre, make sure it’s the same brand as the others
- Once new tyres are fitted, you’ll have to reset the TPMS
How much are run-flat tyres?
Run-flat tyres are designed with added technology which adds to the cost, they tend to cost at least 50% more than their standard counterparts, with some costing twice as much. Like standard tyres, the cost will depend on which brand you choose and the size of the tyre required.
Can you repair run-flat tyres?
The British Rubber Manufacturers’ Association, a group representing the major tyre manufacturers, does not recommend repairs to a run-flat tyre. You may find it hard for a reputable tyre retailer to repair a run-flat tyre. According to the UK’s Tyresafe organisation, even qualified tyre repairers may not be able to detect damage to a tyre. Kwik-Fit and National Tyres, two of the UK’s largest tyre retailers, say they will not carry out repairs on run-flat tyres.