The idea of having a tyre that you can drive with when it is flat may seem totally alien, but since most manufacturers stopped providing spare wheels with new cars, run flat tyres are becoming increasingly common. So what is a run flat tyre, and what are the pros and cons of using them?
What are run flat tyres?
A run flat tyre is a self-supporting tyre that has reinforced sidewalls so that a driver can keep driving safely for a little while after they have picked up a puncture.
The pros of run flat tyres
Because you can keep going with a flat, run flat tyres offer an additional layer of safety, allowing you to keep going until you reach a safe place, garage or tyre centre, rather than having to stop where you are. This additional mobility improves safety and removes the need for potentially long waits for roadside assistance.
Are there any disadvantages of using run flat tyres?
If run flat tyres sound too good to be true, that is probably because they are. As with any innovation, there are downsides that must be considered alongside the benefits. These include:
- Regular pressure checks – because the sidewalls can support the weight of your vehicle, it is harder to tell when your tyre pressure is low. To mitigate this, you should regularly check your tyre pressure, especially before a long journey.
- A bumpier ride – the rigid tyre sides mean that your tyres don’t absorb as much of the shock of bumps in the road, meaning that your journey may be less comfortable than with conventional tyres.
- Limited performance – thanks to those weight-bearing sidewalls, run flat tyres can result in inhibited handling and cornering. Traction and braking can be affected, too.
- Difficulty to repair – often if you pick up a puncture in a conventional tyre, a tyre specialist can repair it for you. Because of the structure of run flat tyres, once they are damaged, they usually have to be replaced. Whether or not a run flat tyre can be repaired will depend on the condition of the tyre, the size and location of the damage, and whether it has had previous repairs.
How do you know if you have run flat tyres?
If you have bought a used car, you may not be sure of the type of tyres that you have. Usually, run flat tyres will have markings on the rim such as RFT (Run Flat Tyre), ROF (Run on Flat) or SSR (Self-Supporting Run-flat).
Is it OK to mix run flat and conventional tyres?
It is not a good idea to mix your tyres up as the imbalance could affect your vehicle handling.
If you are unsure what tyre type is best for you, get in touch with a local tyre specialist or ask your local garage for recommendations. The right tyre for you will depend on where you live, car usage, local road conditions, and personal preference. For more advice, follow Trust A Garage on X or Facebook.