How Run-Flat Tyres Work and Their Pros & Cons

Author : Frank Castle | Published On : 11 Jun 2024

If you have been asking questions such as how run-flat tyres (RFT) work or are run-flat tyres suitable for your car, this guide will assist you. RFT tyres Northampton are made with features that allow you to continue moving in the event you have a flat tyre.

Some new models of cars, especially the high-end models, come with run-flat tyres as original equipment or can be equipped with them later. These tyres are literally as their name suggests: they still run even though they are flat.
 
Therefore, run-flat tyres are quite helpful in cases of puncture because you will not have to pull over, change the wheel, or request assistance.
 
What is a run-flat tyre?
 
Run-flat tyres are designed in such a way that they have to be able to run for a certain distance with a puncture. They are otherwise known as self-carrying tyres and are designed to run on any level of pressure. Run-flat tyres can be described as versatile and safer due to the possibility of driving with a completely deflated tyre.
 
In a nutshell, with a run-flat tyre, you are always prepared to deal with the nuisances of a puncture. Your journey will not need to stop, and you can continue your driving for a given distance without having to change your tyre.
 
Furthermore, the construction of the tyre is different, which minimises the chances of a severe blowout of the tyre.
 
The workings of run-flat tyres
 
The reason why run-flat tyres are still usable after being punctured is that they are designed with reinforced sidewalls. While standard tyres draw their support from the air, run-flat tyres have reinforcing rubber compounds built to carry the load temporarily after a puncture.
 
This is a crucial point to remember, as they are only designed to enable you to drive up to 50 mph and 50 miles. This means that any car that is fitted with run-flat tyres has to be fitted with a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) as well.
 
This is because the rigid side walls provide an inaccurate indication of low air pressure as well as punctures. Run-flat tyres and tyre pressure monitoring systems can, therefore, be retrofitted to a car, and this has become a choice that many motorists are struggling with as the technology becomes commercial.

 
Advantages and disadvantages of run-flat tyres
 
Advantages of run-flat tyres
 
   • You can drive even with a puncture
 
This is the first very apparent advantage. When you get a puncture, you do not have to pull over and change a tyre as you would with conventional tyres.
 
   • Less likely to lose control upon a puncture or blowout
 
In the event of a puncture or a blowout, a run-flat tyre will provide more control than a normal tyre (where the loss of control may be sudden).
 
   • Reduced weight
 
Since there is no need to have a spare wheel, the weight of the car is reduced. This could help free up some space in the boot, which is needed for other purposes.
 
   • Weight saving
 
Apart from the issue of space, your car will be lighter since it does not have a spare tyre. This can also lead to enhanced mileage on a given quantity and kind of fuel.
 
However, it is necessary to understand that run-flat tyres are also heavier than conventional tyres per se because of the rubber reinforcement they comprise, and therefore, the total weight reduction might not be as impressive as it may seem.
 
Disadvantages of run-flat tyres
 
   • Costly to fit
 
Retrofitting run-flat tyres necessitates a tyre pressure monitoring system. It can, therefore, be a rather expensive exercise, depending on the type of car that you own.
 
   • No spare tyre
 
This means more boot space, but it has a downside for some people. There may be no need to replace a tyre with run flats; however, you cannot help it since there are no tools to remove the spare tyre, as a spare tyre is seen by many motorists as a safety measure.
 
   • Increased wear rate
 
This could be attributed to their increased construction and compound, which has been known to wear faster than their non-run-flat counterpoint. This could mean that you may have to replace them more often.
 
   • Fuel economy
 
Their construction also impacts rolling resistance, although this only makes them marginally heavier than a traditional tyre in terms of fuel consumption.
 
As run-flat tyres continue to be seen as conventional car accessories, they are not always kept in large quantities in tyre shops or service centres. This means that if a tyre gets punctured, you may have to wait for the replacement of the same.
 
Conclusion
 
With regards to run-flat tyres Quinton, there are several advantages, which must be said, but there are also disadvantages, of course. Still, so many drivers trust them that the question is whether it is in your best interest for the car and the type of driving one does.