Runflat Tyres
Tyre Information : Runflat Tyres
Run flat technology allows your car to keep on running after a puncture or blow out, even when the tyre is completely deflated. Self supporting run flat tyres are designed to provide a run on period following deflation. The range of the tyre when running on flat is dependent on the condition of use (i.e. vehicle load, vehicle speed and driving conditions). However, you should be able to keep ongoing for a minimum of 50 miles at a constant speed of no more than 30mph.
This is made possible due to the tyre's reinforced sidewalls. The highly resilient rubber inserts support the weight of the car even when the air pressure, which normally does this job, is gone.
Replacement tyre fitting - Always consult the vehicle handbook or tyre manufacturer's guidelines regarding which vehicles are suitable for fitment of run flat tyres. These tyres may only be fitted to vehicles equipped with a tyre pressuring monitoring system (TPMS).
Fitting of conventional tyres to vehicles originally fitted with run flat tyres will remove the vehicle's run flat capability and will leave you with no spare tyre. This could potentially leave you immobile in case of deflation and it is therefore recommended to consult your vehicle or tyre manufacturer before replacing a run flat tyre with a conventional tyre.
Mixing run flat tyres with standard tyres - The handling characteristics of run flat tyres are different to those of conventional tyres and therefore should not be intermixed on a vehicle.
Mixing different brands of run flat tyres - As with standard tyres, there may be different characteristics between different makes of run flat tyres so it is advisable to consult the tyre manufacturer regarding mixing different brands. It is recommended that the same make and pattern of tyre is fitted across the axle of a vehicle.
Service Life of run flat tyres v standard tyres - The tread rubber compound used in run flat tyres is generally the same or similar to that used in conventional tyres. Therefore, tyre wear rates should be similar. The best tyre performance is achieved by maintaining correct inflation pressures for the loads and vehicle's use.
Use of run flat tyres on towing vehicles - in their inflated condition, run flat tyres may be used in the same way as standard pneumatic tyres. However, any experienced towing caravaner knows that the stability between their car and caravan is of primary importance to road safety. Whilst a deflated run flat tyre is designed to cope with the demands of the solo vehicle, the additional mass of a caravan or trailer will subject the tyre to higher stress levels and impact on the tyre's inbuilt lateral stability.
Therefore, even travelling at a restricted speed of 50mph may negatively affect the stability of the car/caravan combination and reduce road safety. To avoid this potential hazard, it is recommended that the distance travelled and maximum speed on the deflated run flat tyre be reduced. As the vehicle itself has an influence on the tyre's performance, please refer to the vehicle manufacturer's handbook for further information.
Use of run flat tyres on caravans and trailers - run flat tyres must only be fitted to vehicles which have a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) as a visual/audible warning to drivers of a deflating tyre. As yet, no caravans or trailers are equipped with TPMS systems, hence they should not be fitted with run flat tyres.
Repairability - all major tyre retailers, the National Tyre Distributors' Association (NTDA) and TyreSafe do not recommend repair of run flat tyres or fitting run flat tyres to vehicles not designed with this type of tyre in mind.