Run Flat Tyres

Run-flat tyres are tyres which allow you to carry on driving even if the air has escaped or is leaking.

That doesn’t mean you can drive normally, though – once the air has escaped, you can only drive on a ‘flat’ run-flat tyre for a limited number of miles, and at a lower speed.

It’s worth noting that while run-flat tyres can be retrofitted to vehicles, they’re not recommended for those without a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), as without it there will be little or no indication that a tyre’s pressure is dropping.

The main advantage of run-flat tyres is that you can carry on driving if you get a puncture – assuming the sidewall itself hasn’t been significantly damaged – allowing you to get safely off the road to call SK8 Tyres. It is wise to know ahead of any long journeys what the mileage limit is on your tyres if they are run-flat so that you don’t exceed it if you have a puncture.

Because of their strong sidewalls, run-flat tyres are also said to be less prone to blowouts – a rapid and potentially dangerous loss of air from the tyre.

Another advantage is there’s no need to carry a spare wheel, meaning the car’s boot can be a little bigger or have storage where the spare wheel would normally sit.

Generally speaking, once a run-flat tyre has been punctured and your TPMS informs you, you have around 50 miles at no faster than 50mph to drive to safety to call SK8 Tyres or a nearby garage. If your puncture occurs late at night or on a Sunday then you may have to adjust your plans and delay arriving at your final destination if the distance remaining is further than 50 miles.

Run-flat tyres will usually need replacing rather than repairing after a puncture and run-flat tyres cost more than standard tyres.

Some drivers feel run-flat tyres negatively affect ride comfort. The stiffer sidewalls are less able to absorb bumps, potholes, etc, and they also add ‘unsprung’ weight (mass that isn’t supported by the car’s suspension), meaning the suspension is less effective.