Airless tyres are currently more well-known than any other time in recent memory, despite the fact that the run-flat tyres showed up in the mid-1980s. With the majority of the automobile manufacturers making run-flats as a standard in new vehicles, more and more customers are getting to know them, their favourable circumstances, and how utilizing them effects maintenance and overall driving.
Run-flats are the tyres on which you are able to keep driving after a puncture so you reach a tyre repair shop or a level spot where you yourself can patch it up. Unlike the traditional tyre, a run-flat does not incapacitate your vehicle in case of being punctured, however, there are exceptions attached to run-flats in terms of speed and maximum distance you can cover with it.
You can’t drive on them inconclusively, however, look at the manufacturer’s recommendations to discover how fast and how far you can drive on your run-flat tyres. Typical run–flat Bridgestone tyres are able to drive up to 50 miles (80 km) at a most extreme speed of 50 mph (80 km/h) in case of being punctured. PS: every run-flat has its own limitations.
Types of run-flat tyres
There are two types of run-flat tyres:
Self-supporting system
In most self-supporting run-flat tyre frameworks, the tyre highlights a strengthened sidewall that keeps supporting the vehicle in case of deflation. This structure of the tyre permits to drive on it even after the loss of pneumatic force up to the distance and speed set out by the manufacturer.
Support ring system
Run-flat tyres with the ring support structure, then again, utilize a ring of firm rubber or another structure that can bolster the vehicle’s weight in the case of deflation.
Note: Since run-flat tyres keep performing as a normal tyre even in a case of puncture that is why it is difficult to realize a puncture in your tyre. However, utilizing a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) on the vehicle can help. The TPMS cautions you when one of your tyres loses pressure. Without it, you probably won’t realize you were driving on an underinflated tyre.
Advantages of run-flat tyres
Following are the advantages of run-flat tyres:
- You don’t need to replace your tyre in a hurry or at an inappropriate location or occasion. This is maybe the greatest advantage of run-flat tyres. On the contrary, with ordinary tyres, you need to replace a flat tyre on the spot or have your vehicle towed.
- Run-flat tyres are designed to be more steady than traditional tyres. Since they’re made to support your vehicle in any event, especially when they contain no air, run-flat tyres will assist you with maintaining better control in a total deflation while driving in comparison to regular tyres. This feature can greatly decrease the chance of an accident due to loss of control of the vehicle at high speeds.
- Since you don’t need to change a flee when your tyre gets punctured, you can get rid of that overwhelming, space-devouring spare tyre. However, being cautious is always a great idea.
Drawbacks of run-flat tyres
Following are some of the drawbacks of run-flat tyres:
- As per the study by J.D. Power and Associates, run-flats have a shorter life span and requires to be supplanted at an average of 6,000 miles faster than the traditional tyres.
- All run-flats are heavier and can diminish your mileage by 1-2%.
- A run-flat tyre needs a very specific configuration that is why it may be hard to find precisely what you need. Nevertheless, many online tyre stores such as PitStopArabia can help you in regards.
Note: While run-flats offer clear advantages, there has been some kickback as of late. Drivers have referred to quicker and uneven wear and a stiffer ride.
Bonus: Top 10 run-flat tyres
Following are some of the best run-flat tyres:
- Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25 RFT
- Bridgestone DriveGuard Run-Flat
- Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Pole Position RFT
- Continental ContiProContact SSR (Self Supporting Runflat)
- Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval RFT
- Goodyear Eagle LS-2 RunOnFlat
- Hankook Ventus S1 EVO2 HRS
- Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus ZP
- Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 Run Flat
- Yokohama ADVAN Sport ZPS (Zero Pressure System)
Conclusion
You and I should keep safety as our number one priority whenever we are planning to buy a vehicle or a tyre. Since run-flat tyres are safe to drive, the future might just evolve and run-flat tyres might become the new norm of safety as opposed to the special case in new vehicles.