Construction of Run Flat tyres
Run flat tyres allow motorists to continue driving even after they lose tyre pressure. On average, these products let you travel for up to fifty miles, at speeds up to 50 mph, depending on the technology and product. This is primarily due to reinforced sidewalls; in short, run flat tyres enable drivers to reach the nearest tyre service station without having to change the wheel on the roadside. Many motorists buy run flat tyres to not have to over rely on a spare wheel.
What are run flat tyres?
This type of tyre was first designed to serve as a protective measure for military vehicles. You can identify run flat tyres by thicker sidewalls, which allow for continued movement once the tyre has been punctured. Modern run flat tyres do not deflate once punctured, and will let drivers travel at speeds up to 50 mph.
How run flat tyres work
Run flat tyres are a boon to road safety. If you puncture a normal tyre, the abrupt lack of balance beneath your car can result in an accident. If you have run flat tyres, however, you will maintain control over your car; this will leave you with more than enough time to pull over to the side of the road or make your way to the nearest garage.
How long run flat tyres last
Run flat tyres are extremely resistant to mechanical damage. While you should still make an effort to avoid potholes and other roadway obstacles, you won’t have to worry about damaging your shocks when you have these tyres serving as a buffer.
With that being said, run flat tyres won’t last forever. Top distances will vary based on the brand you purchase. In most cases, run flat tyres will carry you for ten, all the way up to fifty miles. In any case, the travelling speed and range should allow you to comfortably reach a nearby service point.
The best run flat tyres
You can have run flat tyres fitted to individual classes of vehicles. This means that if you happen to drive a sports car, you won’t have to forgo the safe design of a run flat tyre. Instead, you can explore our catalogues and run flat tyre reviews to choose the best run flat tyres for your vehicle.
But nothing is perfect, and that too applies to run flat tyres; while budget run flat tyres are available, most of them are still more expensive than your standard set of winter or summer tyres. Not only will they cost you more upfront, but they are less fuel-efficient than many other tyres, meaning you will have to spend more on petrol. They are also stiffer than your standard tyre, which can disrupt an otherwise smooth ride.
In spite of the financial setbacks, the safety features that make run flat tyres so popular are invaluable to drivers who prioritise safety on the road. Furthermore, the chameleon-esque nature of run flat tyres appeals to those concerned both with safety and aesthetics; it is hard for other drivers to determine in real-time if your tyres are run flat.
Run flat tyres for your car
Oponeo provides a wide range of run flat tyres from leading manufacturers. You can buy run flat tyres online from our store before visiting your local garage for a professional fitting.
Depending on the manufacturer, there are different markings for run flat tyres. The most common terms are:
- DSST, used on Dunlop tyres
- EMT, used on Goodyear tyres
- HRPS, used on Hankook tyres
- PAX and ZP, used on Michelin tyres
- RFT, used on Bridgestone tyres
- RSC, used on BMW vehicles
- SSRF, used on Pirelli tyres
- SSR, used on Continental tyres
- TRF, used on Toyo tyres
- XRP, used on Kumho tyres
- ZPS, used on Yokohama tyres
We strongly advise against mixing run flat tyres with normal tyres. If you have any questions concerning our types of run flat tyres, the Oponeo team of experts will be more than happy to assist you with your query. For more information, please get in touch with our support team.