Run-flat tyres are not new to the tyre scene. Although they have gained popularity recently, they have existed since the mid-80s. Today, many automobile manufacturers have made them a staple for their new vehicles, offering them as OEMs just because of the convenience they provide to Car Tyres Stoke On Trent owners.

We all know that tyres need excessive care and maintenance. They are one of the most vulnerable parts of a vehicle and often need repair due to punctures. But a run-flat tyre is different as it can still function when it’s flat, hence the name. The following blog highlights what run-flat tyres are, how they work, what their advantages are, and how they differ from tubeless tyres.

Explaining Run-Flat Tyres

As the name suggests, run-flat tyres are perfectly capable of working even after a puncture. This allows car drivers to safely reach an auto repair shop or a tyre fitter to get their tyre changed.

However, contrary to popular belief, these tyres do not work indefinitely. While every manufacturer offers something different, most have some sort of limit as to how far you can drive with these tyres after they have been punctured. For example, take Dunlop tyres. They allow you to drive up to 50 miles at a maximum speed of 50mph without any worries.

How Do They Work?

In order to understand how these tyres work, you have to know that there are two primary types of run-flat tyre systems. These are the self-supporting system and the support ring system.

When it comes to the self-supporting system, every run-flat tyre comes with a reinforced sidewall. This sidewall will continue to support the tyre even if it experiences any air loss. Thus, by relying on a strong sidewall, you can still drive your car up to the limit specified.

Support ring systems, on the other hand, are more sophisticated. Instead of a reinforced sidewall, they employ a hard rubber structure to combat rapid pressure loss.

Be it the self-support system or the support ring system, a run-flat tyre will only work with a vehicle that has the latest TPMS equipped. TPMS, or the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, is designed to alert the driver in case of a flat tyre (which is when the tyre starts losing air pressure). Thus, without a proper TPMS, you will not be able to identify whether you are driving on a flat tyre or not.

Features Of Run-Flat Tyres

Now that you know what run-flat tyres are, you should also understand the various features these tyres have to offer:

Reinforced Sidewalls

It is a crucial part of a run-flat tyre as reinforced sidewalls are instrumental in dealing with rapid air pressure loss. These tyres have side walls made from sturdy materials to provide support for the tyre structure.

Self-supporting structure

Alongside reinforced sidewalls, these tyres come with a self-supporting structure to ensure that they retain their original shape even after a puncture.

Heat-resistant Rubber

Also, the rubber used in these tyres is made of a special compound that is far more resistant to heat than your typical tyres. It is done to ensure that the tyre doesn’t burst when it operates at low pressure.

Benefits Of A Run-Flat Tyre

Now that you understand how run-flat tyres function, you should also know the advantages they afford a car owner. These are as follows:

Enhanced Safety

First off, these tyres allow cars to be generally safer overall. Now, you don’t have to worry about suddenly getting a flat and losing control over your car. With run-flat tyres you can choose to continue to drive and get your tyres replaced in an auto repair shop.

Great Convenience

Run-flat tyres also provide you with the convenience of choice. You no longer have to be stranded for hours, waiting for a tyre repair service to come to you. Rather, you can continue driving till you reach a repair shop.

Saves Space And Weight

With a run-flat tyre you do not have to carry a spare. It will save you precious car space. Also, you no longer have to carry with you the equipment needed to change a flat tyre, thus reducing weight.

Are Run-Flat Tyres The Same As Tubeless Tyres?

Contrary to what you might believe, run-flat and tubeless tyres are very different. A tubeless tyre has no inner tube. It relies on the airtight seal between the tire and the rim to ensure air pressure. But run-flat tyres on the other hand, do come with a tube. However, they employ a reinforced sidewall to prevent any loss in air pressure in the event of a puncture.

Can You Repair Run-Flat Tyres?

It depends on the manufacturer. While some run-flat tyres are capable of refurbishment and repair, some manufacturers simply state that their tyres will require replacement as no repair is possible. It only goes to show that despite their numerous benefits and practical use, these are also susceptible to wear and tear and damage. The next time you buy Tyres Stoke On Trent, be sure to get all possible information beforehand.

Here’s what you can do in case your run-flat tyres have been punctured, and you are looking to get them repaired:

Inspection

Before reaching out to a repair service, make sure that your tyres are actually punctured. You can use your TPMS for this. It is crucial to check your tyres as driving with a punctured tyre, be it a run-flat one, will do irreversible damage.

Manufacturer Guidelines

Another thing you should heed when you find that your run-flat tyre is punctured is to refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines. As stated earlier, not all such tyres can be repaired. Thus, you should always adhere to the official recommendation.

Professional Help

And lastly, you must have professional help if you want to get these tyres repaired. It is not possible for a regular technician, who is unfamiliar with the mechanism of a run-flat tyre, to attempt repairs.