Run-flat tyres are fitted to many modern cars from the factory. We cover how they work, their limitations, and whether they can be repaired after a puncture.
Run-flat tyres are fitted as standard on many modern vehicles, allowing drivers to continue after a puncture without stopping to change the tyre. Understanding how they work and their limitations is essential knowledge for any driver whose car is equipped with them.
1How Run-Flat Tyres Work
Run-flat tyres have reinforced sidewalls that support the vehicle's weight even with no air pressure inside. Most are designed to allow continued driving at up to 50 mph for a maximum of 50 miles after a puncture, giving you time to reach safety or arrange assistance.
2Can They Be Repaired After a Puncture?
Industry guidelines generally advise against repairing run-flat tyres that have been driven on while flat. The reinforced sidewall may have suffered internal structural damage that is invisible externally. Most manufacturers recommend outright replacement after any puncture incident.
3Why TPMS is Essential
Because a run-flat tyre can lose all pressure without the dramatic handling change a standard tyre experiences, cars fitted with run-flats must always be paired with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Without TPMS, a driver may be unaware they are running flat until the tyre is destroyed.
4Ride Quality and Cost
The reinforced sidewalls that give run-flat tyres their resilience also make them stiffer than standard tyres, which can result in a slightly harsher ride quality. Run-flat tyres are also significantly more expensive to replace than standard equivalents of the same size.
If your vehicle is fitted with run-flat tyres and you have had a puncture, Bradford Mobile Tyres can source and fit a replacement at your location — including sourcing run-flat-specific models.
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