Runflat tyres are very similar in construction to a standard tyre with the added extra rubber in the side wall (see image below) to allow the tyre to self support even with zero pressure in it.
Benefits:
- Peace of mind: You can continue to drive with Run-Flat tyres with zero pressure up to 50 miles at a speed of 50mph, allowing you to get to a convenient stopping place or garage on your tyre with zero pressure in it, as changing a tyre in some circumstances can be extremely dangerous.
- Vehicles fitted with runflats will have tyre pressure monitoring system, notifying you that your tyre is loosing pressure before its totally flat. You should check your pressures straight away if this warning is displayed.
- You don’t need a spare tyre or wheel or a jack, meaning Run-Flat tyres allow vehicle manufacturers to reduce materials.
- Additional boot space where the spare tyre would normally be.
- Reduced vehicle weight as no spare is required
Disadvantages:
- If the tyre is damaged rendering it unusable you will not have a spare and will have to call a mobile tyre service come and rescue you.
- In most cases runflat tyres are more expensive.
- Runflat tyres cannot be repaired* because its impossible to see what internal damage has been sustained while driving on it with zero pressure.
- As part of your vehicles suspension relies on the flexing of the sidewall runflats are a harder, more uncomfortable ride, although tyre companies are now working hard to rectify this.
*Pure Tyre’s company policy is that we do not repair any runflat tyre because the hidden damage cannot be seen, if repaired could potentially put you and other road uses in danger. Some runflat tyres also state on the sidewall that they must not be repaired.