Back in the early ‘90s, run flat tyres were used commonly in small sports cars, which didn’t have the capacity to house a full-size spare wheel. However, in 2020, manufacturers such as BMW, Mercedes, and MINI have all started prominently using the rubber compound technology.
Not only do run flats save space in the boot as a spare wheel is no longer a necessity, their ability to drive up to 50 miles after incurring a puncture means motorists don’t need to be worried about getting stranded at the side of the road.
Although approximately 12 to 14 per cent of all new cars come with run flats as standard, they are still a considerably unknown concept. Many drivers across the globe are still unsure about how they work, and how they should be used.
However, we’re here to help with our definitive run flat do's and don’ts guide…
Do's
Plan your journey
Yes, run flat tyres are designed to help you avoid the rather inconvenient situation of getting stuck in the middle of the countryside if you happen to get a puncture.
However, if you know you’re going to be driving long routes along desolate roads, we would advise keeping a spare, just in case, as run flats will only provide you with a certain amount of leeway once deflated.
Know your limits
No manufacturer is the same and some will have different guidelines in regard to how to use their run flats. Before setting off on a journey, consult with your owner’s manual, or alternatively contact the manufacturer. This will help you plan your journeys accordingly.
Keep driving beyond the manufacturers recommended post puncture mileage limit and it is likely you will cause considerable damage.
A deflated run flat tyre generates lots of heat and despite the fact they are fitted with cooling fins, after 50 miles these fins are virtually obsolete, and the tyre will begin to melt internally.
Keep your tyres topped up
Just like standard, conventional tyres, keeping optimum air pressure in a run flat will help extend its overall usable life. Not only will it reduce the likelihood of receiving a puncture, it will enhance fuel economy and lessen braking distance.
Dont's
Fit run flats to a vehicle without a tyre pressure monitoring system.
Many people often question, “If run flats are so good, then how do I know whether I’ve got a puncture or not?”. The answer to this question is, without a tyre pressure monitoring system, you won’t know until it’s too late.
The strengthened sidewall supports help to ensure that the driving experience is virtually unchanged after run flats receive a puncture. The tyre pressure monitoring system however, delivers a message to the driver through a dashboard light which signifies a loss in air pressure almost immediately.
Forget about the rim
Although run flats do their job proficiently in the case of a puncture or abrasion to the rubber compound, a bent rim is a bent rim. If you’ve collided against a kerb with your alloy, chances are the damage will extend beyond the tyre.
Think your invincible just because you have run flats
Yes, run flats will help considerably reduce the possibility of a blowout occurring, but it’s still feasible. Driving recklessly with run flats will pose equally as much risk as it does with conventional tyres.
Mix run flats with conventional tyres
Many people ask if you can mix run flat tyres with normal tyres. Despite the fact that there is no laws against mixing run flats with standard tyres, doing so can limit the control a driver has over their vehicle. Each class of tyre has different handling characteristics, therefore mixing them can result in a loss of traction.
Swap out your run flats for conventional tyres without adding a jack and a spare
If you do choose to change your run flat tyres to conventional tyres, remember to put a jack and a spare in your car, otherwise you could end up in a seriously disastrous situation.
Run flat tyres are being used more prominently across the entirety of the automotive market now. Therefore, touching up on some of the do’s and don’ts such as the ones mentioned here, is crucial before getting behind the wheel.
Discover more tips and advice in regard to tyre advice for your vehicle.