Have you ever considered what you would do if you had a flat tyre on a busy highway or in the middle of nowhere? Run flat tyres were designed to take the stress out of these frustrating and potentially risky situations. If you’re wondering what are run flat tyres, why they’ve become so popular, and whether they have any downsides, this guide will explore their benefits, drawbacks, and whether they’re a good fit for you. Let’s get started!
Why Are Run Flat Tyres Gaining Popularity?
Run flat tyres are quickly gaining popularity with drivers and car manufacturers, and it’s easy to see why. These tyres offer a perfect mix of safety and convenience, giving you extra confidence on the road. Here’s what makes them stand out:
- Reinforced sidewalls: Run flat tyres can support a car's weight even when there is a loss of air pressure. Your vehicle will run at reduced speeds for 80 kilometres before you need to stop for a flat tyre repair.
- Improved safety: Regular tyres lose their air pressure quickly when they’re punctured, leading to dangerous driving conditions, as your car may pull to one side. Run flats create a safer drive by ensuring you don’t lose control of your vehicle.
- No dangerous roadside stops: With run flat tyres, you can continue driving to your nearest Tyrepower shop, instead of needing to stop on the side of a busy road.
Why Should You Consider Run Flat Tyres?
Run flat tyres provide essential safety support during your driving emergencies. Here’s how run flat tyres can give you peace of mind:
- Safety during blowouts: Your tyres can suddenly burst while driving due to factors like punctures and over or under-inflation. When you’re not using run flat tyres, a blowout can be extremely dangerous, especially at high speeds. Run flat tyres are designed to support your vehicle, even when deflated, so you can drive to a safe location for expert repairs.
- No need to stop immediately: You’ll need to promptly pull over if any of your regular tyres becomes flat. Ideally, this will happen in a safe, populated area, but you can never guarantee this. Having run flat tyres means that you can choose where you stop and have time to reach a Tyrepower store for professional tyre repair.
- Perfect for city driving: Run flat tyres are an excellent choice for people who mainly drive in urban areas. With an 80-kilometre driving range after a puncture, you’ll easily make it to a nearby Tyrepower store for expert assistance.
Challenges of Using Run Flat Tyres
Although run flat tyres come with these great advantages, there are a few downsides you should know about before deciding if they’re the right fit for you.
- Compatible wheels: Your vehicle must be fitted with wheels suitable for run flat tyres, as compatible wheels are different in the bead area to retain a deflated tyre.
- Your vehicle must have a TPMS: A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System is necessary if you choose to have run flat tyres. It allows you to accurately monitor any loss of tyre pressure and be alerted if a tyre has deflated.
- Higher cost: Run flat tyres are more expensive than regular tyres. If a run flat tyre cannot be repaired, it will need to be replaced, increasing the overall cost.
- Ride comfort: The tougher sidewalls that make run flats so durable can also make the ride feel firmer, which some people find less enjoyable compared to regular tyres.
- Limited range: The 80-kilometre range after a puncture is generally fine for city driving, but if you’re travelling through remote areas or over rougher terrain, it might not be enough to reach help.
Are Run Flat Tyres Suitable for Australian Drivers?
The tyres you choose need to be suitable for the conditions you typically drive in and how you drive. Whether run flat tyres are the right fit for you comes down to your lifestyle, location, and your habits behind the wheel.
- City and suburban drivers: If most of your driving is in urban areas where tyre shops are easy to find, run flats are an excellent option. Their safety features and convenience make them perfect for everyday commutes driving shorter distances.
- Outback or long-distance drivers: People who drive regularly on long journeys through remote locations should consider other tyre options instead of run flats. In these cases where you can’t easily reach tyre repair professionals, a standard tyre plus a spare makes more sense.
- Sports car enthusiasts: Run flats are a popular pick for high-performance vehicles. They help reduce weight, improve efficiency, and enhance handling, which is why they’re often chosen for sports cars.
Choose Tyrepower for Expert Advice on Run Flat Tyres
At Tyrepower, we’re passionate about helping drivers make the right choice when it comes to run flat tyres. Whether you’re thinking about switching to run flats or just need some advice on keeping them in great shape, you can count on us. Don’t leave your safety to chance.
Visit your nearest Tyrepower store or give us a call to chat with one of our tyre experts. We’ll make sure you’re ready for the road ahead, no matter where you’re headed.
