Run Flat Tires

What You Need To Know About Run Flat Tires

Run flat tires are a specially designed type of tire that is made to allow drivers to continue driving even when the tires start to lose pressure. They are pneumatic vehicle tires that are made using pressurized gas so they take longer to go down.

With run flat tires you can continue to drive at a lower speed for a certain distance depending on the type of tire you have for your vehicle. Generally this should be quite sufficient to get you to a tire shop or a service station to get it fixed. With run flat tires, you will no longer need to be stranded in the middle of nowhere or be forced to change flat tires along dangerous highway shoulders.

Run flat tires are also commonly used in emergency vehicles, security and armored vehicles. Some run flat tires perform to a better standard than normal tires due to their material and size, thus promoting the feel of a better drive. They also save space as you won't have to carry a spare wheel.

How Run Flat Tires Work

Run flat tires are made using a self-supporting technology, which means that when there is zero pressure within the tire they can continue to work and support the weight of the vehicle. They have a self-supporting safety ring inside the tire which has foam lining, and this adds to the weight of these tires. They also have an extra inner lining that is self repair so if car is punctured it will be repaired immediately by the self sealing lining, or if too severe it will at least lose air very slowly.

Run flat tires are used with a tire pressure monitoring system so the driver can keep check on the pressure. In the event that a puncture does occur they will know that they need to drive more carefully and limit their speed.

Where To Get Run Flat Tires

Run flat tires are a lot more costly than standard tires but could save you money in the long run. You won't need to repair or replace tires as often and taking away the need for a spare tire will mean your vehicle will be lighter, thus using less fuel and being more cost effective.

There are a number of brands of run flat tires on the market including Michelin, Bridgestone and Firestone. You can search for the best deal in your area on these different brands of run flat tires on websites such as Tire Plus. They can help find a supplier or garage in your local area that will supply and fit the tires safely for you.

As run flat tires are more expensive than standard tires, this new revolutionary technology in the tire industry is yet to fully take off but this is set to change. It is estimated that this will rise in the next 3 years with a lot of car manufacturers opting to use these in their production. This also comes with our ever-increasing need for safety and security. BMW and Mini Cooper now strongly promote these tires. As with other industries, the tire industry is continuing to adapt and change and it's very possible that most cars will be fitted with these types of tires in the future.