Run-flat tyres are a relatively new tyre technology that makes the inconvenience of a flat tyre less of a hassle, and less dangerous.

Run-flat tyres are, as the name suggests, able to run flat. If your tyre suffers a puncture - whether there’s a sudden or gradual loss in pressure - the tyre will be safe to continue to drive on.

Need help choosing the right run-flat tyres for your car? Discover more below or get in touch with your nearest Beaurepaires store.

How do run-flat tyres work?

Run-flat tyres are able to run flat due to the design of the tyre, which makes driving on a flat tyre safe. Run-flat tyres can carry the weight of your vehicle for a short period, despite a partial or total loss of air pressure.

Most run-flat tyres typically can be driven on at 80km/h for 80km. This means you can easily navigate to the nearest petrol station, technician, or somewhere safe for you to eventually replace the tyre or seek tyre repair assistance.

Why are run-flat tyres a safe choice?

At one stage or another, most motorists will inevitably face the inconvenience of a puncture or flat tyre.

Changing tyres can be dangerous, whether it’s because you suffer the puncture on a freeway, during bad weather, or don’t have the correct equipment at hand.

Tyre failure at high speed is also especially dangerous. A blowout or rupture of the sidewall of the tyre can result in a complete loss of control of your vehicle.

Run-flat tyres enable you to drive a little longer on a flat tyre, keeping you safe until you’re able to replace it.

Types of run-flat tyres

There are two categories of run-flat tyres, although the idea behind both of them is the same. The two types are:

  • Run-flat tyres with strengthened sidewalls (most common)
  • Run-flat tyres with internal support rings of either rubber or another material mounted on the inside of the wheel rim

Tyre manufacturers have adopted these two approaches, among others, but the idea behind both is to ensure the longevity of your vehicle and safety of you and your passengers.

What are the limitations of run-flat tyres?

Run-flat tyres have a host of pros and cons, and customers wonder if run-flat tyres are better than normal tyres. So you can make the best tyre choice, here are some of the limitations of run-flat tyres you should be aware of:

Speed and distance limits: typically, most run-flat tyres can be driven on at 80km/h for 80km. You should assess if this is best suited to your needs, or if a regular spare is better.

Higher resistance: because run-flat tyres are reinforced, they’re generally heavier than normal tyres. Your motor will need to work harder as a result, and this may impact the fuel economy of your vehicle.

Fewer tyre options: there has been increased demand for run-flat tyres, and as a result, there are more options on the market. However, in comparison to regular tyres, your options are far more limited.

Fewer vehicle options: generally speaking, run-flat technology is pre-built into a vehicle. Therefore, if your vehicle came with run-flat tyres as standard, your car has been designed to suit these tyres, and you should continue to fit them. If your vehicle has not been designed to be compatible with run-flat tyres, then you won’t be able to fit them.

Can I repair run-flat tyres?

Whether a run-flat tyre is repairable depends on the tyre manufacturer, and the specifics of the tyre. Some are repairable, some are not.

If you need specific advice regarding the repairability of your run-flat tyres, please get in touch with a Beaurepaires technician.

What is a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System?

A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is found in many modern vehicles. It detects when there is a loss of pressure in a tyre or tyres, and alerts the driver.

An alert may signal to the driver that air pressure is low in the tyre due to general use, or it may indicate that you have suffered a puncture. You should consult a technician to determine the cause of the issue.

Given run-flat tyres are designed to minimise the feeling of a flat tyre, the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System is essential to notify you that there is a problem.

If you get an alert, you should be driving no more than 80km/h, for 80km (unless the tyre manufacturer specifies otherwise) from the time of the alert. This will give you sufficient time to navigate to the nearest petrol station, technician, or somewhere safe to replace the tyre or seek tyre repair assistance.

How much do run-flat tyres cost?

The cost of run-flat tyres varies depending on the manufacturer, as well as the specific tyre you fit to your vehicle.

To receive an accurate quote, you can shop the range of Beaurepaires tyres here, or get in touch.

Wondering if you can fit run-flat tyres to your car, or need help choosing the right run-flat tyres for your vehicle? Drop into your nearest Beaurepaires store for an assessment.