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  • Writer's pictureSophia Dee

Run Flat Tyres Guide

A run-flat tire allows you to continue driving for a while after it has been objectively punctured. With the aim of getting you to a safe place rather than getting stuck and struggling. Their unique design also minimizes the possibility of a rapid, explosive loss of tire pressure - commonly known as a blowout. Especially for Run Flat Tyres, Nottingham centers in London. In this article, we will discuss Run Flat Tyres and everything about it.

Difference between run-flat and conventional tires?

With conventional tires, your car relies on the air in the tires. When this air is primarily allowed to escape, the tire collapses and puts stress on the rest of the vehicle's components.

Run-flat tires are much heavier because they have reinforced sidewalls and solid rubber inserts. The tire will thus temporarily support the weight of your car after a puncture.

Overall, the benefits of run-flat tires are number one. They cannot get fixed, are more expensive to replace, and are not as readily available as regular tires.

Types of run-flat tires

Different manufacturers use different technologies in their run-flat tires. There are two basic types of run-flat tire systems:

  1. Self-supporting: generally feature a stiffer, stronger, reinforced sidewall construction. It consists of layers of rubber and heat-resistant cord. This prevents the sidewalls from folding or crumpling under pressure.

  2. The support ring - also known as auxiliary support, consists of a hard rubber support ring attached to the wheel.

How does a run-flat tire work?

Despite the fact that they are primarily made differently. Run-flat tires must still be slightly inflated with air and function. Just like regular tires to support and distribute the vehicle's weight. They will lose air when punctured, but due to their structural support. You will hardly notice any tire leakage.

Therefore, vehicles are mostly equipped with run-flat tires as Original Equipment (OE). That includes a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that detects loss of air pressure and warns the driver on the center console.

Run-flat tire use

You should always ask your vehicle manufacturer or tire supplier for advice on how to properly use run-flat tires.

  • After a puncture - reduce your driving speed. Check the tire manufacturer's specification for the distance you should be able to travel and at what speed. For example, Bridgestone says their run-flats can continue for up to 80km at a top speed of 80km/h. But this depends on the driving speed and conditions, as well as the load on the car, so it is better to stay well below the maximum.

  • Pumping – and maintaining proper air pressure is essential and must be properly done as often as with conventional tires.

  • Changing to conventional tires is possible. But check with the car manufacturer or dealer for written confirmation. Some manufacturers do not recommend this as it could affect the handling of the car. If you decide to replace it, make sure you have a spare tire in your car.

  • Replacement of conventional tires - should only be properly done on vehicles equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system.

  • Mixing tires and brands – should be regularly avoided as much as possible. As run-flat and regular tires offer different characteristics. Tire brands also have their own dynamics and behave differently.

  • Repairing run-flats - generally not recommended in the long term as the strength of the tire may have been cautiously compromised. However, you can have small punctures temporarily repaired in the same way as regular tires.

  • Regular maintenance - not much different as the tread wear rate and lifespan is similar to regular tires.

  • Assembly and disassembly - must be primarily done carefully and by an expert.

No matter what tires your car is somewhat equipped with, safety is the most important consideration. Keep your tires in good condition with regular alignments and wheel balances. And also you can find more guides for cheap Tyres Nottingham and other towns.

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