Run Flat Tyres

A flat tyre always happens at a bad time or in a bad place. With run flat tyres, you can stop safely, under control, and then move to a safe location where a new tyre can be fitted.

What are run flat tyres?

Run flat tyres are tyres that keep the vehicle under control after a puncture and can allow the car to run for a limited distance at lower speed even at zero pressure. They carry the weight of the car thanks to their significantly strengthened sidewall. They also have specially designed beads to prevent a tyre from separating from the wheel.

In case of a puncture, the reinforced sidewall of the run-flat tyres makes sure you can drive on for about 80 kilometres, at a maximum speed of 80 km/h.

What are the main benefits of run-flat tyres?

1. Safer

• You can still control the vehicle when there is a sudden loss of air pressure.
• You don’t need to change the tyre on a busy road or the hard shoulder.
• Tyre failure with normal tyres, especially at high speed, is a dangerous situation because you can lose control of your car. RFTs, however, are designed to keep the tyre beads securely anchored to the rim of the wheel so you won’t lose steering control.

2. Comfortable

• You don’t need to change the tyre immediately and you can drive on quietly and comfortably for another 80 kilometres, at a speed of approximately 80 km/h.
• You have more space because you don’t need to keep a spare tyre in the boot.

3. Economical

• You don’t need to carry a spare tyre so you save energy, space and weight.
• It also saves on raw materials, which makes it environmentally friendly.

Can all cars be equipped with run-flat tyres?

Tyre manufacturers strongly recommend to fit run flat tyres on a vehicle that is originally equipped with run flat tyres (either standard or as an option). Vehicles fitted with run flat tyres (standard or optional) must always be equipped with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). As soon as there is a drop in tyre pressure of one of the tyres, the system will alert you. This means you need to drive more slowly, no more than 80 km/h. Motorvation Northampton can give you all the necessary information.

Do run flat tyres need to be checked?

Yes, you should have them regularly checked for punctures, wear or damage, just like any other tyre. Remember to check the pressure once a month as the TPMS often does not react to the slow leak of air that naturally occurs over the course of a number of weeks. TPMS is a warning system but not a guarantee for correct tyre pressure.