How Far Can You Drive On Run Flat Tyres?

Run flat tyres are a relatively new vehicle innovation, which are designed to increase driving safety and reduce the risk of accidents.

They are a fantastic way to reduce puncture-related accidents, and are quickly becoming increasingly used across the UK. But, these tyres do have their limitations, in terms of vehicle speed, performance and cost to run.

So, to help you understand more about the benefits of choosing a run flat tyre, and to decide whether they represent the best fit for your vehicle, our experts have shared their complete guide to understanding run flat tyres below.

What is a run flat tyre?

A run flat tyre is a specialist type of tyre, which can continue functioning effectively even after a puncture or a drop in air pressure.

Conventional tyres deflate almost instantaneously when they are punctured. However, run flat tyres (also commonly known as self-supporting tyres) can continue to hold their form. This means that the driver can continue to drive the vehicle for around 50 miles after a puncture has occurred (at a reduced speed).

Run flat tyres are made with either an internal support system or reinforced sidewalls (depending on the manufacturer), which gives it these self-supporting capabilities.

Run flat tyres offer a wide range of benefits including, most importantly, increasing the safety of drivers and passengers.

In the event of a puncture, these tyres allow drivers to continue driving. Not only does this dramatically reduce the risk of a sudden tyre failure, but they mean that drivers don’t need to change their tyres immediately on the roadside.

What is the structure of a run flat tyre, and why are they commonly used as spare tyres?

Run flat tyres have a different structure from standard tyres, as a result of the extra reinforcements that they are built with.

Most run flat tyres come with one or all of the following extra components:

– A support ring or insert – attached to the rim of the tyre, and typically made from rubber or metal
– Reinforced sidewalls – usually made from reinforced rubber, steel or layers of strong fabric
– Bead reinforcements – securing the tyre to the rim

The main reason why run flat tyres are commonly used as spare tyres (instead of traditional spare tyres) is that they reduce the need for inspections and maintenance. With standard spare tyres, you need to inspect and maintain them regularly. But with run flat tyres, vehicle owners need to inspect, maintain and replace them far less regularly.

How long can you drive with a run flat tyre on?

The safe driving distance for a run flat tyre after it has been punctured or otherwise lost a lot of air pressure is usually up to 50 miles (or 80 kilometres).

But, this will depend on a number of factors, including the specific run flat tyre, the extent of the damage, the speed that you are driving at, the weight of the vehicle, and the conditions that you are driving in.

It is important to remember that run flat tyres are not designed to be driven on for extended periods or at a high speed after a puncture.

While they can hold their form for a considerable distance after being punctured, it’s important that you still take action and replace the tyre as soon as it is safe to do so.

Driving on a deflating run flat tyre is only meant to provide a temporary solution, before you can reach a safe place to repair or replace it.

How fast can you drive with a run flat tyre on?

Similarly, run flat tyres should not be driven on at high speeds.

Typically the recommended speed for driving on a run flat tyre is 50 mph (80 km/h) at the maximum. And, this maximum speed is even lower when the tyre has been punctured or is deflated.

Although the recommended speed for run flat tyres may vary between models, run flat tyres are not designed to be used at high speeds.

Exceeding this maximum can increase the risk of damage to the tyre, compromised handling or vehicle performance, and uneven wear.

Are run flat tyres better suited for small / medium vehicles? Should larger vehicles or vans use run flat tyres?

Run flat tyres are available in types to suit a range of different vehicle types, sizes and performance requirements, spanning everything from small vehicles to large vans.

They are, however, particularly popular amongst owners of small vehicles.

This is because run flat tyres remove the need for a spare tyre, making them an ideal choice for small vehicles with limited storage space. Plus, the light weight of these cars means that, in the event of a puncture, the run flat tyre is not put under any additional pressure.

Should larger vehicles or vans use run flat tyres?

Run flat tyres also help to increase the safety of driving a larger vehicle, as they reduce the risks of an accident caused by a sudden tyre failure, and allow the driver to wait till they reach a safe point to change their tyre.

But, in larger vehicles, it is particularly important that the driver carefully chooses a run flat tyre that has an adequate load capacity for the vehicle, plus passengers and its cargo.

Determining whether or not a run flat tyre is suitable for you depends on a wide range of factors, not just the size of your vehicle.

You should also weigh up the increased safety with the added cost of run flat tyres (compared to standard tyres), the slightly compromised comfort, and the need to stick within the recommended driving speed limits.

How can you tell if a tyre is a run flat tyre?

You can tell whether your tyre is a run flat tyre by checking for the following signs:

– Sidewall markings – common examples of markings that denote run flat tyres include run flat, RFT or SSR
– Markings for specific brand names, which indicate a company’s run flat tyre model
– The shape of the tyre (see above for a detailed breakdown of the differences)
– A specification in the Vehicle Owner’s Manual

Alternatively, seek the advice of a professional tyre specialist. They will quickly be able to inform you whether or not your vehicle has a run flat tyre.

And, if you have any further questions about run flat tyres or the best choice of car tyres for your specific vehicles, get in touch with Watling Tyres’ expert team. Find your closest branch with our branch finder.