Run Flat Tires


Run flat tires are designed to withstand the effects of deflation when punctured. Most flat tires are caused by slow leaks. With run flat tires, drivers can withstand punctures and remain on the road. Depending on the tire, some Run flat options allow you to travel at 55 mph for up to 100 miles.

Run flat tires offer drivers several benefits. The most important reason to purchase run flat tires is safety. Run flats deliver protection from high-speed freeway blowouts and surprise flat tires. With run flat tires you have the convenience of changing your tires where you want to, not on the side of highway.

Run flat tires also eliminate the need for a spare tire. By removing the spare, manufacturers have more space for storage and additional features. Removing the spare also eliminates weight from the automobile, improving fuel efficiency, handling and braking. Many run flat tires are also equipped with pressure monitoring technology that notifies drivers when their tires are losing air.

There are three run flat options: Self-Supporting, Self-Sealing, and Auxiliary Supported.

Self-Supporting

Self-SupportingSelf-supporting run flat tires are engineered with stiff sidewalls that can carry the weight of a vehicle without air. The sidewalls are constructed with layers of rubber and head resistant cords to keep the tires from bending under the strain of an automobile. Self-supporting run flat tires also feature specialized beads that keep the tire attached to the wheel. With most self-supporting run flat tires,drivers can travel at 55 mph for 50 miles. Self-supporting run flats come equipped with air pressure warnings that notify drivers when their tires are deflating.

Self-Sealing

Self-SealingSelf-sealing run flat tires feature a puncture sealing extra lining under the tread area. The puncture sealant fixes most tread punctures permanently and instantly. Self-sealing run flat tires can withstand punctures from objects as large as 3/16th of an inch in diameter. If a self-sealing run flat cannot repair the hole, the air will release more slowly than a punctured standard radial. Self-sealing run flat tires do not need pressure-monitoring technology because they have the same signs of deflation as a traditional tire.

Auxiliary Support

Auxiliary supported run flat systems resist deflation through a combination of specialty engineered wheels and tires. When the tire loses air pressure, the tire attaches to a support ring on the wheel. By placing most of the strain of the automobile on the wheel, an auxiliary supported systemis potentially the safest run flat technology because wheel are typically stronger than tires. Auxiliary systems also deliver a more comfortable ride than the other run flat options because the tire sidewalls are the same as standard tires.