If you’re worried about getting a puncture, perhaps because of concerns about your safety, then run-flat tyres are worth considering.
Run-flat tyres have either a reinforced sidewall or additional internal structure to support the tyre in a deflated condition.
- Test drive run-flat tyres first as the ride may be firmer
- Run-flat tyres are more expensive and harder to get repaired
If you do get a puncture in a run-flat tyre you might not notice, particularly on a motorway, because the ride quality will be very similar to normal. This is why run-flat tyres are always fitted together with a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
Your handbook will tell you about any restrictions on use if you do get a puncture.
- Expect at least 50 miles range, depending on load, at speeds up to 50 mph.
- Get the tyre renewed or repaired as soon as possible.
- If you’re replacing a run-flat tyre, then new one should be the same make.
- You’ll need to reset the TPMS, once the new tyres fitted, by following the steps in your handbook.
We provide 24/7 roadside assistance.
Repairing run-flats
Inspecting a tyre internally to make sure it’s safe to repair is a basic principle of tyre repair.
- The repairer will consider the damage and condition of the tyre taking into account the position of the puncture and the extent of any secondary damage – damage that has occurred as a result of running in a deflated condition.
- If you’ve got run-flat tyres then you’re likely to have driven on the 'flat' tyre at speed for a considerable distance following a puncture.
- The construction of run-flat tyres can make it difficult to identify any secondary damage.
Even though run-flat tyre repair kits are available to the trade, many repairers may be reluctant or simply refuse to repair a puncture in a run-flat tyre.
3 February 2017