Run-flat tires

Run-flat tires (RF tires or “run flats”) are a type of tire designed to allow you to keep driving temporarily after a puncture or loss of air pressure, so that you can reach a safe location for a full repair. Whether driving on the highway or locally, a flat tire can be inconvenient or even create a dangerous situation for you and other drivers, hence the rise in popularity for RF tires.

Tires go flat from a loss in air pressure to the point where the tire deflates. This is a problem because the air pressure in the tire is a huge contributor to its ability to carry weight, explains Discount Tire. In a traditional tire, driving on a flat can risk further tire damage, cause your rims to warp, and ultimately lead to unsafe driving conditions by seriously impairing the car’s steering, says Tires Plus.

Run-flat tires are made to maintain their shape even if they lose air pressure. RF tires achieve this through one of several designs.

Self-supporting run-flat tires

These are the most common type and are built with reinforced sidewalls that can support the weight of the vehicle after a loss of air pressure, says Tires Easy. The materials used in these tires are specially designed to resist heat buildup and retain their structural integrity under stress, allowing you to drive on a flat tire for some distance.

Self-sealing

Self-sealing tires have an inner silicone lining that automatically closes small punctures in the tire tread, according to Popular Science. This sealant is applied preemptively during the manufacturing process for in-the-moment protection. These tires do not have the same structural integrity as a self-supporting RF tire, meaning they cannot sustain significant damage to the sidewall or more significant damage to the tread.

Auxiliary support systems

Auxiliary support systems work through a support ring that is attached to the wheel to carry the vehicle’s weight if the tire loses it, explains Tire Rack. This type of RF tire is less common in consumer vehicles.

Run-flat tires have a few benefits over traditional tires in the event of an emergency:

1. RF tires allow you to keep driving when your tire loses air pressure. This can help you get your car to a safer location to call roadside assistance or address your vehicle with a more permanent solution.
2. Greater control of your vehicle if you lose pressure suddenly by supporting the car’s weight even when your tire has lost its air pressure entirely, according to tires easy.
3. Improved handling and stability when you’re behind the wheel because RF tires have a more rigid sidewall.
4. You can free up storage space by getting rid of your spare tire when using RF tires, and it may help improve gas mileage from the weight reduction, according to U.S. News.

Run-flat tires can make a huge difference in an emergency but that does not mean they are perfect. J.D. Power explains some of the biggest cons include:

1. Run-flat tires are typically at least 25% more expensive than traditional tires.
2. The rigid sidewalls may lead to worse performance and less smooth handling.
3. Run-flat tires are often not repairable after a puncture.

Also, if you prefer a certain tire type, model, or brand, a comparable RFT may not be available, depending on your car and desired specs.

Once you’ve made it to a safe location on your RF tire, you might be wondering how to approach a repair and if you can patch your run-flat tire after a puncture. Unfortunately, they often need to be replaced entirely. You should always refer to your specific model of the tire and a service professional before attempting a repair.

For self-supporting tires, you can drive under 50 miles no faster than 50 miles per hour. Self-sealing tires will automatically seal for minor damage to the tire tread, meaning you can drive normally. If you lose too much air pressure, then you’ll need an immediate repair to continue driving.

Generally speaking, when you get a flat it is best to replace all four tires to help ensure that your tires have a similar amount of wear and tear according to Consumer Reports. In this case, you can consider replacing your run-flat tires with a traditional set if you’d prefer it.

Buying a full set of new tires may be expensive. In some cases, you may be able to replace just one or two of your tires, but it all comes down to tire health. As you drive, your tires naturally wear down over time this reduces the health of the tread on your tire which reduces your grip on the road. However, if you were considering replacing just one or two tires, it’s generally not recommended to mix and match different types of tires, explains Tire Rack.

If you have 70% or above of tire health, you can replace just one tire of the same type as the other three. If you are closer to halfway through the life of your tire, you can opt to replace two tires, the damaged one, and the one opposite of it according to Consumer Reports. In this case, you should replace it with the same type of tire as the others.

All vehicles made after 2007 come with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Make sure that if you change tires the tire pressure monitoring system is synced up with them to ensure you’re always aware of the condition of your tire while driving.

Additionally, some vehicles that use run-flat tires come equipped with mechanisms to compensate for the potential impact of the tire design to ride comfort. Some of these adjustments may make replacing your tires with traditional tires more complicated. Always refer to your vehicle’s documentation to confirm that traditional tires are suitable for your vehicle.

Run-flat tires offer significant advantages in terms of safety and convenience, but like any other tire, they require proper maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity, explains Bridgestone Tire. By following the right maintenance practices, you can extend the lifespan of your run-flat tires and ensure they perform as expected in the event of a puncture.

Regular tire inspections

One of the most important aspects of maintaining run-flat tires is conducting regular inspections. Since run-flat tires are designed to keep you driving even after a puncture, it's essential to check them frequently for any signs of damage or wear. Look for visible cracks, bulges, or uneven tread wear, which could indicate that the tire is compromised. Even minor issues can escalate quickly if not addressed, so it's best to inspect your tires at least once a month, or before any long trips.

Monitoring tire pressure

The main advantage of run-flat tires is their ability to be driven without proper air pressure. This makes it all the more vital that you monitor your air pressure to ensure that you are not driving on uninflated tires. If applicable, make sure that your tire pressure monitoring system is working properly as a component of your regular maintenance regimen.

Rotating your tires

Tire rotation is a standard maintenance practice for all tires, including run-flats. Regularly rotating your tires helps ensure even tread wear across all four tires, which can extend their lifespan and maintain consistent handling. Typically, tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 7,000 miles, but always refer to your vehicle’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendations. Failure to rotate run-flat tires regularly can result in uneven wear, reducing the distance you can travel on a flat tire.

Aligning and balancing

Proper wheel alignment and balancing are essential for the longevity of your run-flat tires. Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tire wear, reducing the effectiveness of the run-flat design and potentially compromising safety. If you notice your vehicle pulling to one side or experiencing vibration while driving, it may be time for an alignment or balancing check. Regular alignment and balancing can prevent premature tire wear and ensure that your vehicle handles properly.

Even though run-flat tires are durable, they are not immune to wear and tear. Most run-flat tires are designed to last between 30,000 to 50,000 miles, depending on driving conditions and how well they are maintained, says tires easy. Also, since there’s a wide variety of RF tires, you should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on when to replace them.

However, if you’ve driven on a run-flat tire after a puncture, it’s generally recommended to replace it, as the structural integrity may be compromised.

Like regular tires, you should check the tread depth regularly. If it falls below 2/32 of an inch, it’s time to replace the tires says Bridgestone Tire. Additionally, consider replacing run-flat tires if you notice persistent issues such as frequent pressure loss, sidewall damage, or irregular wear patterns. It’s also important to replace all four tires if you’re switching from run-flat to regular tires to ensure balanced handling and performance.