What are the Pros and Cons of Run Flat Tyres?

Run-flat tyres, as the name suggests, can continue to run even after they’ve been deflated by a puncture. That’s because while normal tyres only retain their shape due to the air pressure in them, the tyre sidewall of a run-flat is specially reinforced so the wheel doesn’t sink to the floor as it normally would.

It’s important to remember that run-flat tyres still need air and should be inflated to the correct air pressure. Their strengthened walls are only designed to get you a short distance to a garage or your home. You’ll also need to reduce your speed because all run-flats have a maximum safe velocity of under 50 or even 30 mph.

Take a look at our guide to tyre speed ratings to learn more about how fast you can go on different tyres.

The main pro of run-flat tyres is that you can drive them (a short distance, at low speeds) after a puncture. That means, if you’re close enough, you can get your vehicle home or to a local, trusted garage. It also means you could get off a motorway, away from heavy traffic or out of an area where you don’t feel safe.

Speaking of safety, with run-flats you’re less likely to have a blowout where the tyre suddenly bursts and controlling the vehicle becomes difficult. Less important but a nice bonus is that, with no spare tyre in the boot, you’ll have more storage space in there.

The main disadvantage is cost. The technology and extra materials needed don’t come cheap, and run-flat tyres are between half again and twice as much as normal tyres. Adding to this is the fact that most tyre fitters won’t repair run-flats, so you’ll always have to pay for a replacement tyre.

Another shortcoming of run-flats is that it can be difficult to tell if you have a flat tyre because they don’t look deflated. That’s why run-flat tyres are usually only fitted to cars with an electronic monitor that warns you if there’s a sudden loss of tyre pressure. Plus, while run-flats can offer convenience, that stops being the case if you’re on a longer trip and your puncture happens at a time when garages are closed.

In short, probably not. Even though run-flats are expensive, they make roadside tyre changes a thing of the past, and that’s really their strongest selling point. It’s also wise to stick with the tyres your car was set up to drive on, or the handling will likely be affected.

Also, if you do get a normal spare, where will you store it? There’s no designated area in the boot if your car was designed with run-flats so you’d be losing storage space, and don’t forget you’ll need all the equipment to change the tyre too. Of course, you could always buy emergency tyre sealant and an inflator instead, but these don’t always work and still don’t stop you having to deal with the problem at the side of the road.

Run-flat tyres are an innovation that could stop you from being inconvenienced and possibly even save your life. They’re expensive, but we think the pros outweigh the cons and you’re best to stay with what your car was set up to drive on.