Driving without run-flat tyres

One Stop Tyre Centre
3 min readJun 10, 2021

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Many drivers across the globe feel that run-flat car tyres are extremely costly to purchase in comparison to traditional tyres. Some say that they do not offer a good ride and others feel they are not worth their price.

However, what could be the consequences of not fitting run-flat car tyres the next time you are seeking to replace your tyre? According to experts, this would not be a great idea to undertake.

What would happen if you drive without run-flat tyres?

A puncture, while you are driving your car or even heading out for a meeting, could be frightening. It is also very common to experience a puncture on roads with multiple potholes. It could be a frightening experience for some especially in weather conditions or circumstances that may not be that good. This is the time when run-flat car tyres could be of real use. While owning traditional car tyres might just leave you stranded on the side of the road, run-flat car tyres would control your brakes and steering. This would provide you with sufficient time to look out for a secure place to change your tyre. Switching from a run-flat tyre with a traditional car tyre would be compromising on this luxury.

Are run-flat tyres more costly?

Run-flat car tyres are indeed more costly than conventional car tyres, but you could definitely pay that much extra for your safety. Big manufacturers like Mercedes and MINI adapt the car’s suspension to function in collaboration with run-flat car tyres. To summarise, the positives of run-flat car tyres Tamworth are much more than their disadvantages.

What happens if you plan not to purchase run-flat car tyres for your car?

The most persistent issue is that of buying a spare tyre and wheel without you having any extra space to keep them. The area in the car’s boot has been utilised by the manufacturer for other things, where ideally the spare should have been kept. The best way to deal with this is to purchase a compressor and a sealant for tyres, and wish that they can fix a tiny puncture.

Is it possible to mix regular car tyres and run-flat car tyres?

It is not right to mix the two different kinds of tyres. Run-flat car tyres are only installed on those new vehicles that have a system to monitor the air pressure of the tyres. Whereas, a vehicle with a regular tyre might not put forth such a condition. Without a TPMS, you may never get to know about a puncture that is taking place on your car. In case you want a low-cost alternative to run-flat car tyres, you would require purchasing four or maybe five, including the spare tyre too.

Would the car insurer need to be informed if you change your run-flat tyres with other types of tyres?

Yes, you must inform your insurer as it is counted as a change of material in the configuration of the car. The suspension of the car would require being refined to be able to function in association with the features of a run-flat tyre, in terms of comfort and safety. The vehicle’s collision-resistant aids for the driver, such as the electronic control of the chassis, anti-braking system, and skid-resistant sensors are engineered to function with a run-flat car tyre.

Finally, there could be problems with the warranty of the car. It could have an impact on the appeal or resale value of the car and any announcement should clarify it is not being driven on the tyres originally mentioned by the manufacturer.

Hence, before indulging in the process of tyre fitting, you must consult an expert who would make you understand the pros and cons of why to not switch from a run-flat car tyre to the standard ones.

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