Written by: Auto

4 Facts About Run-Flat Tires You Should Know

How much do you know about run-flat tires? Learn the key facts about run-flat tires, from their construction to their durability and popularity!

4 Facts About Run-Flat Tires You Should Know

One of the most impressive innovations in tire history is the run-flat tire. However, people still don’t know many things about this tire, despite it being more popular than ever. Below, we detail some facts about fun-flat tires you should know, from how useful they are to their construction and more.

There Are Two Types of Run-Flat Tires

While we typically think of run-flat tires as a uniform design, there’s more than one type. Run-flat tires are either self-supporting or contain a support ring.

Self-supporting run-flat tires feature a reinforced sidewall construction that can support the vehicle even when there’s a loss of air pressure in the tire. On the other hand, run-flat tires with support rings employ a ring of hard rubber (or another material) around the rim that can support the vehicle’s weight in the event of air loss. Self-sealing run-flat tires also exist, but they’re more advanced and expensive and less common than the other two.

Run-Flat Tires Can Operate for Miles With a Puncture

Another fact about run-flat tires you should know is they can travel many miles with little to no air pressure in the tire. This isn’t surprising given their name, but many drivers assume they’re useful for only a few miles. They’re much more capable than that.

The duration of a run-flat tire’s use without air pressure depends on the specific model type, vehicle weight, and speed. However, the standard bar for most is 50 miles at up to 50 miles per hour. While there are pros and cons of run-flat tires, they definitely offer a safety advantage. With that kind of durability and longevity, these tires give drivers enough time to find the nearest service center, tire shop, or safe place to change the tire themselves.

Roughly 1/6 of New Cars Come With Run-Flat Tires

While people consider run-flat tires unique and relatively rare in automotive circles, these tires are far more common. Approximately 15 percent, or roughly one out of every six new vehicles, comes with run-flat tires. They are especially popular with luxury automakers like Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac, and BMW because they’re more expensive than typical tires. Plus, they eliminate the need to include a spare.

Run-Flat Tires Save Weight and Space on Your Vehicle

As we mentioned, having run-flat tires offers indirect advantages to the vehicle and the driver, like not needing to keep a spare tire in the trunk or on the vehicle. While that may not seem a big deal, it significantly benefits the vehicle’s cargo space and fuel efficiency. Over the many miles of the vehicle’s lifespan, several fewer pounds translate to more than a few bucks saved in gas.

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Last modified: September 26, 2023