Run Flat Tires

I think we can all agree when I say that a flat tire is a bad day for anyone who has to deal with the aftermath. Sometimes we forget how efficient and handy our vehicles are until we are faced with a situation like this. Luckily, tire researchers have recently developed a tire that can temporarily withstand instances where standard tires could not. These tires are called run flat tires.

As I’ve mentioned in a previous article, most flat tires are results of slow leaks that go unnoticed. Over time your tire will eventually deflate. New cars are enabled with TPMS, or tire pressure monitoring systems, that will warn the driver of a situation like this. And if these newer cars had tires that could temporarily allow you to drive your vehicle to a safer, more convenient location if your tire is punctured, you’d feel pretty safe knowing that. Well now there are three ways to do this. Your options include: self-sealing tires, self-supporting tires or tires supported by an auxiliary system. What does that mean? Good question, I will explain below.

Self-Sealing tires are exactly like most normal tires aside from an extra lining on the inside of the tire. This lining is coated with a substance that has the ability to permanently seal a small puncture from objects like nails and screws. The liner seals around the object while it is in the tire and immediately fills in the hole once the object is removed. Remember, this self-sealing tire is only designed to withhold small punctures; there is still a risk of a flat tire if a large puncture occurs. But in many cases people are probably not even aware that anything ever entered their tire since no air is lost.

Self-Supporting tires speak for themselves. They have a stiffer internal structure that can carry your vehicle even after your tire has lost all of its air pressure. Physically this is done by layering pieces of rubber between the corded materials in tires, preventing the cord from breaking in the event of rapid air loss. Because of their capability, self-supporting tires should only be partnered with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). The TPMS is necessary because the driver may not even realize they have lost air pressure and could cause further damage to the vehicle. Remember, these tires are only a temporary life-saver; you must repair or replace them after an emergency. As a guide, according to tirerack.com, these self-supporting tires can maintain mobility for about 50 miles up to speeds of 55 MPH. That sure beats sitting on the side of the road with a flat tire!

Our last category, an Auxiliary Supported Run Flat System utilizes a unique set of tires and wheels. In the case, a supportive ring is attached to the wheel. In the event that your tire does lose air pressure, the flat tire will rest and rely on this support ring. The advantage to this is the reliance on the wheel, which is typically sturdier and has a longer life than a normal tire. The disadvantage is that this system in a little more expensive. But for those who are prone to flat tires, this might save you money in the end.

This article was written by the staff of Anywhere Tire Care, the Capital District’s ONLY “tire shop on wheels.” Anywhere Tire Care specializes in new and used tire installation and balancing wherever it is most convenient for our customers including their home, office or even the local coffee shop! Our number one concern is customer convenience and satisfaction, saving you time and money. Call us at 518-810-5244 or visit us on the web at www.anywheretirecare.com.