The name pretty much sums up the function: Run-flat tyres can be used for a while after they got punctured. Such design, naturally, means that each tyre will be more expensive than a traditional tyre. There are several pros and cons that come with run-flats.
Loss of tyre pressure can be either sudden or gradual. The former is the more dangerous one as a driver may also loose control over the vehicle. Run-flats run more stable, and offer enhanced mobility. This allows a driver with a punctured driver to get to a safe place to change the tyre. Changing a tyre on the roadside may be potentially harmful and if such dangerous situation can be avoided, then it is for the better. One cannot stress this aspect too much as changing a tyre in dangerous road conditions has been identified as an root cause of fatalities.
Run-flats also offer the benefit of reduced weight as one does not have to carry a spare tyre in the trunk; or tools. German Motors points out that a spare tyre should also be checked regularly. It has been found that oftentimes the spare tyre in not inflated at the correct level, potentially rendering it useless when it, being flat, replaces a flat tyre.
While there are considerable upsides to using run-flat tyres, there are also cons: the higher cost speaks against them. To achieve the functionality of the run-flat, the sidewalls need to be stiffer and have increased rubber thickness. This results in louder rolling noises which can be disturbing to some drivers. Typically, run-flat tyres exhibit faster tyre wear. Meanwhile, not all cars are compatible with this kind of tyres; German Motors points out that this should be checked thoroughly before fitting run-flats.
As a compromise, one could look at tyre sealants with conventional tyres. German Motors offers OKO. OKO Tyre sealants eliminate most puncture problems - instantly. OKO products are viscous fluids, designed to combat the costly inconvenience of suffering punctures when you really don’t need them. And it will help extend tyre life by between 20% for normal tyres and 40 percent for steering axle tyres.
If run-flat tyres are suitable depends on your driving pattern and routes, as well as budget considerations. To explore more, we, the German Motors team, stand ready to assist you in the search for the best possible treads for your ride.
