Run-flat tires are a type of pneumatic vehicle tire designed to resist the effects of deflation when punctured, allowing the vehicle to continue to be driven at reduced speeds for limited distances. They are designed with reinforced, thicker sidewalls that can support the weight of the vehicle even if there is a sudden and complete loss of air pressure due to a puncture or tire failure. Run-flat tires come in two primary types of systems: the self-supporting system and the support ring system.
The benefits of using run-flat tires include continued mobility in case of a loss of air pressure, due either to a normal puncture or to a hostile deliberate act including a bullet strike while the vehicle is traveling at high speed. They are more stable than conventional tires in a puncture situation and can help maintain steering control over the vehicle during this process. Run-flat tires also free up space in the trunk or under the vehicle, and provide the added freedom of driving on a “flat” tire for up to 50 miles instead of stopping to change to a spare.
However, there are some trade-offs to using run-flat tires. They are more expensive than other tires of comparable size, and their market share is well below 1% . Run-flat tires cannot be run flat if the flat is due to sidewall damage, a common cause of flats. Generally, under ideal circumstances, the speed and range of run-flat tires is limited. Run-flat tires cannot be driven over 50 miles per hour most of the time, and usually offer only up to 50 miles of extended mobility.
In summary, run-flat tires are a type of tire that can be driven on for a limited distance and speed after a puncture or tire failure. They are designed with reinforced, thicker sidewalls that can support the weight of the vehicle even if there is a sudden and complete loss of air pressure. While they offer some benefits, such as continued mobility in case of a loss of air pressure and more stability in a puncture situation, they are more expensive than other tires and have limitations on speed and range.
