RUNFLAT TIRES: 6+1 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE BUYING THEM FOR YOUR CAR

It's well known that a flat tire is an unpleasant surprise that anyone on a journey would prefer to avoid.

However, the latest technologies have come to the rescue of drivers with the development of RunFlat tires, which, thanks to their innovative construction, not only eliminate the inconvenience of having to change a tire in precarious conditions but also significantly improve road safety by allowing you to continue your journey with total peace of mind. If you want to know more about these revolutionary tires, keep reading!

What Are RunFlat Tires and How Do They Work?

RunFlat tires are a special type designed to allow the vehicle to continue driving safely even after a puncture.

Unlike traditional tires, which tend to flatten against the asphalt after losing pressure, RunFlat tires deform only slightly, allowing the vehicle's weight to be supported so the journey can continue uninterrupted.

Thanks to their special reinforced structure, these tires ensure proper road holding for up to 100 km at a maximum speed of 80 km/h, depending on the vehicle's load and road conditions. This allows the driver to reach the nearest workshop safely without stopping by the roadside in less-than-ideal conditions to deal with jacks, bolts, and spare wheels, or to wait for roadside assistance.

Technical Features

The construction of RunFlat tires is a complex process that combines advanced technologies with high-quality materials to ensure maximum safety, durability, and performance in every situation.

The most distinctive feature of RunFlat tires is their reinforced sidewalls. These are made with extra-hard rubber and reinforcement fibers to support the vehicle even when the tire is deflated.

The presence of reinforced beads – which ensure the tire remains attached to the rim – provides high resistance to lateral forces when driving with low internal pressure.

Finally, beneath the tread, layers of steel belts help maintain the tire's shape and stability, improving its resistance to punctures and lateral rigidity.

RunFlat Tires vs. Traditional Tires

The differences between RunFlat and traditional tires are mainly related to handling punctures and pressure loss, but there are also differences in structure, performance, and cost.

The choice between the two types of tires depends on the specific needs of the driver and the usual driving conditions.

RunFlat Tires:

1. Are designed to continue driving even after a puncture, albeit at reduced speeds and for a limited number of kilometers, ensuring maximum safety while driving and eliminating the risk of losing control of the vehicle if the puncture occurs at high speed.
2. Have a highly robust structure with reinforced sidewalls and beads that support the vehicle during pressure loss and keep the deflated tire securely anchored to the rim.
3. Ensure greater safety in the event of a puncture, thanks to the presence of automatic pressure monitoring systems that can detect holes immediately.
4. Make driving stiffer and less comfortable, especially on rough terrain, due to their heavier structure.
5. Their higher costs – both for purchase and replacement – are due to the innovative construction technologies and materials used.

Traditional Tires:

1. Quickly lose the ability to support the vehicle, requiring immediate repair or replacement.
2. Have a lighter, more flexible structure that could optimize fuel consumption.
3. Require a repair kit or spare tire to manage unexpected punctures.
4. Offer a more comfortable driving experience thanks to softer, more flexible sidewalls.
5. Are generally cheaper to buy or replace.

It’s All About the Rims

If you choose to buy RunFlat tires, you should consider their compatibility with the rims on your car.

Many RunFlat tires can be mounted on standard rims if they are the correct size and approved by the manufacturer.

However, to achieve superior performance in terms of safety and stability, most manufacturers recommend using special rims specifically designed for this type of tire.

Reinforced rims may feature an Extended Hump (EH) or Extended Hump+ (EH+) profile, essential for keeping the tire in place even when internal pressure is low and for ensuring maximum stability, allowing the driver to maintain control of the vehicle until reaching a safe place for repair.

In conclusion, although using RunFlat tires with standard rims is possible in some cases, it would be preferable to install specific rims to fully exploit the qualities of these tires and optimize safety and performance in the event of punctures.

Tell Me What Car You Drive, and I’ll Tell You If It Can Use RunFlat Tires

At this point, you’re probably wondering which cars can be equipped with RunFlat tires.

You should know that more and more vehicles on the market are compatible with this type of tire.

Car manufacturers such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus decided to use them as standard equipment for their models.

However, it’s not just sports or luxury cars that can do so: recently, many SUVs and sedans have also been designed to support these innovative tires.

There is only one essential requirement: the vehicle must have an automatic tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Before switching to RunFlat tires, it is essential to check with a professional about the compatibility of your vehicle to take full advantage of all its innovative qualities.

Advantages and Disadvantages of RunFlat Tires

The development of RunFlat tires has been a significant breakthrough in the automotive world, allowing you to continue driving even after a puncture.

This great innovation has helped increase driver safety and freedom but has also posed some challenges.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of these tires.

Advantages of RunFlat Tires:

1. Safety: The special construction technology ensures vehicle control even if the puncture occurs at high speeds and correct road holding for up to 100 km, avoiding sudden and abrupt swerving.
2. Convenience: The need to immediately replace the flat tire is eliminated, allowing you to do so in a safe location.
3. Extra Trunk Space: No spare tire is needed, freeing up space in the trunk.

Disadvantages of RunFlat Tires:

1. Driving Comfort: The reinforced sidewalls of these tires can make the ride stiffer and less comfortable than traditional tires.
2. Cost: The costs for purchasing or replacing a tire are generally higher compared to standard tires.
3. Compatibility: Not all cars are compatible with this type of tire.

RunFlat tires are suitable for long journeys or highways, where a puncture could pose a significant danger. Overall, before fitting them to your car, it is necessary to consider both the vehicle’s compatibility and your driving needs.

CambioRuote: Your Reference Point for Buying RunFlat Tires Online

If you think RunFlat tires are the right choice for you, now all you have to do is buy them!

On CambioRuote, you can find RunFlat tires from the best brands at your fingertips!

Just fill out the form on the site by entering your brand, season, and size preferences (staggered sizes are also available), and we’ll find the tire that best suits your driving needs! Alternatively, you can search by entering your car’s data directly, and you’ll get a list of all compatible tires available in stock.

For any questions, doubts, or curiosities, our customer service is at your disposal via email or WhatsApp.