Auto manufacturers are constantly working on improving car parts and systems with advanced technology. In the process, tyres have also gone through several innovations to provide better utility and stability on roads. Many automobile companies, for instance, BMW, Mercedes and Audi use run flat tyres in the latest vehicle models.
Here’s a complete guide on the difference between run flat and normal tyres.
RUN FLAT TYRES
The run flat tyres are designed to be stiff without compromising the safety of the driver and passengers. Moreover, the drivers can drive the car up to certain kilometres with a puncture in these types of tyres. This is why, you must know how long can a car sit on a flat tyre.
There are two primary types of run flat tyres, both working slightly differently:
SELF-SUPPORTING RUN FLAT TYRES
This type of run flat tyre has a sidewall construction reinforced inside. This construction helps in controlling the air loss from the tyre in case of a puncture. Thus, it allows a few extra miles to be covered with a flat tyre.
SUPPORT RING RUN FLAT TYRES
A support ring of hard rubber inside the run flat tyres helps support the car’s weight and prevent air loss.
Run flat tyres can only be equipped in vehicles with Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The TPMS detects the inflated tyre and informs the driver instantly. Moreover, the driver can drive at a speed of around 50 to 80 kilometres per hour and 50 to 100 miles with a punctured run flat tyre, depending on the tyre manufacturer’s guide.
Let’s have a look at run flat tyres’ pros and cons:
ADVANTAGES OF RUN FLAT TYRES
The following are the advantages of run flat tyres:
ALLOWS DRIVING ON A FLAT TYRE
The biggest advantage of these run flat tyres is that it allows the driver to drive even with the punctured tyre. One doesn’t have to stop driving and start looking to replace the tyres as these tyres allow you to stretch up to a distance of around 100 miles despite a puncture.
BETTER STABILITY
When the tyre punctures, the car loses its grip with the road but the run flat tyres are engineered in such a way that provides better stability than normal tyres in such circumstances.
REDUCED VEHICLE WEIGHT
You will not require extra tools for changing tyres and this will reduce the vehicle’s weight. However, it doesn’t make much difference as the run flat tyres are heavier than the normal tyres.
DISADVANTAGES OF RUN FLAT TYRES
Alongside advantages, there are the following disadvantages of run flat tyres:
REDUCED TREAD LIFE
Car owners replace run flat tyres 8,000 to 10,000 kilometres earlier than the normal tyres. This is because the treads on the run flat tyres are made soft to reduce the tyres’ weight. Therefore, these tyre treads wear out sooner than the normal tyres.
HIGH COST
Run flat tyres, generally cost more than normal tyres. This is the reason why many car owners prefer normal tyres.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM
Vehicles need TPMS to be equipped with run flat tyres as due to the construction of these tyres, it is difficult to know whether the air pressure is low or not.
LESS AVAILABILITY
Run flat tyres are not easily available in the auto markets as they are only used in the latest vehicle models.
NORMAL TYRES
The normal tyres are most commonly used and known as standard tyres. The main difference between run flat and normal tyres is that the normal tyres don’t allow driving when the tyre is flat or punctured. The standard tyres are also designed differently as they don’t have sidewalls to maintain air pressure when the tyre is punctured.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RUN FLAT AND NORMAL TYRES
Although both the tyres are designed differently. The tyres are used in different vehicle models, for instance, BMW uses run flat tyres in most of the latest vehicle models. However, these are the following differences between run flat and normal tyres:
- Normal tyres are cheaper than run flat tyres.
- Run flat tyres are engineered to allow driving of a car even with a puncture in tyre while conventional tyres go completely flat after a puncture.
- In regular circumstances, normal tyres provide a smoother ride than run flat ones.
- Mostly run flat tyres can not be repaired while normal tyres’ punctures can be fixed and reused.
- Cars equipped with normal tyres have a spare tyre while there is no spare tyre available when you buy a car with run flat tyres.
CAN YOU REPLACE RUN FLAT TYRES WITH NORMAL TYRES?
Although, it is not recommended to replace run flat tyres with conventional ones if you do, make sure you replace all four tyres. The performance will be affected if there are different types of tyres on the same vehicle.
This was all the comparison about run flat tyres vs normal tyres. Both the tyres have their own advantages. You can have a look at the type and condition of tyres when you buy a used car in the UAE.
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