There’s nothing worse than getting a flat tire at a place you’re unfamiliar with. You’ll have to pull off to the side and call roadside assistance, forcing you to wait an hour or so.
Even if you know how to change your tire, the process is dirty, time-consuming, and dangerous. Run-flat tires can prevent you from finding yourself in this scenario again.
In most cases, run-flat tires can last for a total of 50 miles at or below 50 mph once the tire has been punctured. This will give you enough time to drive to your home or find a repair shop in your location to get your tire changed.
To learn more about run-flat tires and what to do if you get a punctured tire, keep reading.
What Are Run-Flat Tires?
Run-flat tires allow you to drive on the tires for 50 miles after they have been punctured. They utilize a self-supporting system so that your vehicle doesn’t get damaged in the process.
There are technically two different types of run-flat tire systems, but they both serve the same general purpose.
The most common form of a run-flat tire is a self-supporting system. With this system, the sidewall construction is reinforced so that the vehicle is supported even during air loss.
Some run-flat tires have a support ring system instead. A ring of hard rubber or some other structure will keep the vehicle’s weight up even once the tire is punctured.
The goal of both systems is to support the vehicle in the event of a tire puncture. That way, you can make it home or to some other location to safely change your tires.
Benefits
The benefits of run-flat tires are relatively obvious. It is very convenient that you will not have to stop on the side of the road or call roadside assistance to get your tire changed.
Instead, you can simply drive your vehicle to a location to get the tires changed.
Another benefit of run-flat tires is that they can be safer in the event of a puncture. If you had to change the tire yourself, you might have to do so in a dangerous location.
By being able to drive to a safe location, you do not have to risk being hit by another vehicle during the process.
Drawbacks
Even though there are quite a few benefits of run-flat tires, there are some drawbacks too.
For starters, run-flat tires are much more expensive. Some are 75% more expensive than regular tires.
They also need to be changed out about 6000 miles before other tire types.
Furthermore, run-flat tires are not the quietest type of tires out there so keep that in mind.
Something else you consider is that run-flat tires are not always effective. For example, the tire can still be blown out. Not to mention, some tires will not last the 50 miles that the manufacturer recommends.
Related: Are Run Flat Tires Good In Snow? (Solved)
How Long Do Run-Flat Tires Last?
If you have run-flat tires, it’s important to understand how long they last so that you can use them safely and effectively. If you drive on run-flat tires for too long, you could end up damaging your vehicle in the process.
Most manufacturers recommend only driving run-flat tires for a maximum of 50 miles after the initial puncture.
Some manufacturers will have different recommendations, but you should be able to find out their recommendations if they are different.
As a rule of thumb, 50 miles is the standard.
Even so, not all run-flat tires will last 50 miles. Factors such as how fast you are driving will impact how long the tires can last. For this reason, manufacturers do not recommend driving above 50 mph on run-flat tires.
So, you can anticipate your run-flat tire lasting 50 miles after the initial puncture, regardless of what the brand is.
Make sure to drive the tire under 50 mph, though. Regardless, try to get to a safe location or repair shop as soon as possible.
Related: 4 Mercedes Run-Flat Tires Problems
When Do I Need To Replace My Run-Flat Tires?
Knowing when to replace a run-flat tire can help you maintain the tire and vehicle.
Most manufacturers recommend replacing run-flat tires after they have been driven 30,000 to 40,000 miles. This estimation applies to both run-flat tire systems.
Of course, you will need to replace your run-flat tires if they are damaged. A good portion of run-flat tire manufacturers does not recommend repairing these tires.
Instead, you will need to replace the tires entirely if they have been driven in underinflated, zero pressure conditions. In these conditions, the integrity of the structure within may be damaged.
If you are able to get your run-flat tire to a location before it underinflates, you might be able to repair it. You will want to talk to a specialist to determine if getting the tire repaired is an option in your situation.
In some cases, getting the run-flat tire repaired is never an option. Some tires will have a do not repair logo as a result.
Related: 6 BMW Run-Flat Tires Problems
Final Thoughts
As a rule of thumb, run-flat tires will last 50 miles after the initial puncture as long as you drive under 50 mph.
However, some manufacturers have different estimated lengths, and different factors can impact how long your individual tire will last. It’s best to find a repair location as soon as possible.
If you’re worried that your run-flat tire has a different manufacturer’s recommendation, you should be able to find out the information pretty quickly.
All big-name brands follow the 50 miles recommendation, but you can call the manufacturer to find out the exact answer for your unique tires.
Once your tire has been punctured, it’s important to get them repaired. Unfortunately, not all run-flat tires can be repaired and will need replacement instead.
Talk to a professional to discover the best course of action for your run-flat tires after they have been punctured.
