Run Flat Tyres - Expert Fitting and Advice at Martins Tyres

At Martins Tyres, we pride ourselves on stocking thousands of tyres to ensure that we’ve always got quality options on hand to meet any size, need, or budget. Amongst these you’ll find many run flat tyres, designed to provide crucial safety features for vehicles. These tyres are engineered to keep you on the road for a limited distance even after experiencing a puncture, thereby reducing the risk of a dangerous blowout.

These specialised tyres are built incorporating features such as reinforced sidewalls and durable rubber inserts, offering stability and support in emergency situations. Unlike standard tyres that deflate when punctured, run flat tyres maintain their integrity, allowing you to continue driving safely. However, it’s essential to note that despite the name, these tyres do have limitations following a puncture. They’re designed to get you to a garage without needing to stop at the side of the road and fit the spare, rather than be an option that’s impervious to punctures – as a result once punctured speeds are typically restricted to 30mph, and travel distances to a few miles.

Major vehicle manufacturers such as BMW, Mini, Mercedes, and Audi frequently incorporate run flat tyres as original equipment (OE) due to their proven safety benefits. At our facility, we maintain a comprehensive selection of these tyres from top brands like Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, Goodyear, Michelin, and Pirelli – and our experienced team is dedicated to assisting you in finding the perfect run flat tyres to meet your needs and preferences.

All the leading tyre manufacturers have run flat tyres in their tyre portfolio, and we stock a range of these tyres to suit your needs. However, each tyre manufacturer refers to these tyres differently:

Types of Run Flat Tyres Explained

When it comes to run flat tyres, there are two primary types to consider: Self-Supporting Run Flat Tyres and Auxiliary-Supported Run Flat Tyres. Each type has its unique characteristics, features, and suitability for different vehicles and driving conditions.

Self-Supporting Run Flat Tyres

Characteristics and Features

Self-Supporting Run Flat Tyres are the most commonly used type of run flat tyre. These tyres are designed with reinforced sidewalls that can support the weight of the vehicle even after a complete loss of air pressure. This reinforcement allows the tyre to maintain its shape and continue to perform safely for a limited distance and at a reduced speed, usually up to 50 miles at a maximum speed of 50 mph.

Key features of Self-Supporting Run Flat Tyres include:

• Reinforced Sidewalls: Extra layers of rubber and stronger materials provide support.
• Heat-Resistant: Designed to resist the heat generated from running without air.
• Durability: Enhanced construction makes them more resistant to punctures and impacts.

Suitable Vehicles and Conditions

Self-Supporting run flat tyres are suitable for a wide range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and sports cars. They are particularly beneficial for drivers who frequently travel long distances or drive in areas where roadside assistance might not be readily available. These tyres are ideal for:

• Daily Commuting: Perfect for everyday use in urban and suburban settings.
• Highway Driving: Reliable for long-distance travel on highways.
• All-Weather Conditions: Effective in various weather conditions, providing peace of mind in both dry and wet conditions.

Auxiliary-Supported Run Flat Tyres

Characteristics and Features

Auxiliary-Supported run flat tyres are designed with an additional support ring or structure that attaches to the wheel itself. This support system helps to bear the vehicle’s weight if the tyre loses air pressure, ensuring the tyre maintains its shape and functionality. This design often results in less stress on the tyre’s sidewalls compared to a self-supporting run flat tyre.

Key features of Auxiliary-Supported Run Flat Tyres include:

• Support Ring: A metal or plastic ring that provides support in case of air loss.
• Extended Mobility: Often allows for greater distances than self-supporting types, sometimes up to 100 miles.
• Less Stress on Tyre Sidewalls: The support ring reduces the need for heavily reinforced sidewalls.

Suitable Vehicles and Conditions

Auxiliary-Supported run flat tyres are typically found on high-end luxury vehicles and some specialised vehicles. They require a compatible wheel system to accommodate the support ring, making them less common than self-supporting types. These tyres are well-suited for:

• Luxury and Performance Vehicles: Often used in premium and high-performance cars.
• Extreme Conditions: Effective in more severe driving conditions where tyre failure could have significant consequences.
• Specialised Use: Ideal for vehicles that operate in challenging environments or for drivers who demand the highest levels of safety and performance.

Considering changing from run flat tyres to standard car or SUV tyres?

Keep in mind, it’s essential to replace all four tyres. If your vehicle comes with these tyres as original equipment (OE), you likely lack a spare tyre or tyre changing equipment. Always consult your vehicle manufacturer before removing these tyres, as the vehicle was designed for and supplied with them.

More about Martins Tyres

At Martins Tyres, our experienced tyre fitters are equipped to handle your tyre needs and provide top-notch support across a comprehensive service offering that covers everything from simple pressure checks to puncture repair and tyre replacement, and on into more involved tasks like wheel balancing and alignment. We stock a variety of these tyres in our West End garage, catering to different budgets, and most of our run flat tyres can be fitted the same or next day.