Flat tires are something that every car owner will experience at one time or another. Car manufacturers offer run-flat tires.
However, it can be difficult to determine the maximum distance you can travel on a flat tire.
Do you want to know how long your run-flat tires last?
How many miles do run-flat tires last?
Common run-flat tires can travel at least fifty miles when flat. This depends on the brand and extent of damage to your tire. Run-flat tires can last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles if they are not damaged.
An air-flat tire may run flat for a short time with no pressure.
This means that you can drive your car even if the tire is flat. However, it would not be possible to drive your car at an average speed.
If you have Bridgestone tires, for example, you can drive up to 50 miles on run-flat tires. However, you can only drive at 50 mph. Sometimes, you can travel at a slower speed.
You may be able to travel fifty miles to reach the nearest garage or safe area where you can receive help. You may have to stop your vehicle and attempt to get help.
Check your driver’s guide if you haven’t used run-flat tires before. You will find all information about run-flat tires in your driver’s manual.
How many years do run-flat tires last when not used much?
A run-flat tire may be functional for only a short time. Brands will differ in the number of years that a run-flat tires can be used.
Your run-flat tires can last up to 3 to 5 years if they aren’t used often. It will all depend on how you store them. You can also take care of them.
These are some tips to help you keep your run flatter.
- Reduce your driving speed once your flat gets a puncture.
- Refer to the specifications of your tire manufacturer. This will allow you to determine how far you can drive and at what speeds.
- Keep your tires inflated to the right pressure. This will prolong their life.
- Before you store your run-flat tires, clean them thoroughly. Avoid using abrasive cleaners on your tires. Use soap and warm water instead to clean your tires.
- Do not mix run-flats and conventional tires. Why? Because conventional and run-flat tires have different characteristics.
- Do not attempt to repair run-flat tires. If you have damaged your run-flat tires, it is time to get a new one.
- Keep your run-flat tires inflated. Remember, conventional tires have a shorter life span and tread wear.
You can’t keep your run-flat tires on your car for longer than ten years, just like any other tire. You need to replace them if they last more than ten years.
Who makes the best run-flat tires for the money?
We have an article dedicated to run-flat tire brands.
There are many brands that you can choose from, and most well-known brands of tires have run-flat tires.
Do run-flat tires last longer than other types?
Run-flat tires generally last less than regular tires. Most run-flat tires can wear out quite quickly.
Run-flat tires have a stiffened, thicker sidewall that makes it easier for the car to haul the load in case the tire goes flat. A run-flat tire will be more rigid than an ordinary tire when it is inflated.
This research found that run-flat tires are replaced 6,000 miles faster than standard tires.
The soft tread compound in every run-flat tire wears quickly.
Another problem that can reduce the life expectancy of run-flat tires is blowouts. You should expect blowouts when using run-flats.
Don’t drive with run-flat tires on your car, especially if you don’t pay attention to warning signs.
An old tire could start to disintegrate slowly.
Most often, it happens without warning. If you don’t take care of your tire properly, expect this. You don’t use your repaired run-flat tires for too long. In most cases, punctures to run-flat tires occur on the sidewall.
Are run-flat tires worth the price?
If you consider the fact that you won’t be left stranded at the side of the road, run-flat tires are well worth the cost. You don’t even need a spare tire when running-flat tires are used.
However, run-flat tires can be more expensive than regular tires. Run-flat tires will cost you on average one-third more. You may decide that run-flat tires aren’t worth the price, especially considering their short lifespan.
A catastrophic tire failure could leave you without a spare. You will also have to pay more for repair or replacement of your run-flat tires.
Most tire experts don’t recommend repairing run-flats:
- Pirelli’s Run-Flat Hazzard Policy states that if you cause damage to your run-flat tires, or if you notice a decrease in pressure, it is important to immediately replace your tires with new run-flats.
- Continental Tire the Americas LLC doesn’t recommend the repair of Continental SSR (Self Supporting Runflat). Continental states that even a tire specialist would not be able fix a run-flat.
It’s fine to replace the runflats with regular tires.
Your existing rims can be used. You can use your existing rims as long as they fit properly.
How do run-flat tires rate?
The speed rating of a run-flat tire is a measure of the tire’s ability to handle speed over time.
Bridgestone run-flat tires, for example, will still work even if the tires have lost some or all of their inflation pressure. Bridgestone can travel up to 50 miles at 50 mph.
You have a lower chance of driving your car safely if you exceed the speed limit.
Are runflat tires safe on the highway?
With inflated run-flats, you can drive on the highway.
Certain features should be included on your run-flat tires. You won’t be able to drive with run-flats inflated on the roads.
Make sure the tire has multiple sipes. These sipes will ensure that your run-flat tires have 100 percent contact with the ground in all weather conditions.
Uneven tread block patterns are essential for a perfect run-flat tire. These patterns will ensure your car’s best performance on the road.
Potent rubber compounds are essential for a great tire that will run flat.
The same principle applies to inflating run-flats as with conventional tires. It is important to keep your run-flat tires inflated. Find an air compressor hose, and a power source. Connect it to your tire’s valve stem.
You can drive as fast as possible on the highway with fully inflated, run-flat tires.
You won’t be allowed to exceed 50 mph if you have a puncture in your run-flats.
Tire manufacturers may recommend that tires can travel 50 mph. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you should. You might hear strange or vibrating sounds from some cars when you increase your speed. Run-flat tires won’t be a joy to drive on the highway.
Final Thoughts
You need to be aware of some things when using run-flat tires. First, only cars equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) should have run-flat tires. The system will notify you if you have a puncture.
You will be able to see how much time you have before you replace your flat tire. If your car is not in good condition, you should still use regular tires.
You may also need to change the suspension of your vehicle before you install run-flats.
All suspension components, including bolt joints, control arms, and coil springs, must be in good condition.
The construction of run-flat tires is more rigid and will cause tire wear. Your suspension should be in good shape.
Old tires that are too flat can be dangerous for both you and your passengers. It is important to replace all tires regardless of tread depth. Don’t settle for cheap tires if your car requires new run-flat tires.