In short, if you have a flat tire, you can simply continue driving with run-flat tires, because you initially drive without air. But how do run-flat tires work, and why do not all tire models have this feature? Run-flat tires have run-flat properties due to their special construction. If the tire suddenly loses air, the car sinks slightly, but it stays on track. This is due to the special statics of this tire. First of all, the tire compound is different from standard tires. It does not develop the same heat as a standard tire when driving without air. They also have sidewalls that are twice as thick. As a result, the runflat car tire retains its shape and does not damage the rim. Another design of runflat tires involves rubber support rings that are pulled around the rims. If the air pressure is reduced, the rims with the support rings lie on the tire tread. This produces the same effect as runflat tires with reinforced sidewalls. A standard tire, on the other hand, compresses due to the escaping air and the weight of the vehicle. As a result, the profiled tread comes right up to the rim. If you continue to drive the car without changing the wheel, you increase the effect and you damage the rim in this way. More serious, however, are the limited driving characteristics, because the car loses its steering ability. In addition, the flat tire affects traction. At the same time, enormous heat is generated, which irreparably damages the car tire. This is especially annoying when the cause of the pressure loss is only a defective valve. So with a flat standard tire, you can no longer drive, but must immediately switch to the spare wheel.
Unfortunately, simply replacing conventional car tires with runflat tires is not enough to enjoy their benefits. Rather, the rims must also be suitable for the runflat system. The so-called extended hump rims have a drop center that is moved further inward so that the flat tire cannot jump off the rim. So if you choose runflat tires, you will always need new complete wheels. In addition, the runflat system does not work without a call pressure control system. Only this system indicates the loss of air at an early stage. The Runflat system is advantageous if the rims are rather large. The larger the rims are, the lower the flanks turn out. It is therefore more cost-effective to produce the necessary high lateral stiffness. This is even more true when wide tires are involved.
It is not always written on a tire that it is a runflat model. Especially when buying a used car, but also when comparing prices in tire shops, it is therefore helpful to know the designations for this type of tire for sure. Unfortunately, the manufacturers do not use a uniform designation. Common names for run-flat tires are for example: - RFT for Run-Flat-Tyre - ROF for RunOnFlat - ZP for Zero Pressure - SST for Self Supporting Tyre Other abbreviations are DSST or HRS. In case of doubt, your trusted tire dealer can help you. Frequently, the question arises whether run-flat tires are also available as winter tires or all-season tires. In fact, the runflat system is suitable for summer and winter tires. You can also have all-season tires mounted on the run-flat wheels of your passenger car.
The advantages of runflat tires are obvious: - Safe driving thanks to run-flat properties - No need for the spare wheel in the car - Space and weight savings - No need to change the wheel on the side of the road - More flexibility and comfort With run-flat tires without air, you can drive up to 250 kilometers at a restricted speed of 80 km/h. So you don't necessarily have to interrupt your trip at the nearest tire dealer. Instead, you can drive home or to your destination at your leisure and take your car to the workshop there. These advantages are offset by the following disadvantages: - It is not possible to repair a hole in the run-flat tire - Run-flat tires, which are often referred to as RFT in a blanket manner, are more expensive than standard tires - Complete wheels are necessary when changing the system - Mounting costs are significantly higher than for standard tires Modern run-flat systems, contrary to the first models of this technology, offer a high-quality ride comfort that is no different from standard tires. This also applies to features such as driving noise and fuel consumption.
In the end, it is a matter of personal preference and, of course, price whether you opt for modern tire technology. In one point, run-flat tires offer clear advantages. With these tires you drive safely to your destination. If your tire dealer uses the advantages of Ihle tire wholesale, you also benefit from fair prices.