Graham Hill, Car Finance Expert, Explains The Dangers Of Run Flat Tyres

Sunday, 4. April 2010

There has been a large increase in the number of cars fitted with run flat tyres over the last few years. However, many drivers, when renewing tyres have replaced run flats with cheaper alternatives in order to save money. But TyreSafe warn that by doing this drivers are changing the handling characteristics of their cars. Although, according to Michelin it can be done as long as the replacement tyres are carefully selected and advice taken from the tyre fitter and the manufacturer. For example he points out that Minis, that at one stage were only available with run flat tyres, are now available with standard tyres and it is these that should be fitted if you are going to mix normal with run flat tyres. In addition to the high cost of run-flat tyres there is confusion over whether run-flat tyres can be repaired. The British Tyre Manufacturers Association (BTMA) recommends against it however, some manufacturers allow it depending on the damage. There is also the question as to what you do if you have a puncture if you swap over to normal tyres, it is important that you carry a puncture repair kit as you don’t have a spare wheel. The BTMA also recommends that if you are to move over to normal tyres that you change all four tyres or noticeably affect the handling of the car. They point out that when designing cars to drive with run-flat tyres, which have different characteristics such as stiffer side walls, the car design is adjusted with changes to suspension and steering so changing to non recommended standard tyres can be very dangerous. Glad I made that as clear as mud to understand. By Graham Hill