One of the most frustrating parts of car ownership is the inevitable tire blowout -- often leaving you stranded on the side of the road while waiting for a tow truck, or forcing you to get down on your hands and knees to remove your shredded tire and put on the spare. Today there are several types of technology that can allow you to continue to drive even after a major puncture to your tire.
Is it worthwhile to purchase one of these leak-resistant tires, or should you just take your chances with traditional tires? Read on to learn more about run flat tires:
What is a run flat tire?
Run flat tires differ from regular tires in that they are able to continue to drive for miles after suffering a puncture -- without causing underlying damage to the wheel or rim. This can allow you to drive your car home or to a repair shop rather than be forced to decide whether to change your tire yourself on the side of the roadway or call for help.
There are several different technologies used in run flat tires. Some of these tires are self-sealing. Upon being punctured by a nail or other small object, the inner layer of the tire will shift slightly to prevent the escape of air through this hole. This can allow the tire to continue to be driven indefinitely, so that you can replace your tires in a set (rather than purchasing them piecemeal and risking different wear patterns). However, these tires are less impervious to larger hazards, such as shards of metal or glass.
Other run flat tires are "self supporting," with much stronger sidewalls than traditional tires. These sidewalls can help support the weight of the vehicle even after the tire has lost a significant amount of air. Although these tires can allow you to drive a reasonable distance after suffering a puncture, they won't support the vehicle indefinitely, so it's best to make replacement arrangements as quickly as possible.
When should you purchase a run flat tire?
Certain luxury vehicles come with run flat tires, and in order to avoid changing your locking lug nuts, you may be encouraged to continue to install this type of tire on your vehicle. However, anyone can purchase run flat tires for their own vehicle.
These tires are often a good investment for individuals who spend a lot of time on the road, or whose commutes are at odd hours of the day or night or through isolated areas. If suffering a flat or having to change a tire on the side of the road could potentially put you in physical danger, this decision can be a no-brainer. In other cases, you simply might not want to hassle with tire changes and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with owning run flat tires.
To learn more, contact a company like Jensen Tire & Auto with any questions you have.
Share9 April 2015
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