Run-flat Tires

Originally developed for small sports cars that have limited space available for a spare tire, run-flat tires are becoming popular due to the added safety they provide. With a conventional car tire, you could lose control of the vehicle when the tire loses air. In addition, if you've ever changed a tire along a busy roadway you already know the dangers involved, as well as the inconvenience.

Types of run-flat tires
Self-Supporting: These tires have a sidewall that is capable of supporting the weight of the vehicle. If the tire loses air, you can still drive on them for up to 50 miles at speeds of 50 to 55 miles per hour. If one of these tires loses air, you can't tell just by looking at them. Because of this, they require a tire pressure monitoring system to warn the driver that there is a low tire.

Self-Sealing: Self-sealing tires have an extra lining that contains a sealant. This extra lining is located just under the tread of the tire. If the tire gets punctured, this sealant will seal the hole right away, allowing very little air to escape. It can seal a puncture up to 3/16 of an inch. Since self-sealing tires can still go completely flat if enough damage is done that the sealant can't stop the leak, no tire pressure monitoring system is needed.

Auxiliary Supported: These tires have a support ring that is attached to the wheel to hold the weight of the vehicle in case of a flat tire. The ride quality of auxiliary supported tires is about equivalent to a conventional tire because they don't have the stiff sidewalls that self-supporting tires have. Special rims are required for these tires that a conventional car tire will not fit, so once you change to auxiliary supported run flat tires, there is no changing back without changing the rims too.

Upgrading your car to run-flat tires
Run-flat technology is something that can be incorporated on your current car, though some additional equipment may be needed. For self-supporting tires you may need to add a tire pressure monitoring system if your car doesn't already have one. With auxiliary supported tires you will also need new rims.