Safety concerns over replacing run-flats with standard tyres

TyreSafe - the UK’s leading tyre safety group - is warning motorists that they could be compromising their own safety if they replace the run-flat tyres fitted to their vehicle with standard tyres that do not include run-flat technology.

Many manufacturers including BMW, Mini, Lexus and Audi are now fitting many of their vehicles with the innovative run-flat tyre. The run-flat tyre is designed keep the to tyre beads securely anchored to the rim of the wheel even when operating at zero pressure. The clever design stops loss of control of the vehicle when the tyre is punched and puts an end to the inconvenience of replacing the tyre with a spare at the side of a busy road.

However, with many motorists looking to reduce their vehicle maintenance costs, some have been tempted to economise by selecting tyres which do not incorporate the added technology and features found in run-flat tyres. By choosing these standard tyres, drivers risk significantly changing the handling characteristics of the vehicle which could increase their chances of being involved in an accident.

“When replacing run-flat tyres, it’s very important that driver’s consult with the vehicle manufacturer if they are thinking about using non run-flat tyres,” explains Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe. “As a general rule, we would always recommend that driver’s only replace run-flat tyres with a similar product. Run-flats have much stiffer sidewalls than those in traditional tyres and this is taken into account by vehicle manufacturers when they design their suspension and steering systems. By switching to tyres that do not use run-flat technology, the handling of the car can be dramatically altered and it may become unsafe, particularly during extreme manoeuvres.”

Tyresafe have also warned that in addition to the performance changes which may occur as a result of switching to non run-flat tyres, drivers can also cause themselves other problems. Run-flat tyres give drivers the ability to continue their journey for a limited time when they have no pressure in the tyre. Standard tyres cannot do this and must be changed as soon as there is a sudden loss of pressure. As cars which have run-flats fitted as original equipment do not have a spare tyre, drivers switching to standard tyres could easily become stranded if they suffer a puncture.

For more information about the use of run-flat tyres, drivers can visit www.tyresafe.org or consult their vehicle manufacturer for details specific to their vehicle.

Get interactive with Car Press on Facebook and Twitter

Glenn Nutsey

02/03/2010