Are run flat tires worth the extra expense? This is a question that a lot of people ask themselves and there are some differing viewpoints on the subject. There are definitely some pros and cons to using tires with RFT technology, so let’s take a quick look so you can decide for yourself if this type of tire is worth the extra expense.
What Are Run Flat Tires?
Run flat tires are designed to be drivable even when they lose air pressure. In a situation where you would normally have a flat tire, an RFT allows you to drive until you can get to a service station or a safe place where you can have the tire repaired, which generally speaking is a maximum of 50 miles.
There are different types of run flat tires. Some are self-sealing and this type of tire has an extra lining inside the tire to seal off small punctures and prevent air from escaping. Another type of run flat tire is an auxiliary supported tire that contains a support ring inside the tire.
The most common type of run flat tire is the self-supporting tire. This type of tire is constructed with stiff sidewalls that are able to support the weight of the vehicle. Run flat tires are currently offered as options on many new cars and trucks these days which is one of the reasons why people wonder if they are worth the extra expense.
Pros and Cons of Run Flat Tires
We mentioned one of the pros of run flat tires above, which is that this type of tire will allow you to get to a gas station or a repair shop rather than being stranded on the side of the road. Run flat tires are a great option for people who do not know how to change a tire or do not have the physical strength to loosen the lug nuts. Having the ability to drive on a flat tire, even if it’s just long enough to get to a repair station, provides you with an extra level of safety. If you get a flat tire on the side of a busy freeway, changing a tire can be very dangerous.
There are two main drawbacks to run flat tires. One drawback is that people can feel a difference in the way they ride. People say that when they drive a car with run flat tires it feels like a hard and bumpy ride. That would be due to the stiff sidewalls on self-supporting run flat tires. The other main drawback of course is the price. The price of run flat tires can be $300 or $400 per tire and that doesn’t include the cost of installation.
Are Run Flat Tires Worth the Extra Expense?
Now that you know the pros and cons of run flat tires, figuring out if they are worth the extra expense is entirely up to you. If you carry a spare tire in your trunk and you have the knowledge and physical ability to change the tire, they may not be worth the extra expense for you. However, for people that do not carry a spare or do not have the knowledge or physical strength to change a tire, having run flat tires will give you a sense of security because you know that you will be able to get to a safe place to have your tires repaired. Now that you know the pros and cons of run flat tires, the decision of whether to purchase them or not should be a lot easier. More information tirereviewsandmore.com