Popular Run Flat Tyres-Definitely an Improvement to road safety- KULR-TV
Popular Run Flat Tyres
Popular Run Flat Tyres
Many new models are now equipped with inflator and sealant kits or run flat tires which are designed to go at slower speeds for 50 miles or more after a tire has been punctured.
Run Flat tyres are an interesting subject.
Of course, the problem was that that cars were getting bigger and faster. Consequently, at the same time the car makers were being pressured. By governments to make their cars more fuel efficient and therefore greener.
Car makers were forced to comply with certain regulations ! This meant shedding weight and creating engines. Subsequently, that were controlled by computers . Therefore to really hammer down the emissions. Caused by burning fossil fuels (gasoline or petrol in the
UK). Subsequently, the car companies looked at all sorts of ways. So, to reduce the overall weight of vehicles including tyres. Importantly, even the tyre companies looked for ways of making tyres lighter in weight. Importantly, and indeed they succeeded.
BMW come up with the Mini Run Flat Tyres
Positively, tyre manufacturers came up with the run-flat tyre ! .Of course, this would mean that cars would no longer have a spare wheel and tyre. Thus reducing the overall weight of the vehicle and reducing emissions. Importantly, if a tyre on a car had a sudden drop in pressure (puncture). Importantly, then the car could have the capabilities to drive on.
Albeit at a slower speed (50 mph) until the tyre was eventually changed. Safety wise, the positives are that the car would not deviate. Therefore, carrying on driving in the normal way. Therefore not causing an accident. So, much safer than a standard radial tyre. Also you would not have to get out of the car ? Say on a rainy night having to change the wheel when you had a puncture.
Cost was an early problem ?
Early drawbacks are the cost of replacing these tyres is much higher than a standard tyre. A new Run Flat Tyres is required after each incident. Puncture repairs in these tyres are not recommended ?
Incidentally, on long journeys should you have the need to want a new tyre ! Then you only have fifty miles to have the Run Flat Tyres fixed.
In the States the gap between some towns and cities can be hundreds of miles. So you pays your money and takes your choice ?
Since I wrote this article ? Then the run flat tyres have been well accepted by most motorists. Older drivers who prefer a genuine spare wheel can now buy a new tyre and wheel unit for the spare wheel.