There are quite a number of tire options available for a person’s car. Run flat tires are a great choice for anyone who has had to change a flat tire in the dark, in a rain storm, or on a dangerous stretch of road. Anyone who wants to escape the inconvenience of a flat tire should also consider the purchase.
Run flat tires maintain a car’s mobility for a short amount of time when air is escaping. Today’s technology has provided three ways to do this. There are tires that self-seal, tires that self-support, and an auxiliary system that supports tires.
Self-Sealing Tires
A self-sealing tire is made to immediately fix most holes that occur in the tread portion of the tire permanently. They have an extra internal lining beneath the tread that is coated with a special sealant that seals holes from nails or other items. They first seal around the item when the hole is made. It is filled in when the item is removed. Many drivers will never even be aware that the tire was struck.
Self-Supporting Tires
A self-supporting tire has a stiff constriction on the interior that can temporarily carry the weight of the automobile when the tire has lost air. The tire usually attaches a rubber insert between the heat-resistant cord of the sidewalls to deter breaking in the existing cords when air is lost. Usually a tire of this kind can keep the car moving for around fifty miles when going 55 mph.
Auxiliary Supported Systems
In an auxiliary supported system, the tread of a flat tire lays on a ring of support that attaches to the wheel when air is lost. This system gives a better riding feel since the stiffness of the sidewall is equal to a normal tire. However, it can be quite expensive.
Run flat tires can be purchased online through many automotive websites as well as in any local garages or tire retailers. They are very convenient and add safety when you do not want to exit the car to change a tire in bad weather or rough locations. However, these kinds of tires have had complaints that they wear unevenly or prematurely and ride very stiff. They are quite costly to replace and usually come standard on most higher-end vehicles. In the end, you must make a personal decision and weigh the pros and cons for yourself.