What are run-flat tires and what are the benefits?

Run-flat tires are reinforced tires built with stiff sidewall construction that supports the car's weight even after a complete loss of air pressure - typically for up to 50 miles at speeds no higher than 50 mph.

Benefits of run-flat tires

• Safety after a puncture: You can continue driving to a safe location or tire shop rather than being stranded on the side of the road.
• No immediate roadside tire change: No need to jack up the car in unsafe or inconvenient conditions.
• Frees up trunk space: Many run-flat-equipped vehicles omit the spare tire entirely, saving weight and cargo space.

Trade-offs to be aware of

Run-flat tires have stiffer sidewalls than standard tires, which generally results in a firmer ride -- particularly on rough pavement. They are more expensive than equivalent standard tires and often cannot be repaired after a puncture (the stiff sidewall can sustain internal damage that is not visible externally).

Bottom line: Run-flat tires are excellent for peace of mind and safety, but they are not a substitute for monitoring tire pressure. A TPMS warning should never be ignored on any tire, run-flat or not.

Browse run-flat options in our tire catalog or contact our team for a recommendation.