Can You Replace Run Flat Tires with Regular Tires?

We’ve all heard Murphy’s Law: “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong, and at the worst possible time.” And it seems like this is never truer than when it comes to getting a flat tire! You’re bound to get a flat tire on a hot day while it’s raining on the way to a job interview. But if your car is equipped with run flat tires, you could avoid the stress of changing a tire on the side of the road!

What are run flat tires?

Run flat tires are uniquely designed to allow you to continue driving even after a puncture. The most common design for passenger tires is a self-supporting run flat tire.

This tire is made with heat-resistant rubber and has a reinforced sidewall that supports your vehicle’s weight if the tire loses air pressure. This allows you to drive for a limited distance at a limited speed (ex: up to 50 miles at 50 mph), so you can get to the nearest tire repair shop or pull off to a safe area to put on your spare.

Another type of run flat design is a support-ring run flat tire. This type of tire has a ring of hard rubber (or other material) around the rim that supports the vehicle’s weight if there is low/no air pressure. These tires are typically found on heavy-duty and military vehicles.

A separate but similar tire category is the self-sealing tire. These tires have an extra lining beneath the tread with a puncture sealant solution. When the tire is punctured, the sealant releases automatically to fill the hole and prevent air leakage.

Due to their safety benefits, many new vehicles now come equipped with self-supporting run flat tires. Edmunds estimates that 15% of new vehicles come with run flats, especially models from luxury retailers such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Cadillac. Several tire manufacturers also offer run flat tire options, such as Bridgestone’s DriveGuard tire.

However, all tires eventually wear out. Is it okay to swap your run flat tires with regular tires when this happens?

Can a run flat tire be repaired?

The answer: yes and no. As with any tire, if the puncture is in the shoulder or the sidewall or if the tire has been repaired multiple times already, you will need to replace it.

Some run flats are not repairable at all. These tires will have a notice on the sidewall that says, “Do Not Repair.” Run flats are also not repairable if the tire is driven for too long with too little air pressure.

The tire technicians at Virginia Tire & Auto follow the puncture repair standards set by the Tire Industry Association (TIA).

Can I replace run flats with regular tires?

Yes, you can! Replacing run flat tires with run flat tires is recommended but not required. If you do choose to swap out your run flats for conventional tires, here are a few things to keep in mind.

• When switching from run flats to regular tires, you should replace all four tires at once. Mixing run flats and conventional tires should only be done as a temporary Because run flat tires are much stiffer than regular tires, mixing the two can significantly reduce vehicle stability and handling.
• When selecting new tires, make sure to follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for size, speed rating, load capacity, and inflation pressure.
• Many vehicles that come equipped with run flats do not come with a spare tire or tire-changing equipment. Check your vehicle to see if you need to purchase any new equipment for emergencies.

As always, check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for recommendations and implications for your specific vehicle and tires. Virginia Tire & Auto would be happy to help with this step—give us a call at 855.425.3677 to talk to a tire expert!

Note: If you’re leasing a vehicle with run flat tires, most companies require that vehicles sold with run flats be returned with them.

Pros and Cons of Run Flat Tires vs. Regular Tires

Pros:

• No more roadside tire changes or waiting on a tow truck! Run flats allow you to drive on a low or flat tire to get to the nearest tire shop or a safer area.
• In the event of a tire puncture, run flats offer safer handling than regular tires. The reinforced sidewall provides more stability and consistency.
• More room in the trunk! Since most vehicles equipped with run flats do not come with a spare tire, you’ll have a lower vehicle weight and more cargo space.

Cons:

• Run flats are typically more expensive than regular tires.
• Because of the stiff sidewalls on run flat tires, regular tires generally offer a smoother, quieter ride.
• Regular tires typically have a longer tread life than run flats.
• Most vehicles equipped with run flat tires do not come with a spare tire or tire-changing equipment. So if your run flat tire is damaged so that it cannot roll (ex: a blowout), your vehicle will be disabled.
  Some workarounds for this are to:

• • Plan to use our Roadside Assistance program
  • Purchase and carry a spare and tire changing equipment
  • Purchase and carry tire sealant and a tire inflation pump

Not sure what tires to get?

Call our tire experts at 855.425.3677 or drop by any Virginia Tire & Auto location for a personalized tire recommendation. We’ll evaluate your vehicle type, driving style, previous tire type, and driving needs to help you make the best, most informed decision for your car. You can also shop for your next set of run flat or standard tires online here.