As automakers continue to move away from offering spare tires in new cars, some have opted to make run-flat tires standard on their vehicles. Currently, 7 percent of new vehicles, including some BMWs and Mini Coopers, come equipped with run-flat tires, according to Edmunds.com.
Run-flat tires are designed to withstand the effects of small punctures, because they are either self-sealing or self-supporting, allowing the driver to continue driving on the tire for a limited distance, and at a reduced speed. Thus, the driver doesn’t have to stop at an inconvenient or dangerous spot location to fix a flat.
However, while a run-flat tire can be repaired, in some cases, severe damage, especially to the sidewall, will require the purchase of a replacement tire, and run-flat tires tend to cost more than standard tires.
– Ray Cox is a senior ASE certified technician with AutoMD.com, an online automotive-repair service owned by US Auto Parts Network.
