Fairfax Tire Shop Insights: Pros and Cons of Run-Flat Tires and Regular Tires
Though some Fairfax, VA, drivers might assume all tires are the same, that isn’t the case — and few tire varieties do a better job of demonstrating this than run-flat tires. As their name suggests, drivers can safely use run-flat tires to travel short distances if these tires sustain a puncture.
Are you wondering whether you should invest in these tires the next time you visit your local tire shop? In this article, we give you the full rundown of the perks associated with using run-flat tires and the areas where standard tires still have an advantage.
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How Run-Flat Tires Work
Though tire manufacturers have experimented with the concept of run-flat tires since the 1930s, these wheels didn’t truly become popular until the arrival of the 21st century. At that point, newly introduced tread compounds made the mainstream adoption of run-flat tires possible.
There are two basic run-flat tire systems, both of which are designed to allow drivers to travel short distances after sustaining tire damage:
Self-Supporting Sidewall System
The majority of run-flat tires offer self-sustaining sidewalls made from hard rubber. When a run-flat tire is punctured, it should be able to avoid collapsing in on itself. But while they have thicker sidewalls than the average tire, they aren’t airless tires by any means.
Supporting Ring System
Some other run-flat tires use a central ring of hardened rubber to support a vehicle’s weight when one of the tires loses air. This tire type is rare in mass-market cars and is more often found in military and heavy-duty vehicles.
Advantages of Run-Flat Tires
No driver would have a reason to consider run-flat tires if they didn’t outperform standard-issue tires in some departments. Compared with regular wheels, run-flat tires offer these benefits:
Unmatched Convenience
Thanks to advances in technology and manufacturing, any tire you buy from a Fairfax tire shop today will offer better damage protection than an equivalent tire made decades ago. But run-flat tires go the extra mile in this regard — even if one of these tires is damaged, you won’t have to pull over right away.
Safe Driving in Emergencies
Since run-flat tires are built to maintain their shape after being damaged, motorists can continue to drive on them for short distances — giving them a chance to drive to their nearest tire store for service without putting their safety at risk. That’s not a possibility with traditional tires, which are effectively unusable after sustaining most types of damage.
No Need for Spare Tires
If your vehicle was built to use run-flat tires, it won’t come with a spare tire. That means that these vehicles offer lower weight and added cargo space.
The Downsides of Run-Flat Tires
While they have quite a few perks worth considering, run-flat tires aren’t the best option for every driver. Compared with regular tires, run-flat tires can:
Be Harder To Replace
Run-flat tires aren’t quite as popular as regular tires, so you might have trouble finding replacement tires unless your tire shop offers an excellent selection of products. These tires also tend to be more expensive than standard wheels.
Offer a Stiffer Ride
Run-flat tires ride more stiffly than regular tires. Because of that, the experience of driving on these wheels will differ for motorists accustomed to cars with standard wheels.
Deliver Less Durability Than Expected
Even the best run-flat tires aren’t entirely indestructible — if they’re damaged by a particularly large piece of shrapnel, they may be unsafe to drive on. Since cars with run-flat tires usually don’t have spares, you’ll need to get your vehicle towed in this situation. Additionally, run-flat tires have unique tread patterns, which could result in a shorter overall life span.
Get the Tires You Need
Considering everything mentioned above, which tire variety is better — traditional tires or run-flat tires? The fact is, there’s no clear-cut answer to this question. You’ll need to consider your priorities and your vehicle’s needs before deciding on one tire variety or another.
Either way, people in the market for a new set of tires should put some thought into finding an exceptional Fairfax tire shop first. Your shop of choice should offer:
- A large selection of tires: Whether you’re buying standard or run-flat tires, a truly excellent tire shop will be able to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
- Multiple forms of tire service: No tire is impervious to damage, so your tire store should be ready to take care of tire repair. At the same time, maintenance services like tire balancing and rotation, and wheel alignment can extend the life of your new wheels.
- Reasonable prices and extra deals: Tire discounts in the form of online auto service coupons and financing options can help make your next tire shop visit more affordable.
- A strong local reputation: If a tire store has been around for more than a decade or two, there’s a good chance it knows what people in the area need from their tires.
At Hogan & Sons Tire and Auto, we take pride in offering all these benefits and more. No matter what tire type you’re looking for, our skilled employees are ready to help. Get started by exploring our online tire store or booking an appointment today!
