Run-flat tyres are designed with reinforced sidewalls that support the weight of the vehicle even when the tyre loses all pressure. This allows drivers to continue for up to 50 miles at a reduced speed following a puncture, without needing an immediate roadside repair.
They are standard fitment on many BMW, Mercedes and MINI vehicles, and are available as an option for a wide range of other cars. Glasgow Mobile Tyre Fitters are specialists in run-flat tyre supply and fitting.
How Run-Flat Tyres Work
The reinforced sidewall construction distributes the vehicle weight across the tyre structure when air pressure is lost. Most manufacturers specify a maximum speed of 50mph and a maximum distance of 50 miles in run-flat mode — these limits must be respected.
Because run-flat tyres give no obvious indication of a puncture, vehicles fitted with them must have a TPMS system to alert the driver when pressure is lost.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The main advantage is safety and convenience — you are not left stranded roadside awaiting help, and there is no need for a spare tyre, saving weight and boot space.
On the downside, run-flat tyres typically offer a firmer ride than standard tyres, are more expensive to replace, and cannot usually be repaired after a puncture. They must also be replaced and not repaired if driven on while flat.
Run-Flat Tyre Fitting in Glasgow
Glasgow Mobile Tyre Fitters carry a range of run-flat tyres for the most common BMW, Mercedes and MINI fitments, and can source less common sizes quickly. We fit run-flats at your location anywhere across Glasgow.
If your vehicle was originally fitted with run-flat tyres, it is important to replace like-for-like to maintain handling characteristics and ensure your TPMS system functions correctly.
Glasgow Mobile Tyre Fitters provide fast, professional mobile tyre fitting across all Glasgow postcodes. Call us or book online — same-day service available.