Run-flat tyres – A good investment for South African motorists

Run-flat tyres could be a good investment for motorists concerned about their safety.

Run-flats are designed to keep vehicles mobile after a puncture, thereby offering enhanced safety and convenience particularly in high-risk or poorly lit areas.

This is particularly important with the recent resurgence in spiking attacks on the country’s roads.

Vehicle spikings have grabbed headlines over the past few years as opportunistic criminals seek to take advantage of innocent motorists.

While these incidents generally occur on quieter freeways outside urban centres, more recently they have even been reported within major cities such as the N1 running through Pretoria.

Motorists can view run-flat tyres as the last line of defence against these attacks, or as a lifeline if they get a puncture.

How run-flat tyres work

Unlike conventional tyres, run-flats feature reinforced sidewalls that support the weight of the vehicle even after a puncture.

They’re engineered to maintain tyre shape and vehicle control after a loss of air pressure, helping drivers avoid potentially catastrophic accidents.

This allows motorists to continue driving safely for up to 80km at a speed of around 50km/h, giving them time to reach a service centre or safer location without the immediate need to stop roadside.

“This eliminates the danger of roadside tyre changes and reduces exposure to traffic hazards,” said Vishal Premlall, National Director of the Tyre, Equipment, and Parts Association (Tepa).

“It’s a smart safety feature – especially on our busy highways and given the quality of the roads in many areas.”

While run-flat technology offers peace of mind, Premlall cautions that consumers should be fully informed of the pros and cons before making the switch.

For one, these tyres are not designed for long-distance driving after deflation. Exceeding the recommended distance and speed can be dangerous.

Additionally, they often result in a firmer ride than normal tyres due to the stiffer sidewall and less room for flexing.

They are generally more expensive, too, and are not as easily repairable as a standard tyre.

It’s also risky to fit run-flats to a vehicle that does now have a tyre-pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

This is because a run-flat tyre seems inflated even if it has lost pressure, which could render the vehicle dangerous to drive.

If you’re considering switching to run-flat tyres, or want to understand your options regarding these technologies, Premlall advises to speak to an expert before pulling the trigger.

“Safety starts with knowledge,” he concludes.

“By choosing the right tyres and understanding how to care for them, drivers can protect themselves, their families, and fellow road users.”