Changing Run Flat Tyres to Regular Tyres:  All you need to know

What are run flat tyres?

Run flat tyres are equipped with innovative technology that keeps you on the move in the event of a flat tyre. Run flats have the ability to be driven for an additional 50 miles on low pressure or a puncture, at a speed of 50 miles per hour. Allowing you to get home or to the nearest garage without being stuck on the roadside. 

Run flat tyres are tyres available as both premium and mid range tyres, made with reinforced sidewalls or inner support rings to allow the tyre to bear the weight. They provide security and safety if your car is to suffer from a flat, and are a popular choice amongst many motorists. Modern day technology means that the majority of new cars are fitted with run flat tyres as standard. 

Many tyre manufacturers have dedicated huge amounts of research into the development of high-quality run flat tyres to keep motorists safe. Premium tyre manufacturer, Pirelli, has offered run flats since 2001, and has ever since continued to fine-tune its run flat offering to suit the modern day demands of drivers. 

The benefits of run flat tyres

Run flat tyres have many advantages that contribute to safety, convenience and more.

• Keep moving: In the event of a puncture, run flat tyres will still keep your vehicle on the move, meaning you won’t need to stop and carry out a tyre change at the side of the road.
• No more spares: You won’t need to carry a spare with you, and as a bonus, you’ll save money on roadside assistance.
• Increased fuel efficiency: The absence of a spare tyre & tyre replacement equipment means less weight on your vehicle, increasing fuel efficiency. 
• Better control: In the event of a tyre blowout, run flats ensure that you won’t lose control of your vehicle. 

Are run flat tyres more expensive?

Yes, run flat tyres do tend to be more expensive than regular tyres. Despite the higher price point, run flats are still very popular thanks to the added safety they provide. Run flat tyres offer drivers with peace of mind that they will remain safe, even in the event of a puncture. This reassurance, paired with the convenience of staying on the move makes these tyres worth it for many motorists. 

Changing run flats to normal tyres

If you do have run flat tyres, you may be weighing up your options when it comes to the inevitable tyre replacement. With run flats being more expensive, it is normal to wonder whether it’s possible to change to normal tyres if you need to. The good news is, you can switch your run flats for regular tyres – as long as the new tyres meet your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. 

When changing your run flat tyres to regular tyres, there are some things to keep in mind. We’ve listed the do’s and don’ts of tyre replacement from run flat to regular. 

Do: 

• Ensure your new tyres meet the right size, speed & load rating, and pressure requirements specified by your vehicle’s manufacturer. 
• Replace all 4 tyres to ensure even wear and maximum vehicle control.
• Consider your new solution for a puncture or flat tyre – ensure you carry tyre repair equipment to save you being stuck on the roadside. 
• Keep in mind that run flat tyres offer much more advanced safety features than conventional tyres.

Don’t: 

• Don’t mix run flat tyres with regular tyres. 

The main thing to remember is that run flats and regular tyres respond differently to handling and control, meaning you’ll experience imbalanced handling and different tyre wear between axles if you mix the two. Run flats also generally wear quicker than conventional tyres, meaning you could run the risk of uneven wear. 

Can a run flat tyre be repaired?

Generally, run flat tyres cannot be repaired, and some run flats feature the notice ‘Do Not Repair on the sidewall. Once a run flat tyre has sustained some damage, for example a puncture from a nail, the internal structure is compromised and the tyre would be unable to effectively support the vehicle once the deflated tyre has been driven on. 

Mechanics and tyre fitters also advise against this as there is no way to tell that the driver has adhered to the recommended mileage and speed limit that run flats should be driven at in the event of a puncture, therefore they are unable to assess the strength and effectiveness of the tyre. 

Although the advice tends to lean towards not repairing run flats, there are some run flat tyres available that can be repaired, as long as they meet certain criteria. It is important to bear this in mind when deciding whether you should choose run flats or regular tyres. All tyre manufacturers have their own guidelines on whether or not to repair their run flat tyres, so it is important to seek information from the relevant manufacturer. 

Pros and cons of run flat tyres vs regular tyres:

As great as run flats are, there are some top quality conventional tyres with a handful of premium tyre technologies that keep road users safer than ever. Explore the pros and cons to help you decide. 

• Run flat tyres offer higher safety levels than standard tyres.
• Run flats offer the convenience of staying on the move in the event of a puncture, whereas standard tyres require roadside assistance or roadside tyre repair.
• Only cars equipped with a TPMS are compatible with run flats, whereas regular tyres can be used on any vehicle. 
• Regular tyres are cheaper than run flats and often provide a smoother drive. 
• Standard tyres can be repaired more often than not, whereas run flats cannot.
• Run flat tyres tend to wear quicker than standard tyres, requiring more frequent replacements.

What happens if you replace a run flat tyre with a regular tyre?

It is advised against replacing a run flat tyre with a regular tyre, especially if not all 4 tyres are being replaced. Mixing run flats with standard tyres can lead to significant changes in handling and traction, meaning less control over your vehicle. A standard tyre should only be used with run flats if it is an emergency or temporary solution.

Even when changing all four run flats to regular tyres, there will be notable changes to your driving experience. The advice is to always replace run flats with run flats, however, if you do choose to equip your car with regular tyres instead, you’ll probably notice changes in the handling of your vehicle, and you’ll find your ride is a lot softer and smoother. 

Do I need to tell my insurer if I change from run flats?

It is advised that you do inform your insurer if you decide to switch from run flats to regular tyres. This is because the change is classed as a material change to the car. A car that is equipped with run flats as standard has likely been designed to be used with run flat tyres. That means the suspension and other components will have been developed to work with run flat tyres and their characteristics. There are many reasons why your tyres could void your insurance, which are often overlooked by motorists. 

Going the opposite way?

With run flat tyres being such a popular choice due to their high safety levels, a common question is: can I replace my regular tyres with run flats? Unfortunately, if your vehicle didn’t originally have run flat tyres fitted, you will be unable to fit them now. This is because the wheels that support run flat tyres are different to regular wheels, as they have ridges that lock the run flat in place. Also, run flat tyres require a TPMS system, found in newer models.

What can we help you with?

To conclude, the choice of what tyres you would prefer is up to you as there are plenty of pros and cons for either tyre. If you prefer the cheaper and most efficient option, regular tyres are the best choice for you. However if you are willing to spend more money with the expensive but safer option, run flats are your go to.

No matter what you choose, etyres has a range of high quality tyres to suit all budgets, from run flat to standard tyres from all leading brands including Bridgestone, Continental and Pirelli.