Can I replace run-flat tyres with normal ones?

Often yes, but your car may not have a spare wheel, and the ride and handling were tuned for run-flats. If you switch, consider carrying a repair kit or spare. Ask our team about your specific vehicle.

Can a run-flat tyre be repaired?

Usually not after it has been driven on while flat, because the internal structure may be damaged. A run-flat that's caught early with correct pressure maintained can sometimes be assessed for repair.

Run-Flat Tyres Explained: Pros, Cons & How They Work

Understand how run-flat tyres work, their advantages and drawbacks, and whether you can switch between run-flat and standard tyres on your car.

How run-flat tyres work

Run-flat tyres have reinforced sidewalls that can temporarily support the weight of the car even after a loss of air pressure.

This means that after a puncture you can usually keep driving for a limited distance — often around 80km at reduced speed — to reach a safe place or a workshop, without changing the tyre at the roadside.

The advantages

No need to change a tyre in a dangerous or inconvenient spot. Many cars fitted with run-flats don't carry a spare, which saves boot space and weight. Stability after a blowout is also improved by the stiffer sidewall.

The trade-offs

Run-flat tyres tend to give a firmer ride, can be more expensive, and often can't be repaired after running flat. They also generally require a vehicle fitted with a tyre pressure monitoring system so you know when pressure is lost.

If your car came with run-flats, it's usually best to stick with them unless you understand the implications of switching to standard tyres (and may need to add a spare).