By Tresa Erickson

Many of us have had to deal with a flat tire at some point or another. Getting out the spare, jacking up the vehicle and changing the flat tire are no fun, especially when you are dressed up and on your way to work or a special event. Imagine never having to do that again. Sound good to you? Then you’ll be happy to know that run-flat tires are making their way onto vehicles.

Although run-flat tires were introduced in 1994, they have only recently become available on more vehicles. Currently, there are two basic types: self-supporting tires (SST) and patented auxiliary support tires (PAX). Both are designed to support the weight of a vehicle for 100 miles or more and allow drivers to continue moving down the road until they can find a shop to repair the flat. SSTs rely upon heavily reinforced sidewalls to support the vehicle’s weight, while PAXs rely upon semi-rigid support rings.

Run-flat tires offer many benefits, most importantly, convenience. Drivers don’t have to worry about pulling over and changing a flat tire. They can leave that to the repair shop. They don’t have to carry all of the tools necessary for changing a flat tire, giving them more space for other things. Some auto manufacturers, in fact, have taken advantage of this extra space to incorporate other features into their models. Vehicles with run-flat tires have a tire pressure monitoring system, which lets drivers know when one of their tires has lost pressure and reduces the threat of a blowout. In instances where a blowout does occur, run-flat tires can handle the sudden deflation better than standard tires, allowing drivers to maintain stability.

Because the technology is relatively new, run-flat tires do pose some problems. Run-flat tires are heavier, adding to the vehicle’s weight and using more gas. According to some consumers, run-flat tires do not last nearly as long as standard tires. Replacements typically cost more than standard tires and are not readily available at all shops. In some cases, run-flat tires can be repaired, but finding a shop with the equipment and knowledge to do so can be difficult.

As run-flat tires become more commonplace, the problems with them will no doubt be worked out. In the meantime, consumers may want to take the purchase of a vehicle with run-flat tires into serious consideration. They should learn all that they can about the tires, including how much they cost and how easily they can be repaired and replaced.