After experiencing a tire blowout on the highway, the last thing you want to do is change a tire off the shoulder of a high-traffic road. It’s dangerous and nerve-wracking if you’re not prepared. The good news? Drivers are turning to alternative tire solutions like run-flat tires to stay on the road!
Our tire experts weigh in on run-flat tires, including an overview of the best run-flat tire brands and run-flat tire pros and cons.
Not sure which tires are right for you? Browse our selection of high-performing used tires at great prices!
What Are Run-Flat Tires?
Most run-flat tires use a self-supporting sidewall system, which allows you to continue driving for a limited distance after being punctured. The tire’s sidewalls are noticeably thicker and stiffer to support the vehicle’s weight, even after the tire loses most of its air.
Some run-flat tires use a supporting ring system, relying on a center ring of hard rubber around the rim to help maintain vehicle control in case of a flat tire. Support ring tires excel at carrying heavy loads, making them more common for military and security vehicles than the average car.
Run-flat tires are not permanent solutions to flat tires and should be repaired (if specific conditions are met) or replaced.
Top Run-Flat Tire Brands
Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus
The Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus combines the safety benefits of run-flat tires with improved driving comfort. This touring series features an asymmetrical tread, allowing drivers to steer confidently over wet and dry conditions with less noise than competing run-flat tires. Its patented Cooling Fin design helps reduce heat when running flat.
Goodyear Eagle LS-2 ROF
The Goodyear Eagle LS-2 ROF is a popular run-flat tire option from Goodyear’s luxury series. Consumers have noted that the tires function well on multiple surfaces as a jack-of-all-trades, getting strong mileage on highways, even with heavier vehicles like SUVs and Sedans.
However, some have reported bubbling on the sidewall and pressure drops due to extreme temperature changes. Reviewers also enjoyed the more recent Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric All-Season ROF.
Michelin Zero Pressure Series
Michelin primarily focused on tire handling and traction performance for its Zero Pressure (ZP) series. Looking at the Michelin Primacy MXM4 ZP, this touring tire impresses with its balanced handling and responsive steering. The tires function similarly to all-season tires, working well under average wet, dry, and light snow conditions. However, reviewers have commented that its tread warranty is notably lower than competing brands at 30,000.
Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Run Flat
Consumers laud the Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Run Flat for its performance-to-price value. As a grand touring all-season tire, it functions reliably under most weather conditions, including light snow. Buyers should note that the Pirelli Cinturato P7 is more common with premium cars, so the tire is built to those specifications (e.g., softer suspension).
Continental ProContact GX SSR
The Continental ProContact GX SSR stands out for its exceptional handling and responsiveness, particularly on wet roads. It stops quickly, handles corners well, and can even tackle light snow. The tires minimize noise and are comfortable to drive on, but some reviewers have noted that the drive is a bit stiff compared to other tire options.
Pros & Cons of Run-Flat Tires
Run-flat tires can offer peace of mind for drivers worried about flats and blowouts. Their safety quality and longevity are great, though the price point and ride quality can be a concern for some. Newer generations of run-flat tires are improving driving performance.
Run-Flat Tire Benefits:
Run-flat tires are easy to install.
Run-flat tires are more stable when punctured compared to conventional tires.
They give you time to drive to a mechanic or tire outlet for repairs. You don’t have to change your tire in dangerous situations.
You don’t need to carry a spare tire just in case, which reduces your car load.
Run-Flat Tire Drawbacks:
Run-flat tires are more expensive than conventional all-season tires, and you shouldn’t mix and match them.
Having stiffer sidewalls means that run-flat tires drive harder over bumps, compromising ride comfort and making them noisier.
They’re usually heavier than conventional tires, which can increase fuel consumption and make them unsuitable for EVs.
Run-flat tires have a small repair window before they need to be replaced. Some run-flat tire manufacturers don’t allow repairs.
How Long Can You Drive on Run-Flat Tires?
When undamaged, self-sealing tires have similar life spans to conventional tires. Once damaged and sealed, you can drive about 50 miles on a self-sealing tire before it needs to be fully repaired or replaced.
Undamaged run-flat tires have comparable tread life to conventional tires. Once the tire gets punctured, you can drive about 50 miles at 50 mph before it needs to be fully replaced.
Run-Flat Tire Repair: Can You Plug a Run-Flat Tire?
Although there is no consensus on whether you can (or should) repair a run-flat tire, most tire manufacturers say drivers should consider:
How much air the tire lost
How long you drove on the deflated tire
The overall condition of the tire
The tire manufacturer’s published guidelines
Lightly-driven run-flat tires with small puncture wounds (about ¼ inch or 5 mm) within the tire crown can be repaired using the same industry-standard methods as conventional tires. However, if you’re unsure, it’s best to get your tire inspected by your local mechanic or tire outlet. We don’t recommend repairing tires more than once.
Should I Buy Run-Flat Tires?
Whether you should purchase a run-flat tire or a conventional tire is entirely up to personal choice. If you prefer the peace of mind of knowing you don’t need to carry a spare tire, a run-flat tire might be best. If you prefer a more comfortable drive, then a self-sealing tire might be the best option to maintain some safety precautions.
Reach out to Hooper’s team of tire experts to learn which tire options best fit your driving habits!