There are a lot of times when run-flats come in handy. In light of this, many automakers include them as standard equipment. In many situations, however, standard tires are preferable.
But, can conventional tires be used as a safe alternative to run-flats? Is it the same as changing a regular tire, or are there any special considerations? Find out if you read on!
Because the answers to these questions will have a direct impact on the safety of you and your loved ones, you should give them careful thought and consideration.
It’s not always because of wear and tear or an accident that you need a new set of run-flat tires; sometimes you just want to try something different.
Changing Out Run-Flat Tires
To put it simply, yes. As long as you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, you can replace a flat running tire with a new one. Your vehicle’s performance and safety can both benefit from new tires.
One thing to keep in mind as you get ready to replace your run-flat tires is that they are not all created equal. The optimal performance of each and every tire has been meticulously calculated by the manufacturers.
When switching from run-flat tires to your regular set, there are a few things to keep in mind.
The unique quality of flat tires is that they can still be driven on safely for a limited time and distance after being punctured. The vehicle’s weight is distributed more evenly across the ground, thanks to the thick walls and special construction of good heat-resistant rubber.
When switching from run-flat to standard tires, it’s important to have the necessary emergency moving equipment ready. Vehicles equipped with run-flat tires often do not have a spare jack, rim, wheel, or tire because these items are no longer necessary in the event of a flat. This information is important for your own protection.
Some requirements may shift from run flats to standard tires. In order to maintain order and safety, it’s best to stick with standard tires that are approved by the manufacturer in terms of size, thickness, vehicle weight capacity, etc.
Here are the important considerations to keep in mind as your considering a switch:
- Rim Compatibility: Ensure that the regular tires you want to install are compatible with your existing rims. Check the size, width, and diameter specifications to make sure they match.
- No Spare Tire: Run-flat tires are designed to allow you to continue driving for a limited distance even after a puncture. If you switch to regular tires, you will no longer have this feature, so you need to make sure you have a spare tire or a tire repair kit and know how to use it.
- TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System): Some vehicles equipped with run-flat tires have a TPMS that is calibrated for these tires. You may need to recalibrate or replace the TPMS sensors to match the requirements of regular tires.
- Suspension and Handling: Run-flat tires are often used in vehicles with specialized suspension and handling characteristics. Switching to regular tires may alter the handling of your vehicle. You might notice a difference in ride comfort and handling performance.
- Safety Considerations: Run-flat tires are designed to provide some level of safety in case of a flat tire. Regular tires do not offer this feature, so you must be more vigilant about tire maintenance and addressing flat tires promptly.
- Spare Tire Space: Some vehicles with run-flat tires may not have a spare tire well or a place to store a spare tire. If you switch to regular tires, you’ll need to figure out where to store a spare tire in your vehicle.
- Tire Repair Kit: Some modern vehicles come with tire repair kits instead of a spare tire. If your vehicle has a tire repair kit, make sure it is compatible with regular tires or acquire a suitable one.
- Manufacturer Recommendations: Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual and consult with your vehicle’s manufacturer or a qualified mechanic for guidance on switching from run-flat to regular tires. They can provide specific recommendations based on your vehicle’s make and model.
In summary, while it is possible to replace run-flat tires with regular tires, it’s essential to consider the implications for safety, handling, and vehicle compatibility. Consulting with a professional mechanic or your vehicle’s manufacturer is a wise step to ensure a smooth transition and maintain your vehicle’s performance and safety standards.
Combining Run Flat and Regular Tires
It’s generally not recommended to combine run-flat tires and regular tires on the same vehicle. Mixing tire types can lead to handling and performance issues, potentially compromising the safety of your vehicle. Here are a few reasons why you should avoid mixing run-flat and regular tires:
Although it is not recommended by the manufacturer, if you are in a dire situation and your tires suddenly stop working, this can be a temporary solution. The time it takes to combine flat tires with regular tires should be minimal.
Prepare carefully by learning the details of the specifications, tire thickness and speed of a regular tire before combining them with flat running tires. If there is anything that goes wrong, immediately contact the manufacturer and support facility for help.
If you want to switch from run-flat tires to regular tires or vice versa, it’s best to replace all four tires with the same type to maintain uniformity in handling, performance, and safety. Before making any changes, consult your vehicle’s manufacturer or a reputable tire professional for guidance on the best tire options for your specific vehicle and driving needs.
For more: What causes tires to lose grip?
Run-Flat Tire Maintenance
You may want to consider making the repairs to your run-flat tires on your own if you do not have a spare and the damage is minor.
There is a wide variety of things that could go wrong with your run-flat tires. Thus, the repair is subject to a wide range of variables.
Prior to making repairs, it is wise to determine the location and severity of the puncture. Skipping this step is pointless because there will be problems you cannot fix due to a lack of knowledge.
A qualified technician or the manufacturer should be contacted to ensure proper repair of run-flat tires and to avoid future trouble.
Things to Think About Before Buying New Run-Flat Tires
Run-flat tires should not be repaired, replaced, or mixed with regular tires unless absolutely necessary. It’s possible to continue driving for a short distance and then get help fixing the car.
This is the most efficient way to keep your car running safely and prevent the need for costly and time-consuming repairs in the future.
You should get expert help if you need to put on a new tire. When you don’t want to lug around a spare tire but still need a reliable alternative, run-flat tires are a fantastic option.
Can a BMW use regular tires?
To answer your question, you can use any set of tires on your run-flat-ready BMW. Naturally, both standard tires and run-flat tires have advantages and disadvantages, and we aim to provide you with the information you need to make an informed choice.
A word of caution, though: due to the differences in handling and performance, replacing the run-flat tires on your BMW with regular tires necessitates replacing all four tires at once.
Conclusion
Run-flat tires are specially designed to keep on rolling even when the air pressure in the tire drops to dangerously low levels.
Safe cornering is another benefit you get from run-flat tires, as they increase friction with the road and decrease slip. You can trust them to get you to your destination without incident, no matter what happens on the inside.
When choosing new tires, it’s important to weigh their benefits and drawbacks, seek advice from professionals, and get in touch with the manufacturer if necessary.