Picture this: You’re cruising down the road, excited to reach your destination. The streets are unusually clear of traffic. Suddenly, you hit a pothole and hear the unmistakable thump of a flat tire. Even more concerning is that you left your spare tire at home, thinking you wouldn’t need it. Now, you’re in the middle of the road, wondering how or where to get help.
Flat tires are common with vulcanized, air-filled (pneumatic) tires, which first emerged in the late 1800s. However, advancements in tire technology offer a solution that can save you from this frequent inconvenience: run-flat tires.
This article highlights what run-flat tires are and how well they function in the Philippines.
Run-Flat Tires Meaning
These innovative wheels’ design enables you to keep driving even after a blowout or puncture, helping you reach a safe location or service center without changing the tire on the spot. These tires often feature reinforced sidewalls or other support systems to maintain driving capabilities even after losing air pressure. However, driving on run-flat tires means going limited distances at reduced speeds.
While almost any vehicle can use run-flat tires, a few considerations remain. They work best in cars with tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) because it may be difficult to notice if you have a puncture without a warning provided by the TPMS.
Also, due to run-flat tires lasting a relatively short time, they work best in urban environments where you’re more likely to be within reach of a service center for repair or replacement.
Types of Run-Flat Tires
Depending on their classification, run-flat tires may work differently to solve the problem of air pressure loss.
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Self-supporting
The most common variant of this wheel type, self-supporting run-flat tires contain rigid sidewalls that can support a vehicle’s weight when it loses air pressure. When your tires deflate, the range and speed you can typically travel is around 80 km/h. They’re perfect for situations where stopping might be unsafe.
Self-supporting run-flat tires may offer a stiffer ride in return for the extra protection they afford. When that happens, adjusting your vehicle’s suspension may be necessary to compensate.
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Support ring system
The support ring run-flat tire, also known as an auxiliary-supported run-flat tire, features a hard rubber or plastic ring attached to the wheel inside the tire. In the event of air pressure loss, this ring supports the vehicle’s weight, letting you continue driving temporarily.
You can typically find this system in luxury and high-performance vehicles because it maintains a better ride quality than self-supporting run-flat tires. However, the support ring system requires specialized equipment for installation and maintenance, which may not be available at all service centers.
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Self-sealing
While not exactly a run-flat tire, self-sealing tires contain a special lining inside the wheel that automatically seals punctures. When an object penetrates the tire, the lining flows into the hole and hardens to prevent air loss and let you drive without interruption.
This type of tire suits drivers who frequently encounter road debris or go off-roading, as it minimizes the need for immediate repairs. However, note that they can struggle with larger punctures.
4 Advantages of Buying Run-Flat Tires in the Philippines
Run-flat tires offer several benefits that can enhance your driving experience and safety, particularly on the diverse and sometimes challenging roads in the Philippines.
1. Better vehicle control and safety
With run-flat tires, you maintain better vehicle control even after a puncture. This benefit is crucial on busy Philippine roads where sudden tire issues can lead to dangerous situations. All three run-flat tire types mentioned above can prevent sudden loss of control, ensuring you can safely reach a service station without the risk of an accident.
2. No need to change tires for punctures
Since the streets of Metro Manila can get congested, stopping and changing a flat tire might be highly inconvenient and even dangerous. Run-flat tires save you from this hassle, letting you continue driving to a safer location or directly to a tire repair shop.
3. Safe arrival at destination despite a flat tire
Assistance may be easy to find in an urban area, but road trips often take you to places where rescue services are not readily available. A flat tire can be a major setback and trip-stopper in such cases. Run-flat tires let you continue driving for a limited distance, ensuring you can always reach your destination or at least find help.
4. Lower vehicle load
You can eliminate the need for a spare tire by using run-flat options, reducing the overall weight of your vehicle. A lower vehicle load can be particularly beneficial in areas like Baguio or Tagaytay, where hilly and challenging terrain needs better fuel efficiency and handling.
No Air, No Problem!
Run-flat tires offer significant advantages for drivers in the Philippines, from enhanced safety and vehicle control to the convenience of not needing immediate tire changes. Whether you’re driving in urban traffic or on rural roads, run-flat tires ensure you can reach your destination safely, even with a puncture.
If you’re looking for quality tires, Triangle Tires can help. We offer a wide array of tires for passenger cars, light trucks, and heavy equipment vehicles, all available for delivery at an affordable price. Browse our tire catalog or contact us to discuss your tire needs.
