"An Introduction to Run-flat Tyres"
"Run Flat Tyres Penrith, TyresPenrith (650+ words)"
[ "An Introduction to Run-flat TyresMichelin is one of the manufacturers who have been developing tyres with run-flat technology for over 25 years. Dunlop launched the first production tyre fitted with a run-flat element in 1985. But it wasn't until Michelin came on the scene that this type of tyre exploded onto the market. Run-flat tyres have become an integral part of modern car design. They come as standard equipment on some models and as optional extras on othersAs you may already know, they are intended to provide motorists with the ability to travel anywhere between 50 and 80 miles at speeds up to 50 mph, after suffering a puncture.This is without having to replace or reinflate your damaged tyres at the roadside. It makes them a viable option for drivers of vehicles that are unable to carry bulky spares.The Compromise Between Run-Flats and Conventional TyresThere is no doubt that Run Flat Tyres Penrith have made my motorcycling life much easier. When I was learning how to ride motorcycles, I remember swapping over the spare tyre on my friend's Suzuki Bandit every time he got a puncture. Changing punctured tyres as part of learning how to ride. But now with run-flat tyres fitted as standard equipment on most sports bikes, it has become an issue that rarely crosses my mind.The benefits of continuing your journey without having to worry about changing a tyre are apparent. But run-flat tyres do have their limitations. It means there are times when you would be better off swapping your tyre for a normal one if you canRun-flats are designed to be used at speeds up to 50 mph, perfect for commuting. But they are not so excellent if you're on some twisty country roads or want to hit top speed on the track. They're also heavier than conventional tyres and offer less grip in wet conditions. Especially on loose surfaces where aquaplaning becomes an issue due to their shallower tread depth.Types of Run-Flat TyreMichelin currently produces four types of run-flat tyres - X, ZX Protec, Pilot Road and Pilot Activ.The X family of Tyres Penrith consists of the Pilot Street, Street Alpin, City Protec and City Sports designs. They are best for scooters and city bikes which rarely travel faster than 50 mph. This makes them ideal for commuting in urban areas but unsuitable for motorcycling on open roads or over 40mph.Pilot Road run-flats borrow technologies from their ZX counterparts but provide enhanced grip levels that let you push your bike harder as well as be lighter than other types. They're available in six designs - PR2, PR3 & PR4 sport-touring tyres, as well as the full street biased DR & DZ models.Finally, there is a range of Pilot Activ run-flats suitable for low mileage situations, such as just commuting through town. One model is explicitly for delivery riders and has an ultra-sticky compound that will cling on even in the wettest conditions under heavy braking.What Cars Have Run-Flats Fitted by Default?Most manufacturers don't fit run-flat tyres as standard equipment but offer them as an option or pair them with specialised suspension setups so they can cope with the extra weight usually associated with this type of tyre.The list below details most car makers current offerings...BMW - BMW only fits their brand run-flats on models like the 1 Series, X1, X3 & X5. But they are now almost all fitted with conventional tyres as standard equipment.Audi - Audi also fit their brand run-flats to most models in their range, including A1, A2, TT & Q3 models.Mercedes - Mercedes offer three types of tyres on some of their cars, which one can identify by a unique sidewall denoting Z, R or F...- Z class tyres are for emergency use only and suitable when driving more than 50 mph or for longer than 80 miles at a time. They are currently only available on the Smart Fortwo model.- R class tyres are great at high-performance luxury vehicles and are suitable for speeds between 50-80 mph. They're currently only available on the CLK, CLS & SLK models.- F class tyres are the most advanced run-flats in this range and are suitable for speeds up to 80 mph. Their Y speed rating can identify them...BMW - BMW fit Z run-flats as standard equipment on some models. They usually have a sticker in the boot showing which conventional Tyres Penrith is the best choice as a replacement if one of your tyres does go flat.Cadillac - Cadillac currently fits five types of the run-flat tyre as standard equipment across several of their models, including SRX AWD & CTS R cars with ALY models.Chrysler - Chrysler offers F class run-flat tyres on their 300C SRT8, 200C AWD and Aspen RWD to upgrade to Z tyres at extra cost. It ensures improved handling/performance, although these are only available on a 4x4 model. The cars will come with a tyre repair kit that can plug up to three small punctures in each tyre.Ferrari - Ferrari have never traditionally fitted run-flats to any of their models and currently don't offer them as an option.Ford: Ford currently fit DR, DZ & PR run-flats as standard equipment on most of the models in their range including Fiesta, Focus, C-Max, S-Max, Galaxy & Kuga which all come with DR tyres fitted. They also use Z run-flats on Mustang V8 GT, designed for speeds up to 160 mph.Honda - Honda now only fit Z run-flats as standard equipment on some models like CR-V R AWD. They usually have a sticker in the boot showing which conventional tyre is suitable as a replacement if one of your tyres does go flat.Hyundai - Hyundai offer Z & F class run-flats as options on most of their cars and conventional tyres. They recommend that the Z tyres are ideal for a short distance'. They have a tyre repair kit that can plug up to three small punctures in each tyre.ConclusionRun-flats are far more common on sports cars and luxury models than family cars, with most manufacturers no longer offering them as standard equipment. Manufacturers do not advise what you should do if your tyre does go flat. But some provide a tyre repair kit that can plug up to three small punctures in each tyre.Although run-flat tyres look like an attractive option because they don't have any spare wheel or space required for one. You'll probably find it easier just changing the flat tyre instead." ]