Warning over run flat replacement

Tyre safety group TyreSafe is warning motorists that they could be compromising their own safety if they replace the run-flat tyres fitted to their vehicle with standard tyres.

With many motorists looking to reduce their vehicle maintenance costs, some have been tempted to economise by selecting tyres which do not incorporate the added technology and features found in run-flat tyres.

By choosing these standard tyres, drivers risk significantly changing the handling characteristics of the vehicle which could increase their chances of being involved in an accident.

Stuart Jackson, Tyresafe chairman said: “Run-flats have much stiffer sidewalls than those in traditional tyres and this is taken into account by vehicle manufacturers when they design their suspension and steering systems.

“By switching to tyres that do not use run-flat technology, the handling of the car can be dramatically altered and it may become unsafe, particularly during extreme manoeuvres.”