The Run Flat Tire: One of BMW’s signature safety features (everything you need to know)

What could be more frustrating than having a flat tire? It is frustrating no matter if you are hundreds of miles away from Warner
Robins / Perry or just a few miles away from home or work in Macon.  Worse still, when a tire does go flat, you don't have many options to choose from.   If you have all the necessary tools in your car and the skills, you can change the tire yourself.  Most people call for some kind of roadside assistance or even a tow truck, but this could leave you stranded on the side of the road for a significant amount of time before they come to your rescue. This can be especially uncomfortable if you’re on a busy highway in Macon or an isolated county road in Warner Robins.  

What is the other option? Run flat tires. Run-flat tires are standard equipment on most luxury vehicles, and BMW is no exception. BMW's run-flat tires come on nearly every BMW and here’s how they benefit you. 

What is meant by the term "run flat tires"? 

The name says it all - Run flat tires continue supporting the vehicle on the road in the event of a puncture, which would normally result in the loss of all the tire's internal pressure in a standard tire. But be aware- these are not designed to be driven indefinitely; once a run flat tire has sustained a critical puncture, the driver has approximately fifty miles to find a tire shop before the tire begins to fail completely. When driving on a punctured run flat, motorists should also exercise extreme caution and not go faster than fifty miles per hour. Therefore, in essence, the rules are the same as when you are driving on a donut; however, the obvious benefit here is that you do not have to physically change it yourself. 

There are two primary categories of run-flat tire systems: 

Self Supporting - These work by utilizing reinforced sidewalls and are self-supporting (the part of the tire facing outward.) Because of the thicker sidewall, it is much more difficult to puncture the side of the tire, which is beneficial because a sidewall puncture causes more damage to the tire than a tread puncture does.  Support Ring: This type prevents the rim from scraping against the ground when the tire loses pressure by using a ring made of thick rubber that encircles the rim. This ring is placed around the rim and holds the tire in place. 

How far can I drive my run flat tires with a puncture?  

If you have a puncture in your run flat tires, you can drive them a distance of 50 miles and up to 50 mph. It is imperative not to go faster or the tires can fail.  

How will I know if my BMW run flat tires have a puncture since they are quiet?   

While it is true you won’t hear the normal puncture noise like you would with regular tires, you will be alerted. Run flat tires work with the electronic monitoring system in your car, so you will get a notification on your driver’s screen that your tire pressure is low and your BMW will usually have a red light indictor.     

Pros of Using Tires That Run Flat 

 It Is Highly Unlikely That You Will Ever Have to Change the Tire Yourself. 
Imagine that you are driving along Interstate 75 north from Macon to Atlanta when all of a sudden you hear loud noise and feel a difference in the ride from the front or rear. Now, you must pull over onto the shoulder. From there you can wait for a tow truck or one of the Hero units to come to your rescue in Atlanta. Or you can jack up your car and remove your tire while traffic is zipping by at eighty miles per hour, which is quite frightening.   If you have run flat tires, you won't have to worry about this issue ever again (unless you have a complete blowout, but we'll get to that in a moment). 

More consistency 
A run flat offers more general stability than a donut, even when the tire pressure is at its lowest. Because of this, you should be able to find a service center with no issues. If you use a run-flat tire properly and adhere to the instructions provided by the manufacturer, you shouldn't have to worry about a catastrophic failure occurring. 

It Is Not Necessary to Bring Along a Spare 
Of course, carrying a spare tire in the trunk is never a bad plan at any point. However, run-flat tires are stable enough that you can be reasonably certain that they will make it far enough down the road to reach the tire shop even if the air pressure in them suddenly drops to zero. This can free up valuable trunk space that can then be used to store additional emergency supplies. This can be especially helpful if you drive a sedan or a subcompact vehicle, both of which have a limited amount of space available.    

Cons of Run-Flat Tires 

Run flats are more expensive than regular tires  
You are, in essence, paying for the convenience and peace of mind that comes with not having to worry as much about a flat tire. Run flat tires are estimated to cost between $200 and $500 each. Run-flat tires are slightly more expensive to manufacture than standard tires due to the additional reinforcements included.  

If you get a puncture, you will likely have to replace the tire 
With regular tires, getting a nail in your tire or a small hole means you can have it patched up and be on your way. However, with run flats, a puncture means you will most likely have to replace the tire. Driving on a run flat that has lost its pressure still damages it internally, because the entire weight of the car is placed on the failsafe mechanisms without the aid of proper inflation.   

Related: Watch our video on BMW Safety Features 
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As safety concerns remain a priority among car buyers in Macon, run flat tires are an invaluable piece of the car safety puzzle.

The last thing you want is to be stranded on a busy highway or in freezing temperatures waiting to be rescued. Give us a call or stop by our service department in Macon / Warner Robins to discuss your options if you’re considering replacing your regular tires for run flat tires or if you just need a regular maintenance service on your BMW. At BMW of Macon, we’re always here to help.