Skoda Service Advice: Should You Fit Run Flat Tyres

As your local Skoda service provider, we see a lot of non original equipment (OE) fitted to cars that we service. As a car manufacturer, Skoda always recommends that you only use OE parts on your car, but tyres are a unique departure from that advice. The tyres fitted as OE to your car at the factory are not actually manufactured by Skoda. However, they are designed to closely match the specifications of your particular car. That being said it can be difficult to find a tyre that’s a close match and some drivers are interested in run flat alternatives. Let’s take a closer look at run flat tyres and examine some of the issues surrounding their use.

What is a Run Flat Tyre?

As the name would suggest, this is a tyre that’s designed to keep running even after a flat has occurred. The technology was initially designed for light combat vehicles in WW2 so that they could make a quick getaway whilst under fire. The technology didn’t advance too much until the late 90’s when they became an option on luxury cars. They were prohibitively expensive, but eventually, the price came down enough to be affordable for some drivers.

The Two Types of Run Flat Tyres

According to tyre manufacturer Bridgestone, there are two main types of run flat tyres available. The first is a self supporting tyre that has a reinforced sidewall that stays rigid even if the tyre is deflated. The second is a support ring tyre that contains a ring of hardened rubber that the tyre runs on when it becomes deflated. Both types are used on many luxury German cars, such as Mercedes, BMW, and Audi.

Is it Possible to Install Run Flat Tyres on Your Car?

The short answer here is yes, there are run flat tyres made by many tyre manufacturers, and one should be close to your OE specifications. These tyres may work slightly differently, but essentially they operate in the same way. However, it’s important to note that run flat tyres are still an expensive option compared to a more standard tyre. Also, experts recommend that a run flat tyre should only be fitted to a car that’s equipped with a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Every run flat tyre has a speed and distance limit, and it’s vitally important to know if they have lost pressure. Of course, most Skoda cars have a TPMS installed, and so a run flat tyre could be safely fitted if cost is not a barrier to ownership.

If they need a Skoda service, Perth based drivers should get in touch with us here at Skoda Perth. We are your local Skoda service centre, and we pride ourselves on our quality of servicing. All of our Skoda service technicians are factory trained to work on your Skoda car, and we only use genuine or approved parts. Our team is standing by to discuss your servicing needs in detail, or you can book your service online.