Run-Flat versus Regular Tires: Which Is the Best for Driving in Abu Dhabi?
Today’s cars come with a lot of fascinating choices, among which the tires you pick are probably at least as critical to your safety and driving experience in the UAE
The car of today comes with a lot of fascinating choices, among which the tires you pick are probably at least as critical to your safety and driving experience in the UAE. Today’s cars come with a lot of fascinating choices, among which the tires you pick are probably at least as critical to your safety and driving experience in the UAE.The run-flat vs. regular tire debate is a question that every driver of a high-performance vehicle or a luxury sedan in Abu Dhabi needs to ask himself.The run-flat vs. regular tire debate is a question every driver of a high-performance vehicle or a luxury sedan in Abu Dhabi needs to ask.
In a city, which is all about long, hot, highway stretches and the need for absolute reliability, the question is not performance only – it is about the peace of mind, as well. We are talking about fundamental differences here to help you figure out which would be the best for your daily commuting and weekend breakout trips.We will discuss the fundamental differences to help you figure out which is best for your daily commute and weekend trips.
What Are Run-Flat Tires (RFTs)?
Product technologies that allow you to keep your car moving after a complete puncture are called run-flat tires.Tire technologies that allow you to keep your car moving after a complete puncture are called run-flat tires.
The Technology: RFTs incorporate very strong sidewalls. So, the deflated tire is the one that normally happens, however, if the punctured tire is a run-flat one, the car can still be driven because the weight is held by the reinforced sidewall and the rim is not in contact with the road.The Technology: RFTs incorporate very strong sidewalls. While a regular tire would completely deflate, a punctured run-flat tire’s reinforced sidewall holds the car’s weight, allowing the vehicle to be driven without the rim contacting the road.
- The Range:It is thus possible to drive a few kilometers (generally up to 80 km) at a low speed (normally not more than 80 km/h) to a tire shop or service station, thus the range is referred to as “the Range” whereby a roadside situation is avoided.The Range: They allow you to drive a few kilometers (generally up to 80 km) at a low speed (usually not more than 80 km/h) to a service station, safely avoiding a roadside stop
Most cars that have RFTs installed as standard from the factory do not have a spare wheel, thus rely on this technology and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) which gives the driver a pressure loss warning, for safety.
Pros & Cons: Key Differences Between Run-Flat and Regular Tires
Although RFTs provide distinctly safer driving conditions, they also feature a completely different set of compromises when compared to standard tires.
Run-Flat Tires (RFTs)
- Post-Puncture Safety: Very good. In fact, they enable you to drive for up to 50 miles at 50 mph to a safe service location, thus the risky tire changing by the road is no longer necessary.Very good. They enable you to drive for up to 50 miles (approx. 80 km) at 50 mph (approx. 80 km/h) to a safe service location, eliminating the need for a risky roadside tire change.
- Ride Comfort: Usually less comfortable, as the heavily constructed, reinforced sidewalls cause the vehicle’s body to transmit more vibration and noise from the road.
- Purchase Cost: More expensive at the beginning of the purchase, usually from 25 to 50% higher than that of a comparable standard tire.
- Repairability: Shortage. Several brands announce that it is dangerous to repair a punctured RFT, thus they only recommend changing the tire.Limited. Many brands state that it is unsafe to repair a punctured RFT, recommending only tire replacement.
- Vehicle Weight & Space: By doing away with the spare tire, it is not only possible to reclaim the trunk space but also the car’s total weight is a bit reduced.
Regular Tires (Conventional)
- Post-Puncture Safety: The most dangerous method of the four. A punctured tire means you have no option but to make an emergency stop and carry out the tire changing on the roadside or get a help call if it is out of your power.Lower. A punctured tire necessitates an emergency stop and a roadside tire change or a call for assistance.
- Ride Comfort: The two biggest advantages of these tires are their quietness and smoothness during which the road noise and bumps are being taken up by the soft sidewalls of the tires better. Their main advantages are quietness and smoothness, as the softer sidewalls absorb road noise and bumps.
- Purchase Cost: These are less expensive and can be found more easily, so they may be considered as a more economical option.
- Repairability: Mainly punctures that can be securely fixed by a professional are most of the cases.
- Vehicle Weight & Space: To be fully prepared, spare tire, jack, and tools should be brought along with you, which will take up space in the trunk and add weight.
Ideal Conditions for Run-Flat vs. Regular Tires in UAE Heat
The unbearable heat and the special driving environment of Abu Dhabi are definitely major factors in your decision.
Run-Flat Tires: The Safety Priority
- Best For: Traveling on the highway regularly, particularly on long stretches like the E11 or E30. The capability to stay away from a road-side stop under extremely hot summer conditions is thus, a great safety advantage.
- Who Should Choose: Safety-minded drivers, single travelers, and owners of performance or luxury vehicles that are compatible with RFTs, as they help keep the car’s original handling.
Regular Tires: The Practical Choice
- Best For: People who use the city for their daily commuting and drivers that prioritize comfort, budget, and tire life. The comfort, which is their main selling point, can really be felt during daily city commutes.
- Who Should Choose: Cost-conscious drivers that would like to benefit from a lower purchase price, longer tread life, and cheaper repair options. Besides, it is very important for off-road lovers in Al Ain or other desert areas as RFTs cannot be run at the low pressures needed for sand driving.
Cost and Durability Comparison
Long-term costs and the ability to withstand heat are factors that matter when one lives in Abu Dhabi.
- Higher Upfront Cost (RFTs): RFTs are notably more costly to purchase initially.
- Shorter Tread Life (RFTs): As a result of their more rigid structure and the high temperatures on the roads in the UAE, a few users have indicated that RFTs may become worn quicker than good quality standard tires hence, they could have a shorter tread life (sometimes 25,000–35,000 km vs. 40,000 km+ for regular premium tires).Shorter Tread Life (RFTs): Due to their rigid structure and the high temperatures of UAE roads, some users report that RFTs wear out faster than good quality standard tires. Consequently, they may have a shorter tread life (sometimes 25,000–35,000 km vs. 40,000 km+ for regular premium tires).
- Replacement Cost (RFTs): Limited repair options and a shorter possible lifespan, thus the long-term maintenance cost for RFTs is usually more than that for conventional tires.
Expert Advice from Liberty Car Care – Your Most Reliable Tyre Shop in Abu Dhabi
At Liberty Car Care, we sometimes cannot help but notice this decision being put into effect every day. At Liberty Car Care, we see this decision process unfold every day.
Our knowledgeable technicians recommend:
“The most suitable tire for your needs is the one that corresponds to your driving habits and the technical data of your vehicle.Generally, for high-end cars fitted with RFTs, we advise keeping them, especially for the safety and convenience they provide on the highways.
Generally, for the high-end cars fitted with RFTs, we advise to keep them, especially for the safety and convenience that they provide on the highways
The option to drive to our tyre shop Abu Dhabi after a puncture, instead of waiting on the hard shoulder in the scorching sun, is definitely a great benefit.
Nevertheless, if your car can be equipped with normal tires and you mainly seek for comfort, lower cost, and longer life, a premium conventional tire from a reliable brand, accompanied by a roadside assistance program, is a perfectly reasonable choice.”
Important Note: It is advisable to never change from RFTs to regular tires without a professional giving you the green light. The suspension, chassis, and TPMS of your vehicle are designed for RFTs, so changing may result in altered handling and less safety if the change is not done properly.
Get Personalized Tire Recommendations
Tires are a very important part of the car, and you cannot just decide randomly what tires to buy. If you want to buy a set of run-flat tires for the security they give you or a set of regular tires because you like the comfort and the economy, just know that we make sure that the installation of your tires is the most correct, balanced, and aligned.
Liberty Auto Car Care Shop provides the professional assessment you need to drive with confidence.
