Differences in construction: What are tyres made of?
Tyres can be divided into two superimposed categories: tubed and tubeless tyres. Essentially, there is only one type of tubeless tyre for private use and all other tyre types fall in the tubed category.
Tubeless performance tyres: Run-flat
There’s one main advantage of run-flat tyres to name upfront: You can keep on driving, even with a puncture. That’s not to say that you can use them forever. They will still lose pressure over a certain distance after being punctured. In this case they should only run for 50 miles (about 80 kilometres) at a maximum speed of 50 mph (about 80 kmh).
But then how do you realize that you’re losing pressure? Run-flat tyres are only permitted when your car has a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). This system will let you know when the pressure is decreasing. Run-flat tyres are available as two constructional variants: a self-supporting construction and one with a supportive ring. Their differences are:
- Self-supporting: Reinforced sidewalls to support the weight of your car, even when the tyre has been punctured.
- Supporting ring: An additional ring made of rubber or something similar is within the tyre to support your car.
As most modern cars are equipped with a TPMS, run-flat tyres are becoming more and more popular. If you’re considering run-flats, this are the advantages of these tyres:
- Robust and good tyres that can run a certain distance even without air.
- No need for a tyre change somewhere on the road in the case of a puncture.
- Hardness of tyre offers better driving dynamics.
Radial tyre:
This is the most common tubed tyre you’ll find on the market. And for good reason: The tyre sidewall and tread are independent from each other thanks to radial ply cords, allowing high flexibility while still maintaining vehicle stability. In turn, this helps absorb impact and increases general comfort. The tyre itself also has a lower fuel consumption than other types. This is due to less rolling resistance. Most likely, when you’re considering buying a new set of tyres, you’ll select a variant of this tyre.
Radial tyre types: Seasonal tyres
Here are some types of tyres you’ve likely heard about: seasonal tyres like winter tyres, summer tyres, and all-season tyres. What type of tyre you decide on here depends on your weather situation and local laws.