I have some questions about run-flat tyres:
1. How far can one travel after losing air in the tyre? I have seen figures that vary from 80 to 120 km. Are these distances specified for laden or unladen vehicles?
2. What about towing a caravan or trailer? Can one continue towing after a loss of air?
3. What about driving on a gravel road with some corrugations?
KOOS VAN DER WESTHUYZEN – Pretoria
1. Tyre manufacturers tend to be vague about the maximum distance that one can travel because it depends on factors such as the road surface, the ambient temperature and the vehicle’s cruising speed. Vehicle load is another variable that is usually not specified, but it is normally assumed that the car is not fully laden. We think it is possible to go very far by not exceeding 80 km/h, cornering very slowly, and investigating any sign of unsteady behaviour.
2. When towing a caravan one should drive very slowly and trust the steering reaction to tell you how safe it is.
3. Gravel and other dirt road peculiarities should be taken very slowly.