Will Run-Flat Tires Lose Control After a Blowout?
2 Answers
Run-flat tires will not lose control after a blowout. Reason: Because the sidewalls of run-flat tires are very thick and rigid, even if the air pressure drops to zero after a blowout, the tire will not collapse. The sidewalls still provide excellent support, so the vehicle's height remains unchanged, preventing sudden veering to one side, thus ensuring greater safety. Concept of Run-Flat Tires: Run-flat tires, technically known as "Self-Supporting Run-Flat Tires" (RSC), rely on the inflated tire's sidewall to bear the vehicle's weight, especially for tires with a larger aspect ratio (the ratio of tire height to width). These tires have very "thick" sidewalls. In severe cases of a "blowout," the sidewall may suddenly rupture, causing the tire to instantly lose support and leading to an immediate shift in the vehicle's center of gravity.
Run-flat tires generally do not lose complete control when they blow out, as they are designed with reinforced sidewall structures that can still support the vehicle for a certain distance after a loss of tire pressure. Once, while I was driving at 80 km/h on the highway, my front tire blew out. Although the car felt like it was pulling to one side and the steering wheel became heavier, I firmly held the wheel and gently applied the brakes, eventually managing to safely pull over to the side. The biggest advantage of run-flat tires is that they give you time to react, preventing the tragedy of instant loss of control. However, it's important to remind everyone that after a tire blowout, you should immediately slow down and avoid jerking the steering wheel or slamming on the brakes, as this increases the risk of skidding, especially on wet or slippery roads or at high speeds. Regular checks of tire wear and pressure are crucial in daily car use, as aged run-flat tires are more prone to problems. In summary, run-flat tires significantly enhance safety, but drivers still need to remain calm in handling sudden emergencies.
