We face threats everywhere
Families are threatened by riots in Portland, Minneapolis, Chicago, and Atlanta. Security drivers are on high alert in Washington, Boston, and New York. In these scenarios, there is no time to change a tire, if there is a problem you just must keep driving and reach a safe location.
The ability to escape from dangerous events and locations is critical in assuring drivers and passenger’s safety and survival, and that is the main goal of Run Flat Insert Protection System and Run Flat Tires.
RUN FLAT INSERTS & RUN FLAT TIRES
What are Run Flat Inserts?
A Run Flat Tire Insert is a device designed to offer the opportunity and capability to the driver of a vehicle to reach a safe spot or location in case he or she faces a problem with a tire, by giving the driver additional time, driving control and the ability to drive a distance up to 100 miles.
The Run Flat Insert Protection System can be visualized as “mini solid spare tires” that are installed in the wheels of a vehicle and are ready to use when encountering any problem dealing with tire pressure and structure. It is a wheel safety device that can be easily tightened to the inner wheel’s circumference to provide optimum conditions of maneuverability and traction in instances where a tire can get deflated – intentionally or not.
The run flat tire system is securely mounted to the rim and has no contact with the tire during regular vehicle operation. They can only be used with tubeless tires.
Run flat inserts provide extended mobility when facing any tire problem including valve failure, horizontal or vertical perforations, explosion, partial or total loss of the tire’s tread and sidewalls.
What kind of vehicles must have Run Flat Tire Inserts?
- VIP and Executive Vehicles
- Civilian Armored Vehicles
- Military and Governmental Vehicles
- First Responders Vehicles
- Police Vehicles
- Bug-Out - Preppers and Survivalist Vehicles
- Off-Road Vehicles
- Commercial and Corporate Vehicles
- Security Vehicles
- Cash-in-Transit Vehicles
- Van Life Vehicles
- Trams, Monorail and Mass transit Vehicles
Types of Run Flat Inserts Manufacturing Materials
Run Flat Tire Inserts are usually catalogued by its manufacturing material, which are rubber or polymer (plastic).
Their main differences are:
| FLATS OVER - Rubber Insert | POLYMER - Plastic | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design / Ordering Requirement | Wheel size | Vehicle/model/trim | |||
| Can operate after a blowout | Yes | Not recommended | |||
| Can operate without a tire | Yes | Not recommended | |||
| Difficulty to control the vehicle | Very Low | High | |||
| Fixation | Ratchet Lock | Nuts and bolts | |||
| Torque | Yes / 116 LbF-ft | Not required | |||
| TPMS Compatible | Yes | Yes | |||
| Top seed at 0 psi (test facility/gunfire event) | 60 mph /87 mph | ?/? | |||
| Endurance at 0 psi (test facility/gunfire event) | 50 mph / 30 mph | ?/? | |||
| Latest certification | UK_VSAG-12 | ??? | |||
| Warranty | 24 months | 6 to 12 months | |||
| Best for | Low/mid aspect ratio (SH) tires | High aspect ratio (SH) tires |
Run Flat Tires, what are they?
Run flat tires are tires designed with certain features that allow you to continue driving in the event of a puncture or leak. They cannot be driven on for too long though.
Currently, there are two main types of run flat tires, self-supporting and ring supported.
The self-supporting system are designed and built with a reinforced sidewall that allows the driver to keep going in the event of sudden air loss. While the ring supported system utilizes a ring of hardened rubber or similar structure that can safely support the weight of the car in case of an air loss.
Pros of Run Flat Tires vs Run Flat Inserts
- There is no need to buy an additional device; you just buy the run flat tire and that is it.
- You do not need to uninstall the insert to install it again in another wheel in case you change or buy tires.
- You can buy run flat tires in almost every tire dealer.
Cons of Run Flat Tires
- Run flat tires are quite rigid.
- They provide a bumpier and a bit more uncomfortable ride than regular tires.
- Run flat tires wear faster than regular tires.
- They are more expensive than regular tires.
- Run flat tires are less fuel-efficient since they do not absorb impacts as well as regular tires.
- Run flat tires are irreparable most of the time in case of a puncture or leak.
- A tire blowout might still happen if there is substantial damage to the tire.
Winner: Run Flat Inserts
If the highest level of tire protection is what you are looking for, get rubber made Run Flat Inserts.
We recommend the Flats Over Protection System.
Wrapping up
You can be facing a threat when driving inadvertently by a “peaceful” demonstration, or during a road trip with your family unaware that a punctured tire might become a major blowout.
No matter what the threat is or where it comes from, you must take care of yourself and your family. And the best way to do it is having either a Run Flat Insert Protection System or Run Flat Tires. You must be protected to be safe.
For more information about Run Flat Inserts, learn about our featured brand, Flats Over, here.