Punctures: New level of safety

slightly dearer than conventional non run-flat tyres it’s only by a few pounds.

Previously DriveGuard run-flats were restricted to more expensive cars as original equipment when the car was new and it is still not suitable for the largest SUVs or older models without a tyre pressure monitoring system.

However DriveGuard tyres can be fitted to most models which have TPMS sensors and allows a punctured tyre to be driven at up to 50mph for 50 miles, which is usually more than adequate to get to a place of safety or a repair depot. So how does DriveGuard work? In a special closed demonstration circuit representing a typical road we tried out DriveGuard tyres inflated to normal pressure on a Volkswagen Golf and then deflated to simulate loss of air through a puncture.

A deflated left-front tyre puts the greatest strain on a car’s handling because in Britain we have clockwise roundabouts.

Once deflated the DriveGuard tyre rests on the thicker sidewalls and the heat build up from driving is dissipated by cooling fins which carry it away as it rotates.

The Golf felt slightly heavier to steer when the tyre was let down and created more noise, which is often the first indication a driver gets of a puncture if they fail to spot the yellow TPMS light illuminated on the facia.

There was little significant affect on ride quality and it coped with an emergency stop without pulling towards the side of the puncture.

Afterwards a visual inspection of the deflated tyre showed it remained firmly on the rim, which is not always the case with punctures, but there was a telltale greying of the sidewall due to heat build up and which could be felt placing a hand on it.

It was a brief yet effective example of a DriveGuard tyre working as intended.