Companies that use self-supporting run-flat tyres include Mini, BMW, Mercedes and Audi. Volkswagen offers self-sealing run-flat tyres on its Arteon and Tiguan which are usually come with a spare wheel too. Self-sealing tyres have also been fitted to the VW CC and Sharan in the past.
A wide variety of luxury automakers fit run-flat tires to cars at the factory. Most BMW and Mini models include them. Mercedes-Benz sedans and SUVs also come with run-flat tires. Other luxury brands using them include Audi, Cadillac, Lexus, and Infiniti.
How can you tell if a tire is run flat or Michelin?
Michelin signify that a particular model is a Run Flat tyre by printing ZP on the sidewall of the tyre. To find out whether the tyres currently fitted to your vehicle are Run Flat tyres, check to see if this symbol appears on the sidewall.
The majority of newer cars are now equipped with run-flat tyres as standard. This technology gives you the ability to keep driving on a tyre with low pressure or a puncture for an additional 50 miles at speeds up to 50mph.
Which cars use run flat tyres? – Related Questions
Can I put normal tyres on instead of run-flats?
If you decide you want to replace the run-flats that came on your car with standard tires, it’s perfectly fine to mount them on your existing wheels. They’ll fit properly so as long as they’re the same size.
Can you pump up a run-flat tyre?
Run flat tyres need a special type of wheel rim called an EH2 as well, which acts as a bead lock to improve bead retention when the tyre isn’t inflated. It is not recommended to try and repair these tyres, once they have been punctured and driven on it is time for a new tyre.
What are the disadvantages of run-flat tires?
Cons:
No spare: Vehicles equipped with run-flats do not carry a spare wheel and tire, which means they don’t have a jack or tools either.
Reduced tread wear: A 2013 study by J.D. Power found that people replaced their run-flat tires an average of 6,000 miles sooner than owners using conventional tires.
Why do modern cars not have a spare wheel?
Carmakers are skipping the spare because of regulatory pressure to squeeze more miles out of every gallon of fuel: Ditching the 40 or 50 pounds that a tire and jack usually add to a car’s weight helps to increase fuel economy slightly.
Bridgestone run-flat tires will allow continued operation even after a loss of some or all inflation pressure for up to 50 miles (80 km) at a maximum speed up to 50 mph (80 km/h.)
Are all BMW run flat tyres?
So we said earlier that most BMWs leave the factory on run flat tyres now. The exception is most of the M models. Many think this is due to the handling changes, with the BMW M models known for being a more enjoyable drive. BMW did not supply these with a spare wheel either, probably due to the extra weight involved.
Why have BMW stopped using run flat tyres?
As a way to reduce overall weight of new BMWs, they no longer come with spare tires. Some models, especially performance-based M vehicles, come with BMW Mobility Kits in place of a spare tire. Most other models come equipped with run-flat tires.
When did BMW start using run-flat tires?
The 2003 models of the Z4 and the 5-series were the first to be shod with run-flats, and since then, as new models were developed, the spare tire in a BMW became an endangered species. Tom Baloga, BMW’s vice president of engineering, said the trend will continue.
Can you put air in BMW run-flat tires?
What happens when a run-flat tire goes flat?
Run flat tires don’t ever actually go flat. They are made of very stiff rubber and a very thin inner tube that when fully deflated, still can support the weight of the car.
Are run-flat tires more expensive?
Due to their stiff, reinforced sidewalls, run-flat tires have different handling characteristics. More expensive to replace. For example, at a major online tire retailer, a run-flat all-season tire costs almost $100 (or one-third) more than its same-size conventional counterpart.
Without a TPMS system, it would be almost impossible to detect a puncture, given that run flat tyres will continue to work even when they’re deflated. Most TPMS systems display an alert on the centre console, reminding the driver that they should stop driving after 50 miles and seek a tyre repair or replacement.
What is run flat indicator?
If so, then you may experience the activation of the run flat indicator, which alerts you to a loss of pressure in one of your tires. This tire pressure loss warning for Mercedes-Benz allows you the opportunity to get to a nearby mechanic or gas station in the Oakville area to inflate the tire.
What is the difference between normal tyres and run flat tyres?
Normal tyres are cheaper than run flat tyres. Run flat tyres are engineered to allow driving of a car even with a puncture in tyre while conventional tyres go completely flat after a puncture. In regular circumstances, normal tyres provide a smoother ride than run flat ones.
How do I tell if I have run flats?
Look for words like “run-flat,” as well as markings and codes. Some tires are clearly labeled as “run-flat” on the side of the tire for easy identification. Look for codes like ZP, RFT or ROF (Run-Flat Tire/Run On Flat), SEAL, or marks like a flat tire with an arrow pointing away from it.
Do run flat tyres affect insurance?
Whether that be the cost of having the puncture repaired or the cost to replace the tyre. However, with Run Flat tyres, it is more likely for the tyre to need replacing rather than it being repaired, which makes it more cost effective to insure.