RunFlat tires without punctures

A tire puncture at high speed can lead to an accident, and at low speed - to an unexpected and unpleasant delay on the road. The so-called "puncture-proof" tires, also known as RunFlat ("driving on a flat tire"), allow you to avoid this.

"Puncture-proof" tires are available in the tire lines of many manufacturers:

BF Goodrich - SSS series (Self-Supporting Structure),

Bridgestone - RFT series (RunFlatTire),

Continental - SSR (Self Supporting Runflat), CSR (Conti Support Ring),

Dunlop - DSST (Dunlop Self-Supporting Technology),

Firestone - RFT (Run Flat Tire),

Goodyear - ROF,

Kumho - XRP,

Michelin - ZP (Zero Pressure),

Nokian - RF (Run Flat),

Pirelli - RFT (Run Flat Technology),

Yokohama - RF (Run Flat).

"Puncture-proof" tires will allow you to get to the nearest tire service (if it is no further than 80 km) at speeds up to 80 km/h. Today, there are three types of technologies that allow a car to move after a tire puncture:

self-sealing tires,

tires with reinforced sidewalls,

additional support systems.

Self-sealing tires

The simplest protection against punctures. In such tires, an additional layer of sealant is placed inside the tread, which "tightens" the hole formed during a puncture.

The Continental concern offers NailGard and GenSeal self-sealing systems. At the same time, the cost of a tire with sealant can be only 100-150 UAH more expensive than a similar tire without a sealing system.

Advantages of self-sealing tires

Low cost (10-20% more expensive than a "regular" tire).

Repairability.

Mounted on a regular wheel rim.

Disadvantages of self-sealing tires

Self-sealing is impossible in case of sidewall damage or large cuts.

On wet roads or in frost, sealing is less effective.

Tires with reinforced sidewalls

Reinforced sidewalls allow the tire to maintain its shape even without internal pressure. In this case, the load falls on the tire sidewalls, which are made of several layers of special cord and rubber.

The possible mileage on a "punctured" tire is 80-250 km depending on the tire manufacturer and vehicle load. A puncture in such tires can go unnoticed, so a tire pressure monitoring system is mandatory.

Such tires first appeared in 1992 (Run-Flat series from Goodyear). Today, tires with reinforced sidewalls are offered by most well-known manufacturers: BF Goodrich, Bridgestone, Dunlop, Michelin, Pirelli.

Tires with reinforced sidewalls are installed on premium-class cars and armored models. The cost of such tires is 30-100% higher than the cost of "regular" tires. For example, Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 run flat will cost 2200 UAH. A BRIDGESTONE DUELER HL 400 tire will cost 1624 UAH, and a puncture-proof BRIDGESTONE DUELER HL 400 Run Flat will already cost 2860 UAH.

Advantages of tires with reinforced sidewalls

Not afraid of serious damage (including sidewall damage).

Mounted on a regular wheel rim.

Disadvantages of tires with reinforced sidewalls

Requires a tire pressure monitoring system and adapted suspension.

Not repairable. Repair of the tread part of such tires is allowed only by Goodyear (ROF and EMT tire series) and Dunlop (DSST series).

Heavier and less comfortable.

Additional support systems

The operating principle of such systems is to install a rigidity element inside the tires themselves, which takes on the load when the tire pressure drops. A metal or plastic ring is used as the rigidity element. In addition, specific wheel rims are required for mounting such tires.

Today, tires with an insert ring are produced by Michelin (PAX series) and Continental (CSR series). Such tires are mainly installed on armored vehicles.

For example, Michelin Pilot Alpin (pax) will cost 2673 UAH.

Advantages of tires with additional support systems