How do I know if I have run-flat tires?

Run-flat tires are a type of tire that can continue to function even after a puncture or blowout, allowing you to drive to a safe location for a tire change. Identifying if your vehicle has run-flat tires is important for understanding their capabilities and maintenance requirements. Here's how you can tell if your tires are run-flat.

Inspect the Tire Sidewall

The easiest way to identify run-flat tires is to look for specific markings on the tire sidewall. Run-flat tires will typically have one of the following designations printed on the sidewall:

• RFT - Stands for "run-flat tire"


• ROF - Stands for "reinforced" or "run-on-flat"


• ZP - Stands for "zero pressure"

In addition to these markings, run-flat tires may also have a slightly thicker sidewall compared to standard pneumatic tires.

Check the Vehicle Manufacturer

Many vehicles that come equipped with run-flat tires will have this information clearly stated in the owner's manual or on a placard inside the driver's side door jamb. Some common vehicle models that offer run-flat tires as standard or optional equipment include:

• BMW


• Mercedes-Benz


• Lexus


• Cadillac


• Infiniti

If your vehicle is from one of these manufacturers, there's a good chance it has run-flat tires installed.

Inspect the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Run-flat tires often require a specialized TPMS that can detect when a tire has lost pressure and alert the driver. If your vehicle's TPMS has a "flat tire" or "low pressure" warning light that illuminates even when the tire appears inflated, this could be an indication that you have run-flat tires.

Knowing whether your vehicle is equipped with run-flat tires is important for proper maintenance and safety. By inspecting the tire sidewall, checking your vehicle manufacturer, and observing the TPMS, you can easily identify if your tires are the run-flat type.

What cars have run flat tires?

Many car models come with run-flat tires, particularly luxury brands like BMW, Mini, and Mercedes-Benz, but they are also found on many other models from manufacturers including Audi, Cadillac, Lexus, Chevrolet, and Toyota. Specific vehicles known to have run-flats include various models of the BMW X series, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and Chevrolet Corvette and Equinox, among others. 
Examples of cars with run-flat tires

• BMW: Most models, including many SUVs like the X4 and X5
• Mini: Most models
• Mercedes-Benz: Sedans and SUVs like the GLA and G-Class
• Audi: Many sedans and SUVs like the Q3 and Q7
• Cadillac: Various models
• Lexus: Models such as the GX and NX
• Chevrolet: Performance cars like the Corvette and Camaro, and also many SUVs and trucks like the Equinox, Blazer, Traverse, and Silverado
• Toyota: Certain models like the Sienna, RAV4, and Highlander
• Porsche: Many models
• Jaguar and Land Rover: Both brands often use them
• Other brands: Nissan, Dodge, Kia, and Subaru also have vehicles equipped with run-flat tires 

How to tell if a tire is runflat?

You can tell if a tire is a run-flat by checking the sidewall for specific manufacturer markings like RFT, SSR, ZP, or ROF. Run-flat tires also have reinforced, thicker sidewalls that can support the vehicle's weight even when flat, and some may have an ISO symbol consisting of RSC (Run Flat System Component) enclosed in a circle. 
Check the tire sidewall for markings 

• Look for abbreviations on the side of the tire, which will vary by brand:
  • Bridgestone: RFT
  • Continental: SSR
  • Dunlop: ROF or DSST
  • Goodyear: ROF or EMT
  • Hankook: HRS
  • Michelin: ZP
  • Pirelli: RSC
• Some tires also have a universal ISO symbol that consists of RSC surrounded by a circle. 

Inspect the tire's physical construction 

• Run-flat tires have much thicker and stiffer sidewalls compared to standard tires. 
• You may also see the words "Run Flat Technology" printed on the sidewall, though the specific markings are more reliable. 

Consult your vehicle's documentation

• If you are unsure, the best way to confirm is to check your vehicle's owner's manual. 

43sHow to Differentiate Between Run Flat Tires and Non-Run Flat TiresYouTubeBMW of Minnetonka · 1y 0:41Understanding Run Flat Tyres: How Do They Work and Are They Worth It?TikTokjaxbankstown · 2y 0:19Always make sure you know whether your BMW has run-flat tires. Don't ...FacebookBMWBLOG · 6mo 1:17Some footage showing the difference beetween a run flat tyre and a non ...FacebookThe Tyre Solution - Devonport · 1y 0:50Spotting a Flat Tyre: Safety Tips from a MechanicTikTokwalsallwoodtyre · 1y (function(){
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What does a run flat tire look like?

A run flat tire looks like a standard tire from the road surface, but its sidewalls are thicker and reinforced with extra rubber to support the vehicle's weight after a puncture. You can identify one by looking for specific markings on the sidewall, such as "RFT," "SSR," "ROF," or a circular icon with the letters "RSC".
 
This video shows the internal construction of a run flat tire: 57sMark's reviews and tutorialsYouTube · Sep 24, 2018
Visual characteristics

• Thick, reinforced sidewalls: The most significant difference is the construction of the sidewall, which is much thicker and stiffer than a standard tire to prevent it from collapsing. 
• Normal-looking tread: The part of the tire that contacts the road looks the same as a normal tire. 
• Different appearance when deflated: When a run flat tire loses all its air pressure, it still maintains its shape and only sags about halfway, unlike a standard tire which would appear completely flat. 

How to identify a run flat tire

• Check for specific markings: Look for manufacturer-specific acronyms on the sidewall, such as: 
  • RFT: (Run Flat Technology) 
  • SSR: (Self-Supporting Runflat) 
  • ROF: (Run On Flat) 
  • ZP: (Zero Pressure) 
  • RSC: (Run Flat System Component) 
  • EMT: (Extended Mobility Technology) 
• Look for a "RunFlat" word mark: Some manufacturers, like Pirelli and Falken, simply print the words "RunFlat" on the sidewall. 
• Examine the vehicle's specifications: If you are unsure, consult the vehicle's owner's manual, which will list the tire specifications. 
• Check for a spare tire: A common giveaway is the absence of a spare tire in the trunk, as run flats were designed to eliminate the need for one. 

Can you put air in a run-flat tyre?

Yes, you can put air in a run-flat tire, just like a conventional one, by using the valve stem to inflate it. However, if a run-flat tire has been driven with no air pressure, it must be inspected by a professional before being reinflated, as the reinforced sidewalls can be damaged from running flat and may no longer be safe.
 
For a tire that has been driven flat

• Do not attempt to reinflate and drive on it without an inspection . 
• A flat run-flat tire has been compromised, and the reinforced sidewalls may have suffered internal damage. 
• The tire must be removed from the wheel and checked for internal heat and abrasion damage . 
• Most manufacturers state that run-flat tires cannot be repaired: after being driven on without air and should not be reinflated if they have been run on flat. 
• If a professional inspection confirms the tire is undamaged, it can then be reinflated. 

For a tire with a slow leak

• If you have a slow leak and the tire has not been driven on with zero pressure, you can add air to maintain the correct pressure, according to the manufacturer's recommendations. 
• Check your vehicle's manual for the recommended pressure and keep the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light off. 
• It is still best to find and repair the slow leak as soon as possible. 

What to do next

• Always check your vehicle's manual: for specific instructions regarding its run-flat tires, as there can be variations between manufacturers and tire types. 
• If you are unsure about the condition of the tire or the leak, it is always safest to take the vehicle to a professional service center for an inspection.