How do Run Flat Tyres work?

Run Flat Tyre Technology increases the rigidity of the tyre and heat resistance so that the tyre can support weight, even with low or zero pressure. Bridgestone's RFT tyres meet this challenge by combining design, materials and construction changes that optimise the location, shape and physical property of each tyre component.

Bridgestone Run Flat Tyres incorporate state of the art technology, including:
1) Thick, reinforced sidewall of heat-resistant rubber - allowing the tyre to carry weight at zero-pressure.
2) A hard bead core to ensure a secure fit to the rim and prevent collapse, even after a puncture and total air loss.

 
     
     
     

Loss of Pressure: Run Flat Tyre vs. Conventional Tyre

 Run Flat Tyre at normal pressure

Run Flat Tyre punctured

Run Flat Tyre zero pressure

 Tyres at normal pressure

Tyre Punctured

Tyre at Zero Pressure

 

RFT maintains shape

RFT structurally safe, continue

 

Conventional immediately deflates

Conventional flat, journey over
     

 

 

 
TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System)
Run Flat Tyres can only be used together with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPS), which alerts the driver of a problem using a warning light and/or an audible alarm.

There are 2 main types of TPMS fitted to vehicles today:

1) Monitoring of air pressure using the vehicles' ABS system
2) Monitoring of air pressure using a sensor fitted inside the wheel

Bridgestone RFTs work with both types of TPMS system.