Goodyear RunOnFlat tyres, also known as Run Flat tyres perform differently to a conventional tyre that will deflate in the case of a puncture. Run Flat tyres are designed with reinforced shoulders that allow the tyre to continue to carry the weight of the car over a limited distance. This means the driver can continue their journey for 50 miles at a speed of around 50mph* in the event of a puncture, to a safe and convenient destination to change the tyre.
Normal tyres in the case of a puncture are likely to affect the control the driver has over the vehicle and risk the tyre detaching from the rim, as well as causing damage to the alloy wheel.
* Unless vehicle manufacturers handbook advises otherwise.
Goodyear RunOnFlat tyres can be identified thanks to the symbol on the tyre sidewall that reads 'RunOnFlat' or ROF for short. Some of our older Run Flat tyres may also contain the letters 'EMT' which stands for Extended Mobility Technology - this is the same variation of RunOnFlat tyres.
Different tyre manufacturers may use other symbols or sidewall markings to differentiate between standard and Run Flat tyres. You can also find out if your vehicle has Run Flat tyres by consulting the vehicle handbook.
RunOnFlat technology enable the vehicle to keep on running after a puncture or sudden air loss. Even when the tyre loses pressure, the tyre can continue to safely support the vehicle for at least 50 miles at up to 50mph.
Highly resilient rubber inserts support the weight of the car even when the air pressure, which normally does this job, is gone. It performs so well that a Tyre Pressure Monitoring is a necessary part of the tyre package to alert the driver if a tyre has lost inflation.
Run Flat Tyres can be fitted to normal alloy wheels however, the vehicle must be fitted with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) in order to alert the driver in the event of a puncture. The construction of Run Flat tyres counteracts the stability issues that would normally alert the driver to a puncture; therefore it is essential to receive an alert on the dashboard to reduce speed and limit mileage.
Failure to limit the speed or length of a journey on a damaged Run Flat tyre can lead to excessive wear and heat which will compromise the strength of the tyre walls – leading to further damage on the alloy and reduction in responsiveness of handling.
Although most modern cars are fitted with TPMS that directly monitor the tyre pressure, it is still strongly advised to check manually at least once per month. Pressure systems can provide inaccurate readings and do not consider any additional weight on the vehicle.
Underinflated or overloaded tyre will experience over deflection of the sidewalls. This can lead to increased wear, increased fuel consumption and, if over flexing of the sidewall occurs for an extended period, the sidewall may rupture resulting in rapid air loss. Run Flat Tyres like normal tyres benefit from the correct inflation.
Goodyear RunOnFlat technology is available on certain patterns throughout the Goodyear range and most dealers should be able to supply and fit these. Look for the RunOnFlat symbol when browsing to find a Run Flat tyre suited to your driving needs.
Not all manufacturer run flat tyres can be repaired, however in some cases Goodyear RunOnFlat tyres can be repaired by a qualified tyre professional. To undestand more about this read our page on Repairing Run Flat Tyres.