Technology Behind the Run Flat Tyre (RFT) & How Does It Work

Runflat Technology increases the tyre's rigidity and heat resistance so that the tyre can support weight while rotating in a deflated state. The new RFT tyres meet this challenge by combining design, materials and construction changes that optimize the location, shape and physical property of each tyre component.

The sidewall is reinforced allowing the tyre to carry the vehicle's weight at zero-pressure. Whilst at present there is no standard defined, regarding the minimum range a RFT tyre can run in a run flat condition, we at tyrestore feel that 80 kms at 80 kmph would be a safe bet.

So how does a RFT tyre work?

A fully inflated RFT tyre and a conventional tyre (Normal Conditions)
Nail insertion the RFT tyre & the conventional tyre (Punctured condition)
At zero pressure the RFT tyre maintains its profile

Repairing of RFT tyres

RFT tyres have specially reinforced sidewalls to enable them to perform, when deflated, for a limited distance and at a restricted speed. The quoted distance and speed permitted under these conditions may vary according to the tyre manufacturer concerned. In the course of running in a totally deflated or significantly under – inflated condition the tyre structure is subjected to high stresses and hence may become weakened and permanently damaged rendering the tyre both unsuitable and unsafe to repair. When a standard tyre is run deflated there are visible symptoms, which indicate that damage to the tyre’s structure has occurred.

However because of the reinforced sidewall structure of a RFT tyre these symptoms associated with use in a deflated or partially inflated condition are likely to be masked and not be visible even if they are present. Even a fully qualified tyre professional may not be able to detect run flat damage on RFT tyres. For this reason, and in the interest of safety, tyrestore does not recommend the repairing of RFT tyres.

Changing a Flat Tyre

Follow these simple instructions to get back on the road quickly and safely.

Tools Required

Spanner, Jack, Rod, Spare Tyre. Consult your vehicles owners’ manual to determine where these tools are stored.

Safely Pull Over

Be sure to stop on a level area. Turn on your hazard lights. Set the hand brake.

Prepare the tyre

Remove the spare tyre and tools from your vehicle. If the vehicle has a hub cap remove it. Turn the spanner counter clockwise to loosen the nuts/bolts. Do not remove the nuts/bolts.

Jack the vehicle

Consult the vehicle owners manual to properly position the jack. Typically proper jack position is a few inches behind the front tyres or a few inches in front of the rear tyres. Raise the jack until it is almost in contact with the frame, double check the position. Continue to raise the jack until the tyre is about 6 inches off the ground.

Remove the flat tyre

Remove the nuts/bolts. Position your hands at 9 and 3 O clock on the tyre and pull the tyre straight off. Tyres can be very heavy, handle carefully.

Mount the spare tyre

Align the holes on the spare with the threaded nuts/bolts. Slide the tyre onto the nuts/bolts as far as it will go. Replace each nut/bolt, followed by its opposite. This will ensure that nuts/bolts are tightened evenly. Do not over tighten the nuts/bolts.

Secure the spare tyre

Lower the vehicle. Repeat the process of tightening each nut/bolt and then its opposite. Make sure that all the nuts/bolts are tightened firmly

Put away the tools

Replace the tools properly and store the flat tyre. Check to make sure that nothing is left behind. Most important – Make sure that the flat tyre is repaired as soon as possible