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Run-flat tires represent a true breakthrough of technology on the tire market. They can easily get you to the tire shop or home even if you have punctured them! This is possible because of the reinforced sidewalls that allow tires to settle under the weight of a car — and safely get you from point A to point B. This means you don’t need to carry a spare anymore!

Here at Utires.com we have one of the best selections of run flats on the market: and not only from their inventor Michelin! Check out our catalogue and choose the best model for you.

Keep on reading to find out more about this technology and how to actually choose the right run-flat tire for your vehicle.

What is run flat technology?

The technology itself is based on the concept of reinforcing the sidewalls of the tire. An ordinary tire simply blows out when punctured, but the run-flat settles under the weight of the car, their sides gradually move away from the disk, and the sidewalls are flattened. They can hold a puncture even with a complete loss of air pressure on the disc — for quite a long time.

Main advantages of new or used run flat tires

1. No need to change the flat tire immediately on the side of the road
2. No need to buy a spare tire and keep it in the trunk.

Key features of new or used run flat tires

• Reinforced wide bead ring
• Heat-resistant base rubber compound
• Reinforced heat-resistant sidewall rubber compound
• Frame design (presence of amplifiers)

Disadvantages of new or used run flat tires

Driving on the damaged run flat has limits

At a first glance, the technology is just amazing, but there are certain limitations. 

• First of all, it is speed. It should not, on average, exceed 50 mph. 
• The second point is the distance that a car can travel on the damaged tire with run-flat. The limit is 50 mi.

Unlike the traditional tires, you need professional equipment to install a run-flat 

These tires will require special equipment in the special service for both mounting and dismounting the tire. Of course, not every tire shop can boast of the presence of such equipment.

Run flat only works for the cars with the pressure control system 

Another weakness of the run-flat tires is that it is very difficult to find out about a puncture of your car's tire by the way the car behaves on the road. This technology will continue to confidently hold the car after a puncture, and you may not even notice the newly made defect. 

This is good and bad at the same time, therefore, a demand for the use of run-flat tires is to equip the vehicle with a system that controls the pressure in the wheels.

Attention! This drawback doesn’t concern Pirelli’s self-sealing tires. They can be used in any kind of vehicle, so if you don’t have PCS, but want to buy ran-flat, Pirelli used tires will be the only choice! Learn more about these models below.

Another important rule. The stiffness of RunFlat tires and regular rubber differs, so you should not "shoe" your car in tires of different types and from different manufacturers.

Is it safe to buy used run flat tires?

Run-flat tires are different from regular tires, but they are really good tires if you use them according to the simple rules we described earlier. 

It is nothing wrong to buy used run-flat tires, in Utires.com you can find different tire sizes with solid warranty at very friendly prices. Used tires with run-flat technology are no worse than used standard tires. Now let's take a closer look at the few great run-flat tires, all of these used tires you can buy in Utires.com in very good condition.

The top run-flat manufacturers and models, according to United Tires experts

Michelin — the inventor of run-flat

There is a reason to start from Michelin as the first run-flat tires were designed by this manufacturer for military use in the middle of the last century.

Michelin ZP (Zero Pressure) proprietary technology is equipped with special tires that allow the vehicle to continue driving even in the event of a serious loss of pressure in them. These tires have reinforced sidewalls, an innovative bead ring area and are presented in various series of this manufacturer. For example, Michelin Primacy HP, Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2, Michelin Pilot Sport PS2.

Michelin products are suitable for BMW 1- and 3-Series, Cadillac, Dodge, and Mercedes vehicles. All of these cars are equipped with a special pressure control system. Michelin's run-flat tire puncture can be detected by the driver by observing a warning indicator on the dashboard in the passenger compartment.

Michelin ZP tires can only be repaired once at a professional tire center. However, they cannot be repaired again if there is a special marking about damage on their sidewall. Mind it when buying run-flat used tires by Michelin.

Goodyear — pioneer of civil run-flat

In the 1950s Goodyear created the first civil tire in history for Chrysler automaker.

Renowned tire manufacturer Goodyear also has its line of products featuring run-flat technology. These tires have an additional property. The fact is that even with a complete loss of tire pressure, a car with a Goodyear ROF will be able to continue driving, developing a decent speed over a long section of the track. The abbreviation itself stands for simply — RunOnFlat.

It is mandatory for Goodyear tires to carry a load index equal to the minimum specified in the vehicle's documentation.

Any of the tires of the company with RunOnFlat technology can be replaced only with the same type of this speed index, as well as the size. Otherwise, it is not safe.

Goodyear run flat models:

Pirelli: self-sealing run flat tires

The company developed the first in history run-flat tires for SUVs.

Important! As the manufacturer claims, the Seal Inside technology, used in Pirelli run-flat tires, does not need dedicated rims and TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) to be used safely on a vehicle; it can be used on any kind of vehicle depending on the tire size! During puncture one of the layers of the tire creates a seal around the object and you can safely go home without losing air pressure.

Pirelli's run flat family of tires known as self-sealing tires has a wide range of sizes (from the usual 15 "to 20" ultra-premium tires) to suit different types of cars. You can also choose from winter, summer, and all-season options.

In winter, in your sports car, you will be safe in the Pirelli Winter 240 Sottozero. The SUV will experience all the delights on the Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow. And in the summer, pamper yourself with the Pirelli Cinturato P7.

Bridgestone RFT

A car fitted with Bridgestone RFT tires can easily drive after a puncture or serious tire deformation to the nearest repair shop. This allows the driver not to worry about the spare tire, and use a full space in the trunk. 

Summer tires: Potenza RE050. At Utires.com the price of a used tire in size 255/40R17 (94V) is $136.15 (tread depth 7/32).

Perfect choice for the winter — Bridgestone Blizzak RFT — you can buy used tire size 205/45R17 with almost perfect tread depth 9.5/32 at Utires.com for less than $100! 

Continental SSR — the biggest range of run flat models

The complete designation for the SSR system by Continental is Self-Supporting Runflat. The main feature of tires is a rubber booster in the sidewalls, which holds the weight of the car with a loss of air pressure.

A requirement for the installation of the Continental SSR is the presence of a tire pressure monitoring system called TPMS in the car.

Basically, this rubber is used on luxury cars and sports cars. Continental SSR tires are available in all-seasons, winter, and summer versions.

• For summer — ContiSportContact 3 SSR
• For all-seasons — 4x4 Contact SSR, ContiProContact SSR
• For winter. If you are an adherent of thorns, then take a look at ContiIceContact, or ContiWinterViking 2. If you prefer Velcro during the cold season, then you can choose ContiVikingContact 3, 4x4WinterContact. 

Dunlop ROF — versatile and inexpensive new or used run flat tires

Dunlop ROF technology allows the driver to continue their journey even in the event of a complete loss of tire pressure, the car with acceptable handling, acceleration, and braking. The special reinforced construction of the SP Sport MAXX tires with run-flat technology helps to avoid wheel damage caused by significant loads.

The main advantage of Dunlop products is that ROF tires can be safely installed on any car with a standard rim.

Nokian RunFlat — best for the winter

Winter tires from Nokian with RunFlat technology are among the best in their class. The manufacturer has conducted many comprehensive tests, where they tested their products in harsh conditions of ice, cold temperatures, and snow. In addition, these zero-pressure tires can be driven for about 150 km. In summer, say, on Nokian Hakka Z tires, and even more so. By the way, this is one of the best indicators among competitors.

For Nokian Run-flat tires to perform properly in the event of a puncture, they must be fitted on vehicles with a tire pressure measuring system and anti-skid system (ESP). Winter companions can choose the spiked Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7, Nokian Hakkapeliitta SUV 5 or frictional Nokian Hakkapeliitta R, Nokian WR G2 SUV.

Kumho XRP with lyocell cord

Kumho's run-flat products contain a special component that increases the heat resistance of the tires and also ensures their safe level of performance after punctures. In addition, the company uses an environmentally friendly and, in a certain sense, revolutionary fabric cord — lyocell.

The proprietary XRP technology (stands for eXtended Run Flat Performance) allows you to continue driving on damaged tires without any loss in driving reliability and comfort level.

When developing such tires as Kumho I`Zen Wis KW19, Kumho Ecsta SPT KU31, the company set the highest goal of achieving the highest driving comfort, so the driver, provided that they are installed, will need special systems that warn about a decrease in tire pressure.

Hankook run flat tires — innovative product from South Korea

Hankook's reinforced tire technology may not be as widespread in the market. However, the quality of their anti-puncture tires is at a consistently high level.

In the side parts of their products (e.g. Hankook Ventus S1 Evo K107), Korean manufacturers install several layers of rubber with a heat-resistant cord, which does not lead, even with a complete loss of pressure, to serious deformation of the tire.

Yokohama ZPS (Zero Pressure System)

The Yokohama family of tires with Zero Pressure System (ZPS) technology also deserves attention from buyers. The specially reinforced sidewall of the Yokohama Advan V103 ZPS tire and the reinforced bead wire prevent it from getting off the rim even in extreme situations. This is a very high-quality rubber that provides the car with the ability to continue driving with minimal tire pressure.

Run flat tires is a real breakthrough in the tire industry. If you get it, you don’t have to carry a spare in the trunk and struggle in the middle of nowhere changing wheels. It can totally spoil any road trip! This revolutionary rubber is really puncture-resistant. Utires.com has one of the best selections of used run flat tires in the US. Buy them for affordable prices and get free shipping!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to recognize run flat in the tire model name?

Tire manufacturers use different designations for RunFlat technology. Examples: Goodyear RunOnFlat (EMT), Bridgestone RFT, Michelin ZP, Continental SSR, Pirelli Run Flat, Dunlop RunOnFlat (DSST), Nokian Flat Run, Hankook HRS, Yokohama ZPS.

Do run flat tires require special rims?

All manufacturers of run-flat tires accept standard rims.

Do I need to buy tires with RunFlat technology assembled on disks or is it possible to carry out assembly and disassembly every season?

Buying a complete set of tires or tires without rims is the customer's choice. All manufacturers of RunFlat tires are allowed to change tires every season without any negative consequences for the tires or rims themselves. The sale of tires with rims is an exclusively commercial offer from BMW and Mercedes-Benz dealers.

Do you need special tire changers to install run-tires?

To carry out tire fitting work, a tire changer of the required qualifications and modern equipment with a "third hand" (Easymont) is enough.

How many miles and at what maximum speed can you go after a blowout?

 Very easy to remember — usually you can go with the maximum speed of 50 mph not more than 50 mi. Usually, it is enough to reach the nearest tire shop. But there are some exceptions, some models can do up to 200 miles.

What does the RSC label on the tire mean?

RunFlat System Component is a single designation for all RunFlat tires installed on BMW, MINI, and ROLLS-ROYCE cars.

What does MOExtended (MOE) sign on the tire mean?

Mercedes Original Extended is a single designation for all RunFlat tires installed on MERCEDES-BENZ vehicles.

What does the AOE lettering mean on the tire?

Audi Original Extended is a uniform designation for all RunFlat tires fitted to AUDI vehicles.

We hope we give you enough information for choosing and buying good used tires with  run-flat technology. But if you have some extra questions, feel free to contact our customer support team.