As a cutting-edge technology, RunOnFlat is still undergoing heavy development. While the basic system, consisting of reinforced tyres together with a TPMS system, has been developed, tested and is now commercially available, there are more technical innovations and enhancements that are just around the corner. In the near future, as soon as your car's TPMS system tells you that your tyre needs servicing, the nearest licensed service station will be automatically alerted through your car's GPS system, giving you directions to a site where qualified personnel will be awaiting your arrival, ready and able to get you on your way again as soon as possible.
TPMS stands for Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, an advanced tyre monitoring system that is recommended for all cars, but an absolute requirement for RunOnFlat tyres. After all, without an on-board monitoring system for RunOnFlat tyres, you wouldn't even know that you'd had a puncture and your tyre required servicing. That is why RunOnFlat tyres should only be fitted on cars that carry a TPMS system.
There are two different kinds of TPMS system: indirect TPMS systems do not measure air pressure directly from the tyre, but calculate it on the basis of ABS/ESP signals. As there is no need for additional sensors, this solution is highly cost-effective while providing a basic and functional monitoring system. The disadvantage is that the system isn't very accurate. Direct systems employ sensors on the tyre valves that transmit a radio signal to the car's bodywork. This highly accurate and reliable system also keeps track of tyre temperatures while giving you the most detailed information on your tyres' air pressure.
With our extensive dealer network equipped to handle Runonflat across the UK, you are almost certain to find an authorised service point within driving distance after losing air pressure in a RunOnFlat tyre. Access our Dealer Locator to find the authorised dealer closest to your current location.
RunOnFlat tyres can be repaired after a puncture in the tread, but not in the sidewall. Because of the tyre's unique reinforcing layers, it is not possible to apply the fabric-lined repair patch to the damaged area or carcass layer.
The Goodyear RunOnFlat tyre is a tyre with a remarkable extra feature: if needed, it can operate at least 80 kilometres and up to 80km/h at very low or zero inflation. So even with a total loss of air pressure, the RunOnFlat tyre lets the driver continue driving to a safe place where the tyre could be examined.
In fact, the RunOnFlat system performs so well without air that a tyre PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) is a necessary part of the tyre package to alert the driver if a tyre has lost inflation. A "FLAT tyre" warning will appear on the TPMS if the inflation pressure of any tyre drops below the flat tyre preset warning pressure. See the vehicle's manual for information on this system.
Goodyear strongly recommend to fit RunOnFlat tyres only on vehicles for which the car manufacturer has given a self supporting tyre approval.
Although the RunOnFlat tyre has been designed to give at least 80 kms of service at sustained speeds of up to 80km/h at low or zero air pressure, after such extreme usage the tyre may have to be replaced. To help prolong tyre life it is recommended to keep the speed as much below 80km/h as possible and to drive less than 80 kilometres. By doing so the probability to enable tyre repairing will increase.
Note: For some vehicles the tyre's RunOnFlat potential may extend beyond the 80 kilometres/ 80km/h standard. This extended potential mileage only applies when used in combination with the vehicle indicated and of course provided that a TPMS is operational. The vehicle's owner manual always prevails over this policy.
As for any other tyre, the inflation pressure should be checked and eventually corrected on regular basis by the vehicle's owner.
Damage inspection, mounting / dismounting and tyre repair or replacement should be done by a tyre or car dealer.
Underinflation is the leading cause of tyre failure. It reduces tyre load capacity and allows excessive sidewall flexing, resulting in high heat generation. Maintaining proper inflation is the single most important thing that the tyre owner can do to ensure tyre durability and maximum tread life. Pressure checks should be made when the tyres are cold. The recommended inflation pressure of the RunOnFlat tyre is indicated in the vehicle's owner manual.
The Goodyear/Dunlop RunOnFlat tyres fitted on a vehicle must carry a minimum speed rating as shown in the vehicle documents. Any RunOnFlat tyre must be replaced with a RunOnFlat tyre of identical type, size and speed rating.
Legal rules for tyre treadwear in a Country apply to RunOnFlat tyres.
If the "flat tyre" warning appears on the TPMS then it is important to determine the cause of this as soon as convenient. The driver should check the inflation pressure on all tyres and if any are below the vehicle's manual recommendation then inflation pressure should be corrected. If the "flat tyre" warning appears again then a visit to the vehicle's or to a tyre or car dealer to have the system inspected should be made. Due to the design of the tyre, the driver will probably not feel a major difference in the ride when the tyre is deflated. But under the low or zero inflation conditions being indicated by the TPMS, he should limit his speed to 80km/h maximum, avoid hard cornering and severe handling manoeuvres.
