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Bridgestone Runflat Tyres

Written by Olivia Richardson: 13-February-2008

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You're on the Sydney Harbour Bridge with a flat tyre, trying to ride it 'raw' past the honking traffic and general commotion to a safe place to 'pull over' – poor you. Sorry to rub it in, but if you had Bridgestone's Runflat Tyres, you would be well on your way.

With these rubbers, you can drive up to 80km/h for 80 km on a flat tyre! How? The sidewall is reinforced, allowing the tyre to carry the vehicle's weight at zero-pressure; the bundle of bead wires is more substantial, ensuring a secure fit on the rim even at zero pressure; and a special bead filler compound minimises the heat generated in this area (aka it's tough!).

Runflat Technology also increases the tyre's rigidity and heat resistance so that the tyre can support weight while rotating in a deflated state.

Bridgestone's Runflat Tyres (RFT) also save weight by eliminating the need to carry a spare tyre (and therefore saves you petrol and reduces your carbon imprint as well) and frees up extra space where the spare tyre usually would be. We love!

Can I get some?

You need an on-board tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) to have RFT. Currently, RFT tyres are only fitted to late model sports and luxury vehicles with low-profile tyres.

Must-knows about RFT

* Still check the tyre pressures on your car if you have RFT tyres

* Bridgestone RFT tyres are typically capable of travelling for a maximum of 80km at 80km/h after a tyre suffers deflation. However, the vehicle manufacturer may specify a different speed or distance for RFT tyres fitted to specific vehicles and owners should consult their vehicle handbook for details

* Tyres marked 'Do not repair' must be replaced if punctured

* RFT tyres should not be fitted to any vehicle that does not come with them as original equipment

* Standard tyres can be fitted to a vehicle with RFT tyres however this isn't best as RFT-fitted vehicles have been specifically tuned for use with Runflat tyres

* RFT tyres should only be serviced by RFT authorised dealers.

Find out more information at www.bridgestoneselect.com.au



CarAdviceposted on 2008-02-13 at 17:41:07
Wow, I love this article. Thanks for making tyres seem interesting enough for me to bother reading it all the way through! Kim : )
CarAdviceposted on 2008-02-13 at 17:45:38
Wow! Thanks for writing an article about tyres that is interesting enought to make me read it all the way through! Kim :)
Wendyposted on 2008-02-18 at 13:40:23
Just thought I'd share some tips that I've discovered after using runflats for the past 2 years. 1) They make the ride less smooth, you feel a LOT more bumps due to the hard, reinforced sidewalls of the tyre. 2) They cost a lot more than normal tyres and most manufacturers say they can't be repaired if you get a puncture. So, a single puncture can set you back a few hundred dollars. 3) That said, I've discovered that some tyre dealers will ignore these manufacturer's instructions and it IS possible to repair punctures for a cost of around $20 - $40. Mine have been repaired 4 times in 2 years and I haven't had to buy a new tyre yet.
jennifer greenposted on 2008-02-22 at 16:09:25
good stuff daughter
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