How to Distinguish Run-Flat Tires?
2 Answers
Distinguishing run-flat tires can be done by: 1. Checking the sidewall of the tire for special symbols following the specifications, which are absent in regular tires; 2. Placing the tire flat on the ground and standing on it—run-flat tires have hard sidewalls, while regular tires feel soft when pressed by hand. Run-flat tires are primarily designed to prevent loss of vehicle control in the event of sudden tire pressure loss. They consist of the outer tire, standard inner tube, spare inner tube, steel rim, gas generator, pressure sensor, and control unit. Characteristics of run-flat tires include: 1. They possess support and toughness, allowing the rim and tire to combine and support the vehicle safely during sudden air loss or a blowout; 2. After a blowout, run-flat tires do not immediately lose all air, enabling the driver to continue driving for a certain distance with reduced pressure; 3. The reinforced sidewalls of run-flat tires enhance durability and usability.
Identifying run-flat tires is actually quite simple. The method I use most often is checking for special markings on the tire sidewall. Tires with run-flat capability usually have markings like RFT, Run-Flat, or ZP printed on them, which are easy to spot at a glance. If there are no markings, I'll feel the hardness of the sidewall - run-flat tires have reinforced materials inside, making them noticeably stiffer when pressed compared to regular tires that feel much softer. Another trick is to let out some air and test it; genuine run-flat tires can still be driven for about 50-60 kilometers even when deflated, which is very useful. Finally, don't forget to check the tire pressure monitoring warning light in the car - when it comes on, it often indicates the tire might have run-flat capability. When I'm working in the garage, I combine these methods, and they're quite reliable.
