How to Identify Run-Flat Tires?
2 Answers
To determine whether a tire is a run-flat tire, you can check for the run-flat marking. The sidewall of a run-flat tire usually has a run-flat symbol, whereas regular tires do not. Here is some information about run-flat tires: 1. Tire Safety: Run-flat tires allow the vehicle to continue driving at a speed of 80 km/h for up to 80 kilometers even when the tire is deflated. If the driver has no experience driving after a tire blowout (which most people don't), they might make incorrect driving maneuvers (such as sudden braking), leading to uncontrollable loss of vehicle control. 2. Development History: In 2001, the first RSC (Run-Flat System Component) run-flat tire was introduced.
Identifying run-flat tires isn't complicated. As someone with years of driving experience, checking the sidewall markings is the most reliable method. The tire sidewall usually bears markings like "RFT" or "Run Flat" – some brands use different codes, such as Michelin's "ZP" or Bridgestone's "ECOPIA", which are instantly recognizable. Additionally, run-flat tires feel noticeably stiffer and thicker to the touch than regular tires due to reinforced layers that support the vehicle's weight. A simple test when deflated: if you can still drive about 50 kilometers to a repair shop with a flat tire, it's definitely not a standard tire. Don't forget to check your vehicle's user manual too – it clearly states the tire type. Paying attention to these details helps reduce safety risks, but keep in mind that run-flat tires are heavier, noisier, and more expensive to replace.
