Which Cars Have Run-Flat Tires?
2 Answers
Cars equipped with run-flat tires include: BMW, Volvo S60, Ford S-MAX, Volkswagen R36, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and similar models. Run-flat tires are technically known as "Tire Pressure Monitoring System" tires, abbreviated as RSC. The inflated tire sidewall is the main part that supports the vehicle's weight, especially for tires with a larger aspect ratio, where the sidewall is very thick. In the event of a severe tire blowout, the sidewall can instantly collapse, causing the tire to lose support immediately and resulting in an abrupt change in the vehicle's center of gravity. This is particularly dangerous for front-wheel-drive vehicles if the front tire blows out, as the sudden shift in the center of gravity can easily lead to loss of control. The run-flat tire consists of an outer tire, a standard inner tube, a spare inner tube, a steel rim, a gas generator, a pressure sensor, and a control unit.
As a car enthusiast, I'm quite familiar with run-flat tires. Common brands like BMW equip almost their entire lineup with run-flat tires as standard, such as the 3 Series sedan or X5 SUV, designed for safety - allowing you to drive slowly for about 50 kilometers to a repair shop after a blowout. Mercedes-Benz's C-Class and E-Class often have them too, and they're prevalent in Audi's premium models like the A4 or Q7. Mini Coopers basically all come with run-flat tires due to shared technology with BMW. The Lexus ES series or SUVs like the RX offer them as optional, while American models like the Lincoln Continental sometimes include them. Run-flat tires have many advantages, like avoiding the dangers of changing tires at high speeds, but they do have drawbacks such as slightly more noise and a stiffer ride. Regular cars like the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord's top trim levels can have them as paid options - it's safer to check the configuration sheet or ask the salesperson when buying. The current trend is that mid-range cars are also testing the waters, like the Mazda CX-5, and electric models are gradually introducing them. Overall, the safety improvement makes them worth recommending.
