Run Flat Tyres

How Do Run Flat Tyres Work?

Dunlop RunOnFlat™ tyres utilise technology that allows you to drive up to 50 miles at a maximum speed of 50mph* on a flat or punctured tyre. Traditional tyres are likely to deflate or even fail in the case of damage, but the structured shoulder design of run flat tyres mean the weight of the vehicle can be supported for a short period of time – reducing the need to change the tyre at the side of the road.

* Unless vehicle manufacturers handbook advises otherwise. 

Dunlop diagram illustrating how RunOnFlat Technology or Run Flat tyres work


What are the Benefits of Run Flat Tyres?

RunOnFlat ™ tyres provide a whole host of benefits aside from the peace of mind of additional safety and convenience in the event of a puncture:

  • In the case of a puncture or sudden air loss the RunOnFlat design tyre can safely support the vehicle allowing the driver to travel up to 50 miles* to find somewhere safe or a garage to change the tyre – rather than on the side of the road
  • Removes the need to carry a spare tyre or repair kit which helps to minimise weight in the vehicle to improve efficiency
  • The structure of the design reduces the risk of tyre failure compared to traditional tyres


Run Flat Tyres From Dunlop

The following tyres from the Dunlop portfolio are also available with RunOnFlat Technology™:

Sport Maxx RT 2

A champion in grip and precision steering, as well as What Tyre UHP Tyre of the Year 2021. 



SP Sport FastResponse

Superb road feedback for responsive handling on wet and dry roads.



Sp Sport Maxx TT

Precision handling, powered by DuPont™ Kevlar®. For high performance sports cars.





How to Identify Run Flat Tyres

Dunlop RunOnFlat™ tyres are identifiable by the ‘RunOnFlat’ technology symbol on the sidewall of the tyre or ‘ROF’ text. Previous branding of this technology is also identifiable by the letters DSST which stands for Dunlop Self-Supporting Technology but works in the same way as RunOnFlat technology. 

Other manufacturers may use different markings or symbols on the tyre sidewall to identify run flat technology over conventional tyres in the range. If you are unsure the vehicle handbook should identify if your car was originally fitted with Run Flat tyres. Unlike other features such as severe snow sutability that is featured on the new EU Tyre Label, Run Flat technology is not referenced via the tyre label. 



Can You Fit Run Flat Tyres To Any Car?

RunOnFlat™ tyres can be fitted to standard alloy wheels, however the vehicle must be fitted with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). This is because the design of RunOnFlat tyres means the stability and handling issues that would normally alert the driver to a puncture or sudden air loss are combatted so therefore it’s essential to receive a visual/audible alert on the dashboard via the TPMS. When the driver sees this alert on the dashboard it is crucial to minimise speed and journey length, failure to do so can compromise tyre sidewall strength causing potential damage to your alloys as well as impacting vehicle handling.  



Run On Flat FAQs

The decision to repair run flat tyres should be made by a qualified tyre professional as not all manufacturer run flat tyres are repairable. Dunlop RunOnFlat tyres can be repaired in certain circumstances. Find your recommended Dunlop tyre professional using our dealer finder.

If your vehicle came with RunOnFlat tyres as original equipment (OE), as a rule of thumb it’s best to replace like for like in order to maintain the vehicle handling characteristics as recommended by the manufacturer. It is possible however to change to conventional tyres from RunOnFlats, but not possible to fit RunOnFlats to a vehicle that has conventional tyres without a TPMS. 

Reinforced tyres are designed to cope with higher weight loads than a conventional tyre, but a RunOnFlat tyre is designed to take the weight of a vehicle in the case of a puncture or sudden air loss.

It is generally not recommended to mix different tyres on your vehicle as the characteristics of RunOnFlat and conventional tyre differ which could impact vehicle handling and stability. 



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