However, if the tires are subject to this kind of misuse, wheels may become damaged in the process, and repair may be impossible or unsafe, especially if the tire is punctured in the sidewall or at the edge of the tread. Self-supporting run-flat tires are now common on light trucks and passenger cars and typically allows the vehicle to be driven for 50 miles (80 km) at around 50 miles per hour (80 km/h). The durability characteristics of this design were studied further on four different tire sizes for ATV Polaris, Toyota Hilux, and Toyota Land Cruiser & GMV 1.1. AEG prototype dissipates heat and has the tire flexibility and strength to support the heavy military pick-up weight while providing a relatively smooth ride. Pressure Zero Tire (PZT) was pioneered by American Engineering Group (AEG) for US Special Forces. The automaker promoted these as a safety feature and as an alternative to carrying a spare tire. Most recently, Bridgestone and Pirelli run-flat tires are supplied on some new model BMW cars. In 1972 Dunlop launched the Total Mobility Tyre (later Denovo) 'fail-safe' wheel and tire system that became optional equipment on the Rover P6 3500 in 1973, and by 1983 evolved into the TD/Denloc which became standard equipment across the whole Austin Metro range. In 1958, Chrysler teamed with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company to offer Captive Air run-flat tires using an interlining to carry the weight.

While the tire performed as advertised it was far too expensive to be a feasible option for most private automobile users. The tire was sold for military use and for specialized vehicles like bank armoured cars. It had a safety rim inside the tire which if punctured would run on a special foam lining. In 1934, Michelin introduced a tire that was based on technology developed for local commuter trains and trolleys. The tire was advertised as a protection against blowouts, a common and dangerous occurrence in the 1930s. The origins of the commercial self-supporting run-flat tire started in 1935 with a tire that had a fabric inner tire.

There are three basic technologies currently available, described below. They have increased in popularity over time. First developed by tire manufacturer Michelin in the 1930s, run-flat tires were introduced to the public market in the 1980s. Pneumatic vehicle tire Cutaway model of MOWAG Piranha tireĪ run-flat tire is a pneumatic vehicle tire designed to resist the effects of deflation when punctured, allowing the vehicle to continue to be driven at reduced speeds for limited distances.

Run flat tires meaning