Run Flat tires are tires that can be driven flat for a certain distance and at reduced speed after a puncture, giving you time to get to the garage. The distance and speed that run flat tires can withstand once punctured depends on the make and weight of the car they support. You can find out if your tires are "run flat" simply by looking at them or examining other details about your car.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Check the tires
Step 1. Look for the words "Run Flat" on the tires
Some tire brands that make "Run Flats" simply label them "Run Flat," making the owner's job easier. Pirelli is one of the brands that does this.
Just look for the words "Run Flat" on the side of the tire, usually next to other information and other manufacturer numbers
Step 2. Look for the RFT, SSR or DSST codes on the tires
Bridgestone sometimes uses the RFT ("Run Flat Tire") code on its tires to catalog them. Continental uses the code SSR (Self Supporting Run), and Dunlop sometimes uses DSST (Dunlop Self Supporting Tire).
Look for these codes on the sides of your tires alongside other numbers and other manufacturer information
Step 3. Look for the ROF, EMT or ZP codes on the tires
Several tire brands use the ROF ("Run On Flat") code on their "Run Flat" tires, including Goodyear, Bridgestone and Dunlop. Goodyear also uses EMT (Extended Mobility Technology) to catalog its "Run Flat" tires. Some brands use ZP or ZPS (from the English "Zero Pressure" or "Zero Pressure System") in their tires of this type, including Michelin and Yokohama.
Look for any of these codes on the sides of the tires next to the manufacturer's information
Method 2 of 2: Search a Car with Genuine Tires
Step 1. Take a look at your owner's manual
The most direct way to find out if you have run flat tires is to check your owner's manual. In case the car still has its original tires and they are "Run Flat", the manual will explain everything you need to know about the tires and the TPMS ("Tire Pressure Monitoring System").
Step 2. Look for "run flat" tires on modern cars made by certain manufacturers
These tires began to appear on the new car market in the early 2000s. The more modern the car, the more likely it is to have "run flat" tires.
- Certain car manufacturers tend to use "run flat" tires more frequently on their new cars, especially BMW and Lexus. Toyota equips them in some of its coupes and sedans. In case you have one of these cars and keep its original tires, it will probably have "run flat" tires.
- BMW cars are undoubtedly the most common in which you will find "run flat" tires. In case you have a new BMW, the chances of it having these tires are high.
Step 3. Check that the car has a spare tire
A car with original "Run Flat" tires will not carry a spare tire in the trunk. If the car has a tire repair kit in the trunk instead of a spare one, it may have "run flat" tires.
In case you're still unsure, ask the seller or take a look at your owner's manual to find out
Step 4. Take a look at the driver's side instrument panel to look for the tire pressure warning light
Cars fitted with "Run Flat" tires will also have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, which monitors the air pressure in the tires. In case the air pressure is low, a light will come on to alert you to this.