Shop Run Flat Tires

Before buying run-flat tires: design and factory fitment

Run-flat tires are tires with reinforced sidewalls that support the vehicle's weight after the tire loses all air pressure, so the driver can keep driving to a tire shop instead of changing a tire at the roadside. Run-flat tires are standard equipment on many BMW, MINI and Mercedes-Benz models, which are often sold without a spare tire.

Run-flat distance ratings to compare before buying

Most run-flat tires can be driven about 50 miles at up to 50 mph with zero air pressure. A heavy load or a high outside temperature shortens that distance; the exact limit for each vehicle is in its owner's manual.

TPMS to check before buying run-flat tires

Run-flat tires need a working tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) because a deflated run-flat tire looks and handles almost like an inflated one, so the driver may not notice the pressure loss. TPMS has been standard on US passenger vehicles since the 2008 model year.

Run-flat markings to match when ordering

A run-flat tire carries a run-flat marking on the sidewall, and each manufacturer uses its own:

• Tire manufacturer markings: RFT (Bridgestone), ROF or RunOnFlat (Goodyear), SSR (Continental), Run Flat or r-f (Pirelli), ZPS (Yokohama), DSST (Dunlop), HRS (Hankook).
• Automaker markings: ★ with RSC (BMW), MOE (Mercedes-Benz Original Extended). A replacement run-flat with the same ★ or MOE marking matches the factory specification.

Buying run-flat tires as a full set

Run-flat tires and regular tires should not be mixed on the same vehicle, because the stiffer run-flat sidewalls respond differently in corners and under braking. Fit run-flat tires on all four wheels, in the original size, load index and speed rating.

Order a matched set of four run-flat tires in your size.

Switching from run-flat to regular tires when buying

Run-flat tires can be replaced with regular tires when all four are changed at once, but the vehicle then needs a spare tire or an inflator kit, because most vehicles sold on run-flat tires have no spare and no jack. Regular tires also ride softer and handle differently than the run-flat tires the suspension was tuned for.

Buying a replacement after a run-flat puncture

A punctured run-flat tire usually means buying a replacement: a run-flat tire driven while deflated is often not repairable, and some tire shops do not repair run-flat tires at all. Run-flat owners replace the damaged tire with the same model and marking, and replace both tires on that axle when the undamaged tire is well worn.

Choosing run-flat or self-sealing tires

Run-flat tires keep the vehicle moving after the air is gone; self-sealing tires keep the air in. Self-sealing tires have an inner sealant layer that closes small tread punctures, such as those from nails or screws.

Ordering run-flat tires with NeoTires

Run-flat owners order by the size, load index, speed rating and run-flat marking on the current tires, such as RFT or ★. Search your vehicle on NeoTires, compare run-flat tires by brand and price, and add the set of four, or the replacement pair, to the cart. Checkout lists Klarna, Affirm and Afterpay as financing options next to paying in full, and NeoTires dispatches run-flat tires the same day you order and ships them nationwide across the US, with free shipping on tires marked Free shipping.