What are Michelin Run Flat Tires?
What are run flats and who can use them?
What are run flats and who can use them?
Run flat tires have specific technology to allow you to drive for a limited distance at a reduced speed after a puncture or a drop of tire pressure. MICHELIN® Zero Pressure (ZP) tires provide run-flat technology that allows you to drive up to 50 miles at 50 mph with a flat tire.
No, only vehicles that originally were equipped with run flat tires should mount them – these vehicles have some suspension and chassis modifications designed for run flat tires.
Never mix run flat tires with tires that do not have run flat technology (conventional tires) - unless in an emergency situation on a limited, temporary basis. The conventional tire should be replaced with a run flat tire as soon as possible.
Run flat tires only allow you to drive for a limited distance and reduced speed after a puncture or other event has resulted in either a drop in tire inflation pressure or a complete loss of inflation pressure. If you have MICHELIN® Zero Pressure (ZP) tires, you can drive up to 50 miles at 50 mph with a flat tire.
A tire is low (or underinflated) when it doesn’t have sufficient air pressure to meet the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended psi (pressure per square inch). Underinflated tires lead to flats and tire blowouts.
Add air to your tire until it reaches the proper air pressure (in psi, as measured by an air pressure gauge). To find the air pressure recommended for your tire, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or find your recommended psi on the sticker on your door.
Never use tires that have driven with very low pressure unless they have been thoroughly examined internally and externally by a tire professional.
Internal damage is not visible while the tire is mounted; only a professional can tell whether the tire can be safely used again.
Take time to research. You can replace your original equipment tires with the same tire or another tire that meets the original equipment specifications. See How to choose a tire
When replacing two new tires instead of four, be sure that your new tires are the same size and tire type as your current tires, and that your dealer always installs the new tires on the rear axle of your vehicle.
If tires of different speed ratings are mounted on a vehicle, the lower speed-rated tires should be placed on the front axle. This is to prevent a potential oversteer condition. Vehicle handling may be affected, and the vehicle’s speed capacity is now limited to the lowest speed-rated tire.
If no instructions for tire mixing appear in the vehicle owner’s manual, adhere to the following guidelines:
Install two new tires on the rear axle