Q&A

What should I do when a loss of tyre pressure occurs?
If the tyre pressure monitoring system signals that inflation pressure has been lost you can continue to drive with tyres equipped with Run-Flat Technology (RFT). Please follow instructions in the manual of your car and proceed to the nearest RFT authorised dealer to have your tyres inspected.
How far can I drive after I am alerted to a deflated tyre?
On Bridgestone tyres with Run-Flat technology one can continue its travel for up to 80km (50 miles) at a maximum of 80 km/h (50 mph), unless otherwise specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Owners should consult their vehicle handbook for details.
Do I still have to check my tyre pressures if I have a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
The function of a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System is to alert the driver in case of abnormal pressure drop (puncture) or too low pressure driving vs s a pre-set value. The fact of having a tyre pressure monitoring system installed, is no guarantee however you are driving on the correct tyre pressure. Bridgestone, as tyre manufacturer, recommends checking your tyre pressure at least once per month, to make sure pressure is in accordance with what is described by the vehicle manufacturer.
Can I repair a punctured Bridgestone Runflat tyre?
With certain types of punctures in the tread area, the Bridgestone Run-Flat technology tyres may be repaired subject to certain conditions (Depending on how far and at what speed the car was driven after the puncture). Please consult your nearest RFT authorized dealer to have your tyres inspected.

Before attempting a repair, consult the vehicle owner's manual for restrictions. The vehicle manufacturer may restrict the use of repaired tires on its vehicles.
How can we detect a loss of tyre pressure?
The vehicles tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) alerts a driver when a tyre's pressure drops below agreed limits. Since Since RFT technology keeps tyres functioning for 80km (50 miles) at 80 km/h (50 mph) after losing pressure, a driver might not otherwise notice the loss of pressure. Therefore, any vehicle using tyres with Run-Flat technology must be equipped with a tyre pressure monitoring system.
How does a tyre pressure monitoring device work?
There is a wide range of tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) available so you should consult the vehicle manufacturer if you require a specific explanation. Basically there are two types of systems, indirect systems use the fact that reduced air pressure causes the wheel to rotate at a higher speed and when this occurs an alarm is triggered. Direct systems, directly monitor tyre pressure against pre-set values and send a warning when actual pressure falls below set values. A thorough explanation is given in the RFT technology section.
Are all tyre dealers able to fit RFT tyres?
Only RFT authorised dealers should fit RFT tyres due to the specialised equipment and training required.
What is the threshold pressure below which a tyre is deemed to have been Runflat?
The international standard ISO 16992:2006 states that below 70 kPa an RFT tyre is deemed to have been run flat.
Can a tyre whose pressure has dropped to not less than 70 kPa be inflated and used as normal if no repair is required?
Yes. But if an RFT tyre has undergone a significant pressure drop for any period of time Bridgestone recommend that tyres are inspected by an RFT authorised dealer.
Can tyres with Run-Flat Technology be fitted be fitted to any car?
No, tyres with Run-Flat Technology should only be fitted to vehicles that are specifically designed for Run-Flats (Run-Flat Technology as standard equipment), or at least, cars designed with that option in mind (Run-Flat Technology as optional equipment). Any vehicle that uses Run-Flat Technology requires a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System or the driver might not realize that a tyre has been punctured. Furthermore, tyres with Run-Flat Technology are specifically tuned to the suspension of individual vehicles meaning they are inappropriate for fitment to other vehicles.
If one of my Runflat tyres sustains a puncture can I replace it with a standard tyre?
Bridgestone do not recommend mixing tyres with Run-Flat Technology and standard tyres on the same vehicle, even if paired in axle sets. If you have a puncture, tyres with Run-Flat Technology are designed to permit you to proceed to a tyre dealer where you can have the tyre checked and replaced if necessary with another tyre with Run-Flat Technology. In exceptional and emergency circumstances a conventional tyre of the same size can be fitted. It must be noted that standard tyres do not have Runflat characteristics and should be removed at the earliest opportunity.
Are there any impacts on the other features of a car?
No. Runflat systems do not have any major impact on other vehicle features.
What inflation pressure should I use for a tyre with Run-Flat Technology?
Pressures for tyres with Run-Flat Technology are not by definition different than pressures for conventional tyres, but subject to what the vehicle manufacturer prescribes. For correct tyre pressures, always refer to the vehicle placard (usually located inside the driver’s side door or in the glove box), owner’s manual or handbook for the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Will Run-Flat Technology be widely used in the future?
The demand for this kind of technology is increasing as awareness of safety and ecological concern rise year after year. Bridgestone continue to address safety and environmental issues through our products.
Can I use nitrogen instead of air to inflate the Bridgestone tyres equipped with Run-Flat Technology?
Yes.
Do tyres with the Bridgestone Run-Flat Technology have any effect on comfort or other performance when compared with standard tyres (handling, mileage, etc.)?
Vehicles fitted with Run-Flat Technology have specially tuned suspension to compensate for the increased tyre rigidity that is a feature of RFT tyres. All tyre performances though (comfort, mileage, handling) have been optimized for your vehicle in accordance with the requirements of the vehicle manufacturers. Meaning Bridgestone tyres with Run-Flat Technology do not perform differently from conventional tyres, but add on important safety value, which is keeping control and traveling you safely in case of puncture.
What is the effect on performance when my tyres with Run-Flat Technology are used in Runflat conditions?
Unlike conventional tyres, a tyre with Run-Flat Technology is specially designed to hold to vehicle load in case of zero pressure. Provided the vehicle is operated within restricted Runflat speed of 80km/h, handling is only slightly impaired due to reduced cornering force. It is recommended that sharp driving maneuvers be avoided if the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is triggered.
How do I know if a tyre is Bridgestone RFT?
A Bridgestone tyre with Run-Flat Technology can be identified by the RFT logo which appears on the sidewall of the tyre.RFT_logo
My vehicle handbook states that my Runflat tyres can operate for 160km but all Bridgestone literature states 80km? Which is correct?
As per definition (supplement 14th of UN/ECE Reg. 30) a "Run flat tyre" or "Self supporting tyre" describes a pneumatic tyre structure provided with any technical solutions (for example, reinforced sidewalls) allowing the pneumatic tyre, mounted on the appropriate wheel and in the absence of any supplementary component, to supply the vehicle with the basic tyre functions, at least, at a speed of 80 km/h (50 mph) and a distance of 80km (50 miles) when operating in flat tyre running mode.

In practice, when applying tyres with Run-Flat Technology, vehicle manufacturers conduct tests on specific vehicle models, taking into consideration vehicle weight/characteristics and together with the tyre manufacturer can suggest a distance for that specific vehicle. For vehicles fitted with Bridgestone tyres with Run-Flat Technology as original equipment, the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations indicated in the owner's manual apply.