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What are Michelin Run Flat Tires?

Auto Tips & Advice

What are run flats and who can use them?

What are "run flat" tires?

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.

Can I mount run flat tires on any vehicle?

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.

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Can I mix run flat tires with normal 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.

  • It is also not recommended to mix different run flat technologies/products together.

My run flat tire has been punctured. How long can I drive on it?

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.

My tire is low: what should I do?

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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.

Solution:

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.

See where

Some advice:

Never use tires that have driven with very low pressure unless they have been thoroughly examined internally and externally by a tire professional.

Why?

Internal damage is not visible while the tire is mounted; only a professional can tell whether the tire can be safely used again.

I need to replace my tire. Any advice?

General advice

  • Michelin recommends replacing all four tires at the same time for maximum safety, to maintain even wear and traction on all four tires.
  • 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

  • See a professional to mount and align your new tires.


Replacing only two tires

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.

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Can I mix different speed-rated tires on my car?

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.

What guidelines should I follow when mixing tires on 4WD vehicles?

If no instructions for tire mixing appear in the vehicle owner’s manual, adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Do not mix sizes. All four tires must be branded with the same tire size.
  • Do not mix radial and non-radial tires. All four tires must be either radial or non-radial.
  • Be sure that the outside circumference of all four tires is within one (1) inch of each other.
  • Do not mix tread pattern types such as all-terrain and all-season.

 

Watch the video below for more information:

Install two new tires on the rear axle

Why put new tires on the rear axle?

  • New tires will provide better wet grip than your half-worn tires.
  • When new tires are installed on the rear, it helps reduce the potential for your vehicle to oversteer and loss of vehicle stability in wet conditions.
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