AVAILABLE SIZES

RIM	SIZES	IC/RV	ORIGIN	MARKETING
15"	185/55R15 195/65R15	82H 91H	BRASIL BRASIL	AR-BR-PY-UY AR-BR-PY-UY
16"	195/45R16 195/55R16 195/55R16 SSR 205/55R16 205/55R16 SSR 205/60R16 205/65R16 205/70R16	84H 86H 87V 91H 91H 91T 95H 96H	BRASIL BRASIL BRASIL BRASIL BRASIL BRASIL BRASIL BRASIL	AR-BR-PY-UY AR-BR-PY-UY AR-BR-PY-UY AR-BR-PY-UY AR-BR-PY-UY AR-BR-PY-UY AR-BR-PY-UY AR-BR-PY-UY
18"	215/55R18	94H	BRASIL	AR-BR-PY-UY

IC: Load Index

RV: Speed Range

Origin: Country of Origin

Marketing: Market of Marketing

VEHICLES APPLICATIONS

BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 116I - 2009
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 116I - 2010
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 116I - 2011
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 116I - 2012
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 116I - 2013
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 116I - 2014
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 116I - 2015
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120D - 2009
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120D - 2010
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120D - 2011
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120D - 2012
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120D - 2013
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120D - 2014
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120D - 2015
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I - 2009
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I - 2010
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I - 2011
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I - 2012
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I - 2013
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I - 2014
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I - 2015
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I AUTO - 2009
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I AUTO - 2010
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I AUTO - 2011
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I AUTO - 2012
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I AUTO - 2013
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I AUTO - 2014
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I AUTO - 2015
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I TOP AUTO - 2009
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I TOP AUTO - 2010
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I TOP AUTO - 2011
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I TOP AUTO - 2012
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I TOP AUTO - 2013
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I TOP AUTO - 2014
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I TOP AUTO - 2015
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 116I - 2005
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 116I - 2006
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 116I - 2007
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 116I - 2008
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 116I - 2009
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 116I - 2010
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 116I - 2011
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 116I - 2012
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 116I - 2013
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 116I - 2014
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 116I - 2015
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120D - 2005
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120D - 2006
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120D - 2007
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120D - 2008
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120D - 2009
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120D - 2010
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120D - 2011
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120D - 2012
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120D - 2013
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120D - 2014
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120D - 2015
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I - 2005
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I - 2006
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I - 2007
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I - 2008
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I - 2009
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I - 2010
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I - 2011
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I - 2012
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I - 2013
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I - 2014
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I - 2015
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I AUTO - 2005
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I AUTO - 2006
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I AUTO - 2007
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I AUTO - 2008
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I AUTO - 2009
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I AUTO - 2010
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I AUTO - 2011
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I AUTO - 2012
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I AUTO - 2013
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I AUTO - 2014
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I AUTO - 2015
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I TOP AUTO - 2005
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I TOP AUTO - 2006
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I TOP AUTO - 2007
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I TOP AUTO - 2008
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I TOP AUTO - 2009
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I TOP AUTO - 2010
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I TOP AUTO - 2011
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I TOP AUTO - 2012
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I TOP AUTO - 2013
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I TOP AUTO - 2014
BMW - SERIES 1 HATCHBACK - 120I TOP AUTO - 2015
CHEVROLET - AGILE - 1.4 8V VHC LT LL - 2014
CHEVROLET - AGILE - 1.4 8V VHC LTZ EFFECT - 2014
CHEVROLET - AGILE - 1.4 8V VHC LTZ EFFECT - 2015
CHEVROLET - AGILE - 1.4 8V VHC LTZ SPIRIT - 2014
CHEVROLET - MONTANA - 1.8 8V VHC LTZ SPORT - 2014
CITROEN - C3 - 1.6 16V EXCLUSIVE - 2012
CITROEN - C3 - 1.6 16V EXCLUSIVE - 2013
CITROEN - C3 - 1.6 16V EXCLUSIVE - 2014
CITROEN - C3 - 1.6 16V EXCLUSIVE - 2015
CITROEN - C3 - 1.6 16V EXCLUSIVE AUTO - 2012
CITROEN - C3 - 1.6 16V EXCLUSIVE AUTO - 2013
CITROEN - C3 - 1.6 16V EXCLUSIVE AUTO - 2014
CITROEN - C3 - 1.6 16V EXCLUSIVE AUTO - 2015
CITROEN - C3 PICASSO - 1.6 16V EXCLUSIVE - 2011
CITROEN - C3 PICASSO - 1.6 16V EXCLUSIVE - 2012
CITROEN - C3 PICASSO - 1.6 16V EXCLUSIVE - 2013
CITROEN - C3 PICASSO - 1.6 16V EXCLUSIVE - 2014
CITROEN - C3 PICASSO - 1.6 16V EXCLUSIVE - 2015
CITROEN - C3 PICASSO - 1.6 16V SX - 2011
CITROEN - C3 PICASSO - 1.6 16V SX - 2012
CITROEN - C3 PICASSO - 1.6 16V SX - 2013
CITROEN - C3 PICASSO - 1.6 16V SX - 2014
CITROEN - C3 PICASSO - 1.6 16V SX - 2015
CITROEN - C3 PICASSO - 1.6 16V X - 2011
CITROEN - C3 PICASSO - 1.6 16V X - 2012
CITROEN - C3 PICASSO - 1.6 16V X - 2013
CITROEN - C3 PICASSO - 1.6 16V X - 2014
FIAT - GRAND SIENA - 1.6 16V ESSENCE - 2012
FIAT - GRAND SIENA - 1.6 16V ESSENCE - 2013
FIAT - GRAND SIENA - 1.6 16V ESSENCE - 2014
FIAT - GRAND SIENA - 1.6 16V ESSENCE - 2015
FIAT - PALIO HATCHBACK - 1.6 16V SPORTING - 2012
FIAT - PALIO HATCHBACK - 1.6 16V SPORTING - 2013
FIAT - PALIO HATCHBACK - 1.6 16V SPORTING - 2014
FIAT - PUNTO - 1.8 8V SPORTING - 2009
FIAT - PUNTO - 1.8 8V SPORTING - 2010
FIAT - PUNTO - 1.8 8V SPORTING - 2011
FIAT - PUNTO - 1.8 8V SPORTING - 2012
FIAT - PUNTO - 1.8 8V SPORTING - 2013
FIAT - PUNTO - 1.8 8V SPORTING - 2014
FIAT - QUBO - 1.4 8V DYNAMIC - 2012
FIAT - QUBO - 1.4 8V DYNAMIC - 2013
FIAT - QUBO - 1.4 8V DYNAMIC - 2014
FIAT - QUBO - 1.4 8V DYNAMIC - 2015
MERCEDES - A-CLASS - A 200 AVANTGARDE AUTO - 2005
MERCEDES - A-CLASS - A 200 AVANTGARDE AUTO - 2006
MERCEDES - A-CLASS - A 200 AVANTGARDE AUTO - 2007
MERCEDES - A-CLASS - A 200 AVANTGARDE AUTO - 2008
MERCEDES - A-CLASS - A 200 AVANTGARDE AUTO - 2009
MINI - COOPER CABRIOLET - 1.6 16V CABRIOLET AUTO - 2009
MINI - COOPER CABRIOLET - 1.6 16V CABRIOLET AUTO - 2010
MINI - COOPER CABRIOLET - 1.6 16V CABRIOLET AUTO - 2011
MINI - COOPER CABRIOLET - 1.6 16V CABRIOLET AUTO - 2012
MINI - COOPER CABRIOLET - 1.6 16V CABRIOLET AUTO - 2013
MINI - COOPER CABRIOLET - 1.6 16V CABRIOLET AUTO - 2014
MINI - COOPER CABRIOLET - 1.6 16V CABRIOLET AUTO - 2015
MINI - COOPER HATCHBACK - 1.6 16V CHILLI - 2005
MINI - COOPER HATCHBACK - 1.6 16V CHILLI - 2006
MINI - COOPER HATCHBACK - 1.6 16V CHILLI - 2007
MINI - COOPER HATCHBACK - 1.6 16V CHILLI - 2008
MINI - COOPER HATCHBACK - 1.6 16V CHILLI - 2009
MINI - COOPER HATCHBACK - 1.6 16V CHILLI - 2010
MINI - COOPER HATCHBACK - 1.6 16V CHILLI - 2011
MINI - COOPER HATCHBACK - 1.6 16V CHILLI - 2012
MINI - COOPER HATCHBACK - 1.6 16V CHILLI - 2013
MINI - COOPER HATCHBACK - 1.6 16V CHILLI - 2014
MINI - COOPER HATCHBACK - 1.6 16V CHILLI AUTO - 2009
MINI - COOPER HATCHBACK - 1.6 16V CHILLI AUTO - 2010
MINI - COOPER HATCHBACK - 1.6 16V CHILLI AUTO - 2011
MINI - COOPER HATCHBACK - 1.6 16V CHILLI AUTO - 2012
MINI - COOPER HATCHBACK - 1.6 16V CHILLI AUTO - 2013
MINI - COOPER HATCHBACK - 1.6 16V CHILLI AUTO - 2014
MINI - COOPER HATCHBACK - 1.6 16V S SALT - 2005
MINI - COOPER HATCHBACK - 1.6 16V S SALT - 2006
MINI - COOPER HATCHBACK - 1.6 16V S SALT - 2007
MINI - COOPER HATCHBACK - 1.6 16V S SALT - 2008
MINI - COOPER HATCHBACK - 1.6 16V S SALT - 2009
MINI - COOPER HATCHBACK - 1.5 TURBO AUTO - 2014
MINI - COOPER HATCHBACK - 1.5 TURBO AUTO - 2015
NISSAN - NOTE II - 1.6 16V EXCLUSIVE CVT - 2015
PEUGEOT - 207 CABRIOLET - 1.6 16V COUPE CABRIOLET 120CV - 2008
PEUGEOT - 207 CABRIOLET - 1.6 16V COUPE CABRIOLET 120CV - 2009
PEUGEOT - 207 CABRIOLET - 1.6 16V COUPE CABRIOLET 120CV - 2010
PEUGEOT - 207 CABRIOLET - 1.6 16V COUPE CABRIOLET 120CV - 2011
PEUGEOT - 207 CABRIOLET - 1.6 16V COUPE CABRIOLET 120CV - 2012
PEUGEOT - 207 CABRIOLET - 1.6 16V COUPE CABRIOLET 120CV - 2013
PEUGEOT - 207 CABRIOLET - 1.6 16V COUPE CABRIOLET 120CV - 2014
PEUGEOT - 207 CABRIOLET - 1.6 16V COUPE CABRIOLET AUTO 120CV - 2008
PEUGEOT - 207 CABRIOLET - 1.6 16V COUPE CABRIOLET AUTO 120CV - 2009
PEUGEOT - 207 CABRIOLET - 1.6 16V COUPE CABRIOLET AUTO 120CV - 2010
PEUGEOT - 207 CABRIOLET - 1.6 16V COUPE CABRIOLET AUTO 120CV - 2011
PEUGEOT - 207 CABRIOLET - 1.6 16V COUPE CABRIOLET AUTO 120CV - 2012
PEUGEOT - 207 CABRIOLET - 1.6 16V COUPE CABRIOLET AUTO 120CV - 2013
PEUGEOT - 207 CABRIOLET - 1.6 16V COUPE CABRIOLET AUTO 120CV - 2014
PEUGEOT - 208 HATCHBACK - 1.6 16V FELLINE - 2013
PEUGEOT - 208 HATCHBACK - 1.6 16V FELLINE - 2014
PEUGEOT - 208 HATCHBACK - 1.6 16V FELLINE - 2015
PEUGEOT - 208 HATCHBACK - 1.6 16V FELLINE PACK CUIR - 2013
PEUGEOT - 208 HATCHBACK - 1.6 16V FELLINE PACK CUIR - 2014
PEUGEOT - 208 HATCHBACK - 1.6 16V FELLINE PACK CUIR - 2015

CONTINENTAL CONTIPROCONTACT SSR - 195/55R16 - 87V

The ContiProContact SSR (Self Supporting Runflat) is Continental's Grand Touring All-Season run-flat tire designed to provide temporary extended mobility in case of complete air loss due to a puncture. The ContiProContact SSR is designed to blend good looks, low noise and the assurance of extended mobility along with the versatility of all-season traction, even in light snow.

FEATURES:

ContiProContact SSR tires permit drivers to remain mobile in the event of a flat tire by allowing them to reach their destination or tire service facility without having to replace a flat tire with the spare tire. The ContiProContact SSR's reinforced sidewall enables the car to continue on its way at a maximum speed of 50 mph (80 km/h) for up to 50 miles (80 km), depending on road conditions and vehicle weight.

SPECIFICATIONS:

The ContiProContact SSR features an all-season tread compound molded into a symmetric, notched-rib tread design that provides continuous tread contact with the road to enhance steering response and handling while its wide circumferential grooves promote hydroplaning resistance and wet traction. Continental's PROactive Edge Technology places at least 800 arched edges in each ContiProContact SSR tire's tread design to bring more active edges into the contact patch to promote stormy-weather traction while allowing the pattern elements to transfer smoothly from edge to edge to minimize on-road noise.

The tire's internal structure includes twin steel belts reinforced by spirally wrapped nylon to stabilize the tread area promoting uniformity and high-speed durability along with reinforced self-supporting sidewalls that prevent the inside of the tire from getting pinched between the road and the rim in the event of a loss of inflation.

Though they cannot be labeled as run-flat tires, tires branded with MOExtended or MOE on their sidewalls offer run-flat-like characteristics by delivering limited temporary extended mobility after a puncture results in complete loss of air pressure. Because MOExtended or MOE tires do not have the same speed and distance endurance of conventional run-flat tires, they should not be substituted in any situation where a conventional run-flat tire is required. To confirm what your vehicle needs, check our Original Equipment tire listing for your year, make and model or see your vehicle owner's manual.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Periodically check the inflation pressure of your tires and respect the values indicated by the vehicle manufacturer.
The maximum load per tire indicated in the table below is reached with the maximum pressure indicated in tires side.
The maximum inflation pressure should never exceed that set by the manufacturer.

NEED HELP WITH INSTALLATION?

We have more than 1,500 recommended independent installers and Tire Dealers (Delivery Points) throughout the country and probably one that is probably around the corner. Search for the available ones according to your geographical location and select it when confirming the purchase. Buy now! and choose the best tire shop near me, according to technical equipment, convenience room and customers reviews.

IMPORTANT:

On our site you will be able to find

Find out all the tires models sold in your country. Choose the best tire for your vehicle. Compare tire models and our competitive prices. Check out customer´s reviews worldwide. Buy now and start saving choosing the best tire!
Ask for seasonal prices in Kits of 2 tires, Combos of 4 or even wheel and tire packages. Search our tire rack. Best way to buy tires online.
We also offer packages that include Alignment and Balancing, in any of our Independent Installers and / or recommended Tire Dealers. Remember that a correct tire fit guarantees the adequate treadware and product lifetime; the proper functioning of your vehicle; and above all, the life of its passangers! In addition, an expert installer immediately detects if there are any other faults that should be fixed before hitting the road. All these preventive work protects the life of your family when driving and improves your track record with your car insurance coverage. Working with specialized and professional experts saves a lot of trouble and money! Choose your nearest tire shop to your home, directly from your pc, mobile or tablet! Keep peace of mind, buy tires online!.
Leave us your data when registering so we can notify you of the OFFERS, DISCOUNTS, CLEARANCES, HOT SALE or BLACK FRIDAY.

WARRANTY - INSURANCE - FINANCE - MEANS OF PAYMENT - DECISION GUIDE

WARRANTY: All our marketed products are completely new and therefore have the Original Manufacturer's Warranty. Usually the Warranty is 5 years, from the purchising date. That is why it is important to keep the invoice in a safe place together with the other vehicles documents.
INSURANCE: It is a good idea that to have good insurance coverage. Achieving an adequate minimization of risks makes it possible to live with greater peace of mind. Get instant insurance quote online. In addition and depending on the geographical area in which you are, we offer insurance against tire breakage and punctures. Remember that some auto insurance policies include coverage for theft of tires, and therefore the Insurance Company should cover all replacement costs. Finding a good insurance advisor also allows you not to double costs of insurance coverage if those same events are included in an existing one. This requires specific professional and technical knowledge to analyze the scope of each insurance contract. Thats why we recommend working with a sole insurance agent. Find out the ideal insurance for your vehicle, property, company or commercial activity, which includes, Health insurance, Automobile insurance, Travel Insurance, Pet Insurance, Home insurance, Electronics Insurance, Civil Liability, Fire insurance, Robbery insurance, Life insurance, Farmer insurance, All Risk included, Frost and Hail insurance, etc.
FINANCE: In many purchasing decisions, the value of the good to be acquired has a greater weight. But what really needs to be analyzed deeply in the automotive world, is the cost per kilometer. We have seen some customers buying tires out of range (load index and speed), or old/used tires because they seem to be cheaper. This is a very common mistake, which pays off in the long run, because tires wear out faster (best case scenario) and therefore have to be replaced sooner or they can explode risking your family lifes (worst case scenario). We have also seen people buying "bargain" tires that are not suitable for normal use. Example: snow tires in regions with very low meteorological probability. This prematurely wears out the tire when working under inappropriate temperature ranges or conditions. Note that if a wrong decision making when buying tires, it may happen in a traffic accident that the insurance coverage claim may not be available!!!. Conclusion: sometimes what seems to be cheap ends up being expensive.
PAYMENTS: Once the ideal set of tires has been chosen, considering the cost per kilometer, what remains is to define the means and the form of payment. At this point you can always opt for cash payments, credit cards, bank transfers and / or cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin Ethereum, Lite Coin, Binance, Stellar. Any of these options will be available according to the country, the market and the season of the year. Check online financing and payment options and available cryptocurrency exchange .
DECISION GUIDE: Our recommendations in choosing the ideal set of tires or spare parts for your vehicle, is based on metrics, big data, artificial intelligence, machine learning, combining large amounts of data provided by our customers and specialized workshops using all available technology (wireless, bluetooth, mobile apps, RFID, etc). All this data is processed in our distributed computing centers in determining the real cost per km.

BLOG / ARTICLES

TIRE TIPS:

TIPS ON INFLATION PRESSURE
TIRE EXPIRATION
TIRE STORAGE
TIRE WEAR AND ITS REASONS
THE IMPORTANCE OF FREQUENT CHECKS
TIRE TIPS: REPLACEMENT TIME
THE IMPORTANCE OF TIRE ROTATION
TREAD DESIGN
FIVE CASES WHERE YOU SHOULD THINK ABOUT CHANGING YOUR TIRES
TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN BUYING A WHEEL
WHEN TO CHANGE ONE, TWO OR ALL FOUR TIRES TOGETHER?
WHAT ARE RUN FLAT TIRES?
RUN FLAT VS SELF-SEALING TIRES
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST OFF-ROAD TIRE (I)
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST OFF-ROAD TIRE (II)
TIRES TECHNICAL DATA
HOW TO READ THE TIRE SIZE
EUROPEAN TIRE LABELING
UTQG UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES
HOW TO KNOW IF MY TIRES ARE RUN FLAT?
TIRE APPLICATIONS
REDUCE HYDROPLANNING THROUGH TIRE MANAGEMENT AND DRIVER EDUCATION
TIPS FOR WINTER DRIVING
TIPS FOR DRIVING WHEN RAINING
SAFETY DISTANCE WHEN DRIVING MOTORCYCLES
ICE AND SNOW TIRES
THE IMPORTANCE OF USING WINTER TIRES
WHEN IS IT TIME TO SWITCH TO WINTER TIRES?
CAN A WINTER TIRE BE USED ALL YEAR ROUND?
SUMMER TIRES VS ALLSEASONS TIRES
WHAT KIND OF SNOW CHAINS TO CHOOSE?

vs Sept 2023

SPECIFICATIONS
TYPE OF USE	ON ROAD
SECTION WIDTH	195 mm
PROFILE	55
WHEEL DIAMETER	16"
TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION	RADIAL
LOAD INDEX	87 (Upto 545 kg)
SPEED RANGE	V (Upto 240 km/h)
OVERALL DIAMETER	620,90 mm
CIRCUNSPHERENCE	1950,619 mm
REVOLUTIONS PER KM	512,66 rev/km
HEEL	107,25 mm
RIM WIDTH RANGE	5,5" to 7"
ORIGIN	BRAZIL
WARRANTY	5 years

BLOG / ARTICLES

TIRE BASIC TIPS:

TIRE DATA

TIPS ON TIRE USES

TIRE TIPS: ICE AND SNOW TIRES

RUN FLAT TIRES

Though they first appeared in the mid-1980s, run flat tires (RFT) are now more popular than ever. With some auto manufacturers making them standard in new vehicles, more consumers are asking about run flats, their advantages, and how using them impacts driving.

WHAT ARE RUN FLAT TIRES?

Run flat tires are tires on which you can continue driving after a puncture so you can take time get to an auto shop or find a safe, level area to change your tire.

You can’t drive on them indefinitely, though. Check the manufacturer’s specifications to find out how fast and how far you can drive on your run flat tires. Bridgestone run-flat tires will allow continued operation even after a loss of some or all inflation pressure for up to 50 miles (80 km) at a maximum speed up to 50 mph (80 km/h.)

HOW DO RUN FLAT TIRES WORK?

There are two primary types of run flat tire systems:

the self-supporting system and
the support ring system.

In most self-supporting run flat tire systems, the tire features reinforced sidewall construction that will continue supporting the vehicle in the event of air loss. This construction allows continued operation after the loss of air pressure up to the speed and distance specified by the manufacturer.

SELF-SUPPORTING SYSTEM

SUPPORT RING SYSTEM

Support ring run flat tire systems, on the other hand, employ a ring of hard rubber or another structure that can support the vehicle’s weight in an air loss condition.

Since they continue performing even though they’re “flat,” all run flat tires, regardless of the specific system type, may only be used on a vehicle equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The TPMS alerts you as soon as one of your tires loses pressure. Without it, you might not know you were driving on an underinflated tire.

BENEFITS OF RUN FLAT TIRES

You don’t have to change your tire in dangerous or uncomfortable conditions. This is perhaps the biggest benefit of run flat tires and is the one of the reasons why they were designed. With conventional tires, you have to replace a flat on the spot or have your car towed.

In a puncture situation, run flats are more stable than conventional tires. Since they’re made to support your vehicle even when they contain no air, run flat tires will help you maintain better control in a complete air loss situation than conventional tires.

As consumers continue rating safety high on the list of features they look for in a vehicle, the popularity of run flat tires is expected to grow. Since run flat tires work reliably with interconnected technologies like TPMS, it may only be a matter of time before they become the norm rather than the exception in new vehicles.

PROS:

You can drive on a flat tire: The primary benefit of a self-supporting tire is that it allows you to keep driving on a flat about 100 miles after all the air has gone. You don't have to get out of the car in the cold, or the rain, or onto a busy highway or on the street in a sketchy part of town. Drivers will usually have to reduce speed to about 50 mph to get the maximum range. The owner's manual will have exact figures for each tire/vehicle application.
Better stability after a blowout: Because this tire can support the vehicle for miles without air, a sudden deflation results in less weight transfer and tread destabilization. Steering and handling will remain near normal.
Lower vehicle weight: With the spare wheel and tire repair tools eliminated, vehicle weight should theoretically go down. But it's not as much as you might expect since run-flats weigh more than regular tires due to the added sidewall reinforcement.

CONS:

No spare: Vehicles equipped with run-flats do not carry a spare wheel and tire, which means they don't have a jack or tools either. In fact, eliminating the spare tire and reallocating that space to some other purpose (styling, a third-row seat, interior room, etc.) is a big reason why carmakers offer run-flats.
Reduced tread wear: A 2013 study by J.D. Power found that people replaced their run-flat tires an average of 6,000 miles sooner than owners using conventional tires. Opinions differ on the reason, but one theory is that tiremakers put a soft tread compound on a run-flat tire to counter the hard ride. A side effect of the softer compound is a shorter tread life. Actual data on the longevity of run-flat tires have been hard to find. But according to a 2018 J.D. Power owner survey, owners reported higher overall satisfaction with run-flat tires. They did not lag behind conventional tires in the survey.
Blowouts are still possible: If a driver fails to heed or notice the warnings and drives beyond the zero-pressure range or above the speed limitation, the tire can begin to disintegrate, with the same destabilizing effects. Additionally, if the puncture occurred on the sidewall or if the tire hits a large object, the driver would have to call a tow truck. The J.D. Power study found that "customers with vehicles equipped with run-flat tires are nearly twice as likely as those with vehicles equipped with conventional tires to have to replace a tire due to a flat or blowout."
Hard to tell if it is low on air: A side effect of the stiffer construction is that the sidewalls do not bulge if the air pressure is low. Therefore, it is critical to have a tire pressure monitoring system and check your tire pressure frequently. Otherwise, you'd never know you had a flat.
Harsher ride: The stiff sidewalls that make a run-flat work also result in a harsher ride. If the vehicle came with run-flat tires from the factory, the automaker usually tunes the suspension to offset the harsher ride.
Cost: Run-flat tires are more expensive to replace. Prices will vary by tire type and purchase location, but it's not uncommon to pay a $40-$65 premium for a run-flat tire. Also, many run-flats cannot be repaired and often need to be replaced in pairs.
Less on-shelf availability: Because run-flats aren't a big-selling tire, drivers shouldn't expect to roll into just any tire shop and buy one. It may be easier to do so in larger cities, but if you're a run-flat user on a road trip and get a flat near a small town, you'll probably have to make a detour to find a suitable new tire. Or worse, you may have to stay there overnight, waiting for the tire to be shipped.

DIFFERENCES WITH A CONVENTIONAL TIRE

The following diagram shows very well the differences in tire behavior in the face of abrupt loss of air. This behavior is what allows you to continue driving at reduced speeds and for a certain limited time.

vs Ago 2020

Continental, a name synonymous with industry-leading, technical tire development, offers a complete premium line of passenger and light truck tires for Original Equipment and replacement markets.

Since 1871, Continental has been engineering award-winning technologies. From the SportPlus Technology found in their ExtremeContact DWS06, to the EcoPlus Technology found in their CrossContact LX20, Continental provides consumers the performance and comfort they demand in a tire.

Every Continental brand tire is also backed by its Total Confidence Plan providing the extra measure of confidence you need for every mile you drive! All-season, all-terrain, ultra-high performance, or winter tires, Continental has a tire for what you do.

Continental Tire is a proud supporter of the Mercedes-Benz AMG Driving Academy, BMW Performance Driving School, U.S. Soccer, Major League Soccer (MLS), College Basketball, West Coast Customs, Lingenfelter Performance Engineering, Petty's Garage, and Roush Performance.

Continental was founded in 1871 in Hanover, Germany producing soft rubber products, rubberized fabrics and solid tires for carriages and bicycles.

In addition to the tires for cars, crossovers, sport utility vehicles and light trucks available through In2tires, Continental also produces a range of tires for bicycles, motorcycles, trucks, buses and commercial trucks. They are an Original Equipment supplier of automotive brake systems and electronic chassis safety systems, as well.

Which Continental tires are available for my vehicle?