rft tyres

[kopend]

is it true that on the new mini they are fitted with run flat tyres and when you get a puncture there is a button you press that inflates the tyre / is this the same on the bmw 1 series

[homer75]

Runflat tyres have heavy sidewalls which can support the vehicle's weight with zero air pressure in the tyre. If a vehicle is fitted with runflats it must have a system to warn the driver of pressure loss in any of the wheels. This is done by fitting sensors which detect variations in wheel revolutions caused by pressure loss so that the driver can be warned to replace the tyre asap. Tyres cannot be re-inflated by 'pressing a button'

[funkymoped]

homer, are you saying RFT`s cant be fitted as an after market part ? my car is only a couple of years old and to have a sound or vision sensor fitted would be a crazy option.

surely these tyres can be fitted to any vehicle??

kopend, homers answer is a god one, just not sure about the need for a sensor.

[homer75]

Hi Funkymoped - The 'problem' with runflats is that it is not obvious when you have zero pressure in a tyre as it does not appear 'flat' therefore if you don't have a warning system then it could be dangerous as you may be unaware that you are running on a 'flat' wheel. The runflats can only be run with zero pressure for a short time. I personally wouldn't fit them unless the vehicle had a system in place to warn of pressure loss.

[funkymoped]

DOH !

homer, now i follow what you were saying. initialy i thought you were saying its a "must have" fitted. i agree 100% with your reply. as an after thought, couldnt the ABS sensor do the job of detecting a deflated tyre ?

thanks for the quick responce mate.

[markja]

just a quick comment that is probably wrong or out of date. run flat tyres have to be used on special rims that are designed to keep the beading in place when flat. like i say, i'm more than likely talking cobblers and have misheard something.

also , i do know there IS a system that can measure the loss of presure in a tyre by using a magnetic band and sensor. fitted to caravan/trailer/ articulated lorry wheels.