Flat Run tyre technology

Nokian FRT (Flat Run Technology) is a special tyre construction for car tyres. It allows for driving a tyre with FRT even without tyre pressure. Some car manufacturers only use these kinds of tyres on their cars to ensure safe driving to the dealership after accidental damage.

Nokian FRT tyres have stronger construction than normal tyres. The sidewalls have a special component to provide extra stiffness to the sidewalls when driving on a flat tyre. At normal pressure, FRT tyres operate like normal tyres.

Driving on Nokian Flat Run tyres

You can drive approximately 50 kilometres on a flat tyre, if the car is fully loaded. If the car is only carrying the driver, the transition drive can be up to 150 kilometres.

Nokian Tyres recommends a maximum speed of 80 kilometres per hour. Under very slippery conditions, the speed should be kept at approximately 50 km/h.

For safety reasons, run flat tyres can only be mounted on cars equipped with air pressure monitoring that is integrated into the IT system, or some other system that warns of changes in tyre pressure changes, and a driving stability management system (ESP).

Repairing Flat Run tyres manufactured by Nokian Tyres

Tyres with this structure can be repaired in the tread area (such as in the case of nail punctures etc.) using adequate tubeless repair, if you are absolutely sure that the tyre has not been driven when clearly below the recommended pressure or when flat. You need to inspect the tyre closely from the inside and out to observe any traces of driving below the recommended pressure.

Driving for even a short distance when the tyre is flat may cause a rupture between the sidewall component and frame that cannot be visually observed.

With regard to the safety aspects, we do not recommend that suspect tyres be repaired at all; it is better to replace them.

This repair procedure covers tyres up to speed category H. We do not recommend that tyres in the higher speed categories (V / W / Y) be repaired at all.

Flat Run FAQs

How can we detect a loss of air pressure?
We always recommend mounting Flat Run tyres on cars with TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) installed. Such a system is required for the Flat Run tyre to ensure that the driver does not continue driving unaware that a tyre has been punctured.

What is the difference between Nokian Flat Run systems and those of other manufacturers?
Nokian Flat Run system tyres can be installed on conventional wheels, whereas the systems of other manufacturers mostly require a special type of wheel.

Can Flat Run tyres and systems be installed on any car?
Technically, it is possible to install Flat Run tyres on any type of car. However, we recommend using them only on cars that are specifically designed for Flat-Runs.

We also recommend using a TPMS system (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) with Flat Run type tyres.

Where can Flat Run tyres be fitted?
Flat Run tyres can be installed at most professional tyre shops. If the tyre pressure monitoring system needs to be reset, it must be done by the car dealer.

Is it possible to repair a Flat Run tyre that has been punctured?
If you have driven a Flat Run tyre without air, for even a small distance, we recommend changing the tyre. If you found a normal nail or similar puncture in the middle of the tread area and there still is pressure inside, you can perform a normal tubeless repair. However, it is strongly recommended for the tyre to be replaced, as its durability will have been weakened by the repair. If a puncture is on the shoulder or sidewall area, repairs are not allowed.

V/W/Y rated tyres should never be repaired.

How far can a car continue to drive safely on a Run Flat tyre after a puncture?
With Nokian Flat Run tyres, you can drive for 50 km without air pressure at full load, or 150 km when driving alone.

The maximum speed is 80 km/h but under slippery conditions (ice, snow) we recommend a maximum speed of 50 km/h.

Does the greater weight of the Run Flat tyre impact driving performance or fuel economy?
Although Run Flat tyres may be a bit heavier than standard tyres, eliminating the need for a spare tyre reduces the overall weight and, as a result, the impact on driving performance and fuel economy is negligible.