Flat Run Tire Technology

Nokian FRT (Flat Run Technology) is a special construction for car tires, which allows driving on them even without pressure in the event of a flat tire. Some car manufacturers use these kinds of tires on their cars, but generally only to ensure safe driving to the dealership after accidental damage.

Nokian FRT tires have stronger construction than normal tires. The sidewalls have a special component to provide extra stiffness to the sidewalls when driving without pressure. Nokian FRT tires have an exceptionally strong structure. At normal pressure, FRT tires operate like normal tires.

Driving on Nokian Flat Run tires

With Nokian’s FRT tires, you can drive approximately 30 miles (50 kilometres) with a flat, if the car is fully loaded. If the car is only carrying the driver, the transition drive can be up to 90 miles (150 kilometres).



Nokian Tyres recommends a maximum speed of 50 miles per hour (80 km/h). Under very slippery conditions, the speed should be kept at approximately 30 mph (50 km/h).



For safety reasons, run flat tires 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 tire pressure changes) and a driving stability management system (ESP).

Repairing Flat Run tires manufactured by Nokian Tyres

Tires 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 tire has not been driven when clearly below the recommended pressure or when flat. You need to inspect the tire closely from the inside and out to observe any traces of driving below the recommended pressure.



Driving for even a short distance when the tire 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 tires be repaired at all; it is better to replace them.



This repair procedure covers tires up to speed category H. We do not recommend that tires 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 tires on cars with TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) installed. Such a system is required for the Flat Run tire to ensure that the driver does not continue driving unaware that a tire has been punctured.



What is the difference between Nokian Flat Run systems and those of other manufacturers?

Nokian Flat Run system tires can be installed on conventional wheels, whereas the systems of other manufacturers mostly require a special type of wheel.



Can Flat Run tires and systems be installed on any car?

Technically, it is possible to install Flat Run tires 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 tires.



Where can Flat Run tires be fitted?

Flat Run tires can be installed at most professional tire shops. If the tire pressure monitoring system needs to be reset, it must be done by the car dealer.



Is it possible to repair a Flat Run tire that has been punctured?

If you have driven a Flat Run tire without air, for even a small distance, we recommend changing the tire. 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 tire 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 tires should never be repaired.



How far can a car continue to drive safely on a Run Flat tire after a puncture?

With Nokian Flat Run tires, 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 tire impact driving performance or fuel economy?

Although Run Flat tires may be a bit heavier than standard tires, eliminating the need for a spare tire reduces the overall weight and, as a result, the impact on driving performance and fuel economy is negligible.