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Volkswagen Golf Mk7 Service & Repair Manual: Run-flat tyres - general information

Run-flat tyres have reinforced sidewalls compared to normal tyres — this page explains how that reduces sidewall slippage and prevents the flanks sticking together when run deflated.

Tyres with run-flat properties have reinforced side walls when comparing them with normal tyres. This reduces the slippage of the side walls and prevents the tyre flanks sticking when the tyres are run deflated. This ensures the vehicle remains controllable and the vehicle has almost normal driving characteristics. The alleviates the necessity to fit the spare wheel in dangerous conditions e.g hard shoulder of a motorway or in bad weather conditions.
A deflated tyre can be driven further to the next workshop (approx. 50 km (approx. 30 miles)) at a suitable speed (max. 80 km/h (max. 50 mph)) and in suitable driving style for the conditions, see → Owner's wallet.
After checking the respective wheel, the responsibility lies with the driver to decide if it is safe to drive further with the deflated tyre.
   
-I- Tyres with normal air pressure
1 -  Tyres with run-flat properties (reinforced side walls -red-)
2 -  Normal tyres
-II- Deflated tyre
When a normal tyre -2- deflates, the side walls are pressed against the wheel rims. The side walls heat up extremely or stick and are therefore destroyed when the tyre is deflated.
Tyres with run-flat properties -1- are supported on the reinforced side walls (-red-). A special tyre mixture and the reduced walkability of the reinforced side walls reduces the heat created when the tyre is run and the vehicle remains controllable.
  Note
Please note the special requirements when using tyres with run-flat properties → Chapter.
 

Run-flat tyres - general information

    Questions & answers

    Run-flat tyres - general information — Volkswagen Golf Mk7

    What general rules apply to Golf Mk7 run-flat tyres?
    A TPMS is mandatory. All four tyres must be the same type. The spare wheel well can be used for storage instead of a spare.
    Run-flat tyre, SST (Self Supporting Tyre)
    ...

    Run-flat tyres, retrofitting/requirements when using run-flat tyres
      Caution Retrofitting run-flat tyres to vehicles may only be undertaken if the tyres are fitted as standard or they ...