SSR Tyres: Self-Supporting Runflat Technology Explained

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 by Chesca D
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Chesca D is a Content & Editorial Coordinator at Tyres.co.uk and is responsible for researching, coordinating, and producing accurate, up-to-date tyre guidance for our Knowledge Hub..
Each article is created using manufacturer specifications, recognised industry standards, and current UK regulations, and is reviewed internally to ensure clarity and technical accuracy. Content is updated regularly to reflect changes in tyre laws, safety guidance, and product specifications.
Fact-checked by the Tyres.co.uk editorial team
Published May 27, 2026
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When it comes to tyre design, there are some features that improve the driving experience or look of the vehicle, while others have a far more functional purpose. Run-flat tyres fall into the latter category, holding the weight of the vehicle and allowing it to keep moving smoothly even after a puncture or tyre blowout.

The very name SSR – or Self-Supporting Runflat Tyre – communicates the primary purpose and benefit of these tyres. They continue running even after the tyre has blown.

But how do these tyres work and who should consider investing in SSR tyres for their next set?

How Do SSR Tyres Work?

First thing’s first, SSR is just one of the many acronyms used across the tyre industry to depict and identify run-flat tyres. Other common and popular references include RFT, ROF, and ZP tyres – all of are used by different tyre brands to market their own version of a run-flat tyre.

Despite the plethora of names, however, most run-flat tyres work on the same technological principles.

In short, these tyres are built with reinforced sidewalls. When the tyre becomes damaged or suffers a puncture, therefore losing all the air within the tyre, the reinforced sidewalls pick up the slack and the weight of the vehicle so that the tyre can keep safely rotating.

This information is then fed through the vehicle’s TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) back to the dashboard, letting the driver know that their tyre has lose pressure and that the sidewall is now doing all the work. This needs to be met with a change in driving behaviour, specifically reducing speed to 50mph maximum and ensuring that the distance travelled does not exceed 50 miles on the damaged tyre.

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Top Benefits of SSR Tyres

Run-flat tyres offer convenience and enhanced safety to those who are concerned about suffering a puncture when driving.

Not only do they enable you to continue your journey even after / with a damaged tyre, but they mitigate the loss of control that is so closely linked with punctures. Without run-flat tyres, a sudden drop in tyre pressure can cause the vehicle to suddenly pull or veer to one side – whereas run-flat technology keeps the vehicle driving straight.

Another notable benefit is the simple fact that, with run-flat tyres, you don’t need to carry around a spare tyre. This saves space and reduces the weight of the vehicle for more comfortable and economical driving.

Who Needs SSR Tyres?

With a number of prolific benefits, the final question to ask is who SSR tyres are best suited to.

The most important point to make is that run-flat and SSR tyres can only safely be fitted to vehicles that have the TPMS. Without this, and with the structure of run-flat tyres immediately picking up the weight of the vehicle, there would be no way of a driver knowing they have lost all pressure in one of their tyres – meaning they wouldn’t adjust their driving behaviour, and so would put undue pressure on the fitment.

It’s also worth noting that run-flat tyres are more expensive to buy than standard tyres and so some drivers may find they would rather invest in the spare tyre than choose four run-flat designs for their vehicle.

We tend to advise drivers who travel long distances and who value convenience and safe handling, to consider run-flat tyres. They keep you moving even after suffering damage to the tyre, enhance the safety of those in the vehicle, and remove the reliance on a spare tyre (and someone who knows how to change it!)

For more on SSR and run-flat tyres, and to browse our extensive collection from a multitude of tyre brands, visit our individual brand pages.

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