Technical guide
A Runflat insert is a component installed inside the tyre, around the wheel, engineered to support the vehicle and help maintain mobility and control after tyre pressure loss, puncture or severe tyre damage.
01 — Installed inside the tyre
The insert is mounted on the wheel, inside the tyre cavity, so it remains inactive during normal driving.
02 — Supports the deflated tyre
After pressure loss, the tyre carcass rests on the insert instead of collapsing onto the wheel rim.
03 — Mobility is maintained
The vehicle can continue moving so the driver can leave the location and reach a safer place for service.
Both approaches address the same objective — continued mobility after pressure loss — but they differ in where the function is engineered and in the vehicle applications they cover.
| Aspect | Runflat insert | Runflat tyre |
|---|---|---|
| Where the technology sits | A separate component installed inside a conventional tyre, mounted on the wheel. | The mobility function is built into the tyre sidewall itself. |
| Tyre selection | Allows use of conventional tyres suited to the vehicle and terrain. | Requires the specific runflat tyre types available for that size. |
| Load and application range | Configurations available for civilian, armoured, heavy-duty and specialised vehicles. | Typically offered for passenger and light vehicle segments. |
| Servicing | The insert is a serviceable component that can be inspected when the tyre is changed. | The tyre is replaced as a whole unit. |
Civilian & armoured vehicles
An insert fitted inside the tyre for vehicles requiring additional mobility after tyre pressure loss, without unnecessarily compromising everyday vehicle operation.
Up to 80 km continued mobility
Subject to vehicle configuration, load and operating conditions. Distance and speed figures are not simultaneous or universal values.
Heavy-duty vehicles
A high-resistance insert construction for demanding vehicle applications, high loads and operational environments where maintaining mobility can be critical.
Over 5 tonnes load capacity per Runflat
According to the applicable product configuration. Load capacity varies with wheel, tyre, vehicle and configuration.
Tactical & specialised vehicles
Wheel + Runflat + Beadlock: an integrated three-piece wheel solution where the insert is supplied as part of a complete wheel system.
Integrated wheel system
Refer to the applicable tested configuration and test documentation.
Insert selection depends on the wheel and tyre dimensions, the vehicle’s weight and load distribution, the operating environment and the mobility requirement after pressure loss. Because those variables change the applicable configuration, ARMS reviews each application before recommending a configuration.
Performance figures referenced on this page correspond to specific tested configurations and are not universal values. FINABEL 20 A 5 test references relate to the tests carried out on the applicable configuration and do not by themselves constitute EU type approval or homologation.
