Are Continental Tires run flat? Can they help you say goodbye to spares forever? Continental’s SSR does let you drive a punctured tire for several miles before it fails.
Can a Run-Flat tire be better than other Continental tires? We answer that question below by providing more details on how SSR works and its benefits.
Table of Contents
How Do Continental Run-flat Tires Work?
Continental’s run-flat tires, equipped with Self-Supporting Runflat (SSR) technology, have a significantly different structure than conventional tires, enabling them to continue operating even when punctured.
What is the Continental SSR meaning, then? To understand why this is a big deal, you must know what happens to a regular wheel when it loses air pressure.
1. Reinforced rubber sidewalls
The critical difference between Run-Flat and regular tires is the sidewalls. In a conventional tire, the sidewalls need air pressure to keep themselves rigid and protect the rims.
Without the pressure keeping them rigid, the sidewalls can collapse and get torn off by road friction.
Continental’s run-flat tires tackle this issue by reinforcing the rubber, supporting the vehicle’s weight even with air pressure loss.
2. Increased distance
The driver can then continue their journey for up to 80 kilometers (around 50 miles) at a maximum speed of 80 km/h (about 50 mph). This distance should provide enough range to safely reach a repair shop or your destination.
However, it’s important to note that these figures can vary depending on the vehicle load, outside temperature, and driving style.
3. When it benefits
SSR technology is only beneficial if you know when a puncture appears, when you only have a limited distance to cover before safely finding a replacement for your tire. Without knowing that you experienced a flat, you could drive over 50 miles and be stuck with a non-functional wheel out on the road.
So, use a Run-Flat tire if you have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) in your vehicle. A TPMS lets you know immediately if your tire is losing air pressure rapidly due to a puncture, giving you plenty of time to find a shop or garage that offers a replacement.
Which Continental Tires Are Run Flat?
Not all Continental Tires have the SSR feature. Some models with this technology are:
- ContiPremiumContact 2 SSR
- ContiPremiumContact 5 SSR
- WinterContact TS 860 S
- ContiCrossContact LX Sport SSR
- and ContiSportContact 5 SUV SSR
Pros and Cons of Continental Run-Flat Tires
- You do not require a spare in your vehicle, giving you more room for luggage or car tools.
- The reinforced sidewall of your Run-Flat tires provides a stable and responsive driving experience.
- Your vehicle can run with less weight, thanks to the lack of a spare, which can lower fuel consumption.
- According to a J.D. Power study, Run-Flat tires have a lower lifespan than conventional tires.
- The reinforced sidewalls prevent the tire from absorbing imperfections from the road, resulting in lower drive comfort than other non-Run-Flat tires.
- SSR or Run-Flat benefits usually mean a higher price than standard tires.
How to Identify Run Flat Continental Tires
You can identify Continental Run Flat tires by finding models with SSR in their names. Two examples are the Continental ContiProContact SSR and the ContiSportContact 5 SSR.
Note: That SSR only applies to Continental tires. To know if other brands have similar technology, look for the Run Flat symbol or ROF on the sidewall. Run-on-flat (ROF) is a marking used by Goodyear, Bridgestone, and Dunlop for tires that can still function for several miles after getting punctured.
Notable Tire Models
1. Continental ContiProContact SSR
The ContiProContact SSR represents Continental’s advanced strides in Grand Touring all weather tires. This model is meticulously engineered to extend mobility after punctures while improving steering response and handling, thanks to its symmetric design and ProActive Edge technology.
2. Continental ContiSportContact 5 SSR
The unique construction of the ContiSportContact 5 SSR includes an innovative Black Chilli mixture compound and continuous center ribs to offer steady rides in both dry and wet conditions.
The tire’s design also features wide neighboring grooves and twin steel belts for speedy maneuvering and braking, both of which enhance comfort during drives.
Conclusion
Are Continental Tires Run Flat products worth it? These tires let you drive without carrying a spare tire and patching tools, giving you more space in your car for other belongings.
Yet, not having a TPMS system may remove or lower the benefit of a Continental SSR model, though the same goes for all other brands with run-flat technology.
