Volkswagen Golf Quiz
Wheels and Tyres Guide - General Information

Run-flat tyres, structure and identification of a SST tyre

In this manual: Wheels and Tyres Guide - General Information
General body repairs, exterior — 230General body repairs, interior — 279General information, paint — 133Vechile- specific paint information — 27Heating, air conditioning — 156Auxiliary heater — 58Air conditioning system with refrigerant R134a — 1297- speed dual clutch gearbox 0CW — 544- cylinder injection engine(1.4 1 direct inction. turbocharger) — 182Fuel supply system - Petrol engines — 59Running gear, axles, steering — 221Brake system — 92Wheels and Tyres guide — 12Guide for using trailers — 11Wheels and Tyres Guide - General Information — 121Brake system (hybrid) — 73Electrical system — 326Communication — 65Electrical system, general information — 111
~3min read

Removing and fitting run-flat tyres → Chapter.

If run-flat tyres are used, a Tyre Pressure Monitor display must be fitted.

Damage to the tyre and the resulting pressure loss cannot be detected with the naked eye.
SST tyres are identified by a specific sign (RSC = Runflat System Component) in the sidewall. The identification for run-flat tyres on the sidewall may differ depending on the manufacturer. Self-supporting tyres are tyre systems with run-flat capabilities in the case of pressure loss. In case of a deflated tyre, the driver can still drive to the next workshop whereas some restrictions must be adhered to → Owner's manual.

Advantage

In case of a complete pressure loss, the SST tyres allow for moderate driving with a maximum speed of 80 km/h and over a maximum distance of 50 km. The distance that can be travelled during a breakdown depends on the driving style, the vehicle speed, the road condition, the weather conditions, the condition of the tyres, and the tyre load. In case of a complete pressure loss, the wheel must not be changed immediately, if SST tyres are fitted (e.g no wheel change in poorly visible and hazardous road sections). The brakes, the steering system and the drive train feel similar, even after a complete pressure loss in the tyre. If SST tyres are used, no spare wheel is required. This allows for more space and a lower weight in favour of the customer.
Run-flat tyres, structure and identification of a SST tyre

Body

1 - Beading with beading core
2 - Side wall
3 - Reinforced side wall
4 - Wheel rim with extended hump (EH2) on both sides - prerequisite when using tyres with run-flat properties

Detailed information on the technology

Standard tyres without run-flat capabilities
Run-flat tyres, structure and identification of a SST tyre
  • -I- Standard tyres with regular tyre pressure
  • -II- Deflated standard tyre
  • When a standard tyre deflates, the side walls are pressed together by the wheel rims. The rubber material heats up extremely and comes off the tyre quickly when the tyre is deflated.

SST tyres with reinforced sidewall

The SST technology is based on self-supporting reinforced sidewalls.
Run-flat tyres, structure and identification of a SST tyre
  • -I- SST tyre with regular tyre pressure
  • -II- Deflated SST tyre
  • Extra thick sidewalls -A- support the deflated tyre on a standard wheel rim, and the vehicle remains operable. A special rubber compound reinforces the tyre and is capable of carrying the vehicle in an emergency.
The reinforced sidewalls do not become pinched between the road and the wheel rim if the tyre is deflated.

Differences between H2 wheel rims and EH2 wheel rims with extended hump

In case of a pressure loss, the extended hump of wheel rim EH2 prevents the SST tyre from becoming detached from the wheel rim.

The extended hump wheel rim EH2 is higher relative to the centre of the wheel.

WARNING

There is a smaller clearance to the brake.
Run-flat tyres, structure and identification of a SST tyre

Test yourself

A quick Volkswagen Golf quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.