RAV4 Drivers Club Guide to the Toyota RAV4 Run-Flat Tire (BSR) System
This guide is written to explain the BSR Run Flat system installed on the Toyota Rav4 T180 and SR180.
Many owners have bought their cars without knowing about this BSR system, so here I will try to explain what it is and the options to replace it.
What is the BSR system?
It is a Run flat system which is different from other types in that the sidewall of the tires used is heavily reinforced, so if a puncture or deflation occurs, the car effectively crumples into the sidewall.
BSR (Bridgestone Safety Ring) is a system that uses a ring that is placed inside the tire around the rim. This is how far the car travels in case of deflation. The tires are effectively a normal tire. This is a development of a WW2 military vehicle.
There is also a lubricant inside the tire that lubricates the tire and the BSR ring in the event of a deflation. Without this, the friction generated would destroy both elements.
The system is backed by a TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) that turns on a warning light on the dash if you go flat…
The advantages of this system…
Means you don’t need to carry a spare wheel… And… Err well, that’s all really…
the least…
The tires have to be removed by a special and very expensive machine that only Toyota Dealers and some independent Tire Dealers have.
Only one type of Bridgestone tire can be used with the BSR system. No other make or model of tire may be used.
This makes replacements expensive when it’s time for new tires and can be very inconvenient in the event of a flat.
Owners report very high replacement or repair costs!
The options…
Well owners can simply live with what they have and bear what is considered a huge cost of replacement or repair.
Prayed
Completely remove existing tires and BSR system. You can have your tires removed by a equipped dealer as described above. It’s around £45 per wheel Or just cut the tires and remove the inner circlips with the help of an angle grinder.
The TPMS system can be retained or removed and changed to prevent the flashing light on the dash.
Once the tires and rings have been removed any tire dealer can install regular tires on a regular tire machine and any brand can be used.
Insurance Implications…
You must notify your insurance company if you remove the BSR system and fit normal tires.
There is not likely to be an additional premium as the car will have the latest SR Rav4 specification. That is, without the BSR system and a tire repair kit in the trunk.
It is possible to remove the tires and BSR ring and then put the tires back on, but this will void your insurance because the tires have a symbol on the tire wall designating them as run flats. Which, of course, without the BSR rings inside they are not! This could mean that a Driver who is unaware of this could have problems if deflation occurs and they continue to drive…
ride quality
The wheels with the extra weight of the BSR system and lubricating gel is huge compared to a wheel fitted with a normal tyre.
The suspension has two things to deal with:
The weight of the spring. This is the weight of the Vehicle, Its occupants, Cargo, etc.
The unsprung weight. This is the weight of the wheels, tires, brakes, etc.
Relieving the suspension of the unsprung mass allows you to continue the work of controlling the sprung mass. This adds up to a much smoother ride without the bumps and bumps that the increased weight of BSR-equipped wheels brings. Remember that the walls of the tires are NOT reinforced.
Ride quality MASSIVELY IMPROVES when the BSR is removed!
To consider…
If you trade in a BSR-equipped RAV at a Toyota dealer, one of the first questions you’ll be asked is if you still have the flat tires. Because if you don’t, in their eyes the car has been radically altered and cannot be sold under Toyota’s approved car scheme.
Other dealers may or may not ask depending on whether they knew of the system in the first place…
I hope this helps