ContiSupportRing (CSR) is an innovative development that ensures the mobility of the vehicle in the event of a puncture.

The CSR is manufactured from a laser-welded sheet steel ring, made using a new forming process related to the rotational rolling process. The material used is a newly developed stainless steel, which features high tensile strength and very high elongation and was tailored especially to the production process and the application of this safety element.

The tire manufacturer Continental AG has been awarded the "Stahl-Innovationspreis 2006" in the Steel Products category. The prize honored the ContiSupportRing runflat system.

Please click here for more information (only in German) about the Stahl-Innovationspreis 2006....

Here you can find the official press release....

The principle behind CSR is simple: A light stainless steel ring (1) with flexible support (2) is mounted with a standard tire on a standard rim.

The CSR fiber composite for special applications

In close cooperation with DLR (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- and Raumfahrt = German Aerospace Center) Continental AG is developing a lightweight concept for a future CSR. In prototypes it has proved possible to achieve significant weight reductions.

• Use of material concepts that have been proven
• A hybrid construction with carbon and aramid fibers produces an ultra-strong and extremely light weight structure
• Optimum structure calculated by means of computer simulation (Finite Element Method)
• Weight reduction achieved > 55 % relative to the metal shell (> 30 % relative to the overall CSR system)

Because of the good riding comfort CSR afford, drivers hardly notice any pressure loss in the event of a flat;
to increase both safety in the event of a flat and performance during normal driving, the CSR system is
supplied only together with an inflation warning system – either TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
or DDS (Deflation Detection System), both of which were likewise developed by Continental.
These warning systems alert the driver when a drop in inflation pressure requires investigation via a display
on the instrument panel.