The Hindu Business Line : Tyres that run even when flat

CUTTING-EDGE automotive technology is constantly redefining the boundaries of a car's abilities. New developments are adding capabilities to components and products hitherto thought to have reached their evolutionary zenith. Automotive tyres are a classic example of this kind innovation that will quite literally turn the concept of the car tyre on its head.

After the advent of radials and tubeless tyre technologies, the next in line could well be the `run flat tyre' technology. This technology allows a tyre to, literally, continue to run even when it is flat or has zero air pressure.

The `run flat tyre' was conceived primarily to relieve the car user of the hassle of changing tyres in the event of a flat midway during his journey. But aside of that main benefit, this tyre also offers enhanced safety and comfort to the car's occupants. Enhanced safety is one of the biggest benefits of `run flat tyres'.

By being able to support the car's weight fully in the event of a puncture (or a blow out), the tyre prevents sudden loss of control that usually follows. The unique construction enables it to offer almost the same level of stability, and steering and braking control after a puncture.

Further, `run flat tyres' also offer a couple of other incidental advantages that include more boot space, which would otherwise have been taken up by the spare wheel, and a lowering of the car's weight that could eventually lead to improved fuel efficiency.

How does the run flat tyre work?

Also called reinforced sidewall or self-supporting sidewall tyres, they, like tubeless tyres, do not feature inflatable tubes. The tyre performs that function too. The `run flat tyre', which is made with a special rubber compound, has a much thicker, reinforced sidewall that will be able to comfortably carry the weight of a fully laden car even at zero air pressure. So, if you run a puncture at high speeds, the tyre does not blow up and, though deflated, it can still carry the car and its occupants for about 200 km. As a result, one will not be left stranded on the highway or on lonely village roads. One can drive up to the nearest service station without running the risk of damaging the car's tyres.

`Run flat tyres' need special wheels with unique rims. The tyre has lower flex and higher strength to prevent the wheel rims from cutting into the tyres' sides. Tyre pressure monitors also need to provided with the tyres, to warn the driver of sudden loss of air pressure. Else, in the event of a puncture, the driver may continue to drive the carwithout being aware of it.

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