For all the millions of pounds tyre manufacturers invest in new tyre technologies, they all have the same crucial flaw -- run over something sharp and they're rendered pretty much useless.
So tyre maker Bridgestone is busy developing a new non-pneumatic, or airless, concept tyre that it says will be completely resistant to punctures, AllCarTech reports.
These concept Bridgestones ditch boring old air in favour of a much cooler thermoplastic resin spoke structure along the inner sides of the tyres, which gives it the same properties as a tyre filled with pressurised gas. But as it's airless, there's no risk of puncture -- nails, glass, spears and barbs from errant stingrays are simply shrugged off.
Now, we know what you're thinking: aren't run-flat tyres already puncture-resistant? No, is the short answer. Run-flats are pneumatic, meaning they're filled with gas. Once punctured, they'll let you carry on driving, but only at reduced speeds and for limited distances -- no more than 50mph and 200 miles -- before they give out.
Bridgestone says this concept tyre has numerous benefits. Not only will they eliminate the need to stand out in the freezing cold trying to figure out how a jack works, they'll also mean you needn't carry a spare, so vehicles will be lighter, more fuel efficient and -- in some cases -- more spacious.
There are also environmental benefits. The resin used inside the tyres is 100 per cent recyclable, so -- unlike ordinary tyres -- they shouldn't end up on landfill sites.
There's no word on when these tyres will hit the mainstream, or whether they'll be anywhere near as comfortable to ride on as pneumatic tyres, but you can bet your bottom dollar we'll keep you posted on this the minute we have more info. In the meantime, let us know what you think in the run-flat comments section or on our pumped-up Facebook page.
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Comments 4
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Andrew Hoyle 12 December, 2011 21:41
It really, really looks like a piece of cucumber. Nice idea though.
andydandy 12 December, 2011 21:52
Imagine these being recycled and refurbished though. This does seem to be a good idea.
anonymous 13 December, 2011 10:27
Looks like a good concept - although the manufacturing process is likely to be rather more complicated than 'squirt liquid rubber into mould and spin it a bit' (how I crudely imagine current ones are made) so I'm guessing costs are likely to be high. I imagine making them with replacable tread could be a simple enough process but couldn't you also replace the metal wheel with a design like this making it lighter (and more fuel efficient)?
One concern though - on a bicycle when you break a spoke you can see it and fix it - assuming the same thing can happen with these how will you know the whole thing isn't about to collapse?
anonymous 18 December, 2011 13:20
It will render the police a major headache when it comes to stinging car thieves.