Both car designers and drivers have long dreamed of self-healing tires. The first solutions of this type were presented by the military, but for some time they have also been found on the civilian market. Examples include Seal Inside or ContiSeal tires made by well-known brands such as Continental, Michelin or Pirelli.
What are self-amalgamating splints for?
The difference between the solutions used by the military and those on the civilian market is primarily due to the reasons why they are being introduced at all. The tires of military vehicles are subject to countless damage that can immobilize the vehicle and thus pose a threat to people on the move. The introduction of self-repairing tires means that the vehicle can (to some extent) move on without the crew having to carry out risky repairs or replacement of a damaged wheel.
In the case of our ordinary passenger cars, it is important not so much to ignore tire damage as not to take a spare tire with you. No spare tire means more trunk space, and more trunk space is an added benefit that allows you to better present yourself to the buyer. However, regardless of the reasons, the appearance of self-amalgamating tires on the market is a real automotive revolution.
In order for the tires to have minimal wear, you will need buy a compressor and regularly check the pressure in them. Only if the recommended tire pressure is observed will the tires last longer.
How can a tire be repaired?
Individual self-healing technologies are still so new that only a few of the largest tire manufacturers use them. Moreover, this technology mainly produces tires for premium cars, that is, with a diameter of at least sixteen inches. What is their secret?
The so-called self-healing or self-hardening tires are coated on the inside along the entire width of the tread with a special polymer layer, that is, an adhesive, elastic self-sealing compound that never loses its properties. Due to its use, the tire itself is able to close many gaps in the coating caused by a puncture. It practically does not matter whether a foreign body is stuck in it, piercing the tire, or pulled out. If it is pulled out, the polymer spontaneously fills the entire hole formed up to the outer surface of the tread. Seals the tire and prevents pressure loss. The process takes place almost instantly. If a foreign body remains in the tire (for example, a nail that we hit), the polymer will adhere tightly to it,
What is the weakness of this technology?
Are there any disadvantages to self-vulcanizing tires? First of all, it should be remembered that this is a relatively new technology and will probably be significantly improved over time. Currently, it has its limitations, such as the diameter of the hole that it can close (no more than 6 mm). Tires made from it are also slightly heavier than standard tires, and their price is about 20% higher. But aren't they worth it?