Run-flat tire

Michelin PAX run-flat wheel (currently inflated normally)

A run-flat tire is a pneumatic vehicle tire that is designed to resist the effects of deflation when punctured, and to enable the vehicle to continue to be driven at reduced speeds (under 55 mph (89 km/h)), and for limited distances (up to 10 mi (16 km), depending on the type of tire).

Technologies

There are three basic technologies currently available, described below.

Self-supporting

The origins of the commercial self-supporting run-flat tire started in 1935 with a tire that had a fabric inner tire. The tire was advertised as a protection against blow outs, a common and dangerous occurrence in the 1930s.^[1]

In 1934, Michelin introduced a tire that was based on technology developed for local commuter trains and trolleys. It had a safety rim inside the tire which if punctured would run on a special foam lining. The tire was sold for military use and for specialized vehicles like bank armoured cars. It was advertised as "semi-bullet proof". While the tire performed as advertised it was far too expensive to be a feasible option for most private automobile users.^[2]

In 1958, Chrysler teamed with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company to offer Captive Air run-flat tires using an interlining to carry the weight.

In 1972 Dunlop launched the Denovo "fail-safe" wheel and tire system that became optional equipment on the Rover P6 3500 in 1973,^[3] and by 1983 evolved into the TD/Denloc which became standard equipment across the whole Austin Metro range.

Most recently, Bridgestone and Pirelli run-flat tires are supplied on some new model BMW cars. The automaker promoted these as a safety feature and as an alternative to carrying a spare tire.

Self-supporting run-flat tires are now common on light trucks and passenger cars and typically provide for the vehicle to drive for 50 miles (80 km) at around 50 miles per hour (80 km/h). However, if the tires are subject to this kind of misuse, wheels may become irreparably damaged in the process. In addition, if the tire is punctured in the sidewall or at the edge of the tread, repair may be impossible or unsafe. These tires carry a 20 to 40 percent weight penalty over similar standard tires.^[4] The thicker sidewall also means higher rolling resistance, which reduces the vehicle's fuel economy.^[4]

Self-sealing

These tires contain an extra lining within the tire that self-seals in the event of a small hole due to a nail or screw. In this way, the loss of air is prevented from the outset such that the tire is either permanently self-repairing or at least loses air very slowly.

There are also a number of retrofitted tire sealants which act in a similar way to self-sealing tires. These compounds are normally injected through the tire valve. The rotating force then distributes the compound onto the inner surface of the tire to act as a self-sealing lining within the tire.

Auxiliary-supported

Run-flat tire with support ring

In this system, there is an additional support ring or insert attached to the wheel that can support the weight of the vehicle in the event of a loss of pressure. The runflat insert, because of its unsurpassed ability to carry heavy vehicle loads for long distances at high speeds, is the normal runflat selection for military vehicles, high-level executive protection vehicles, and "armored" vehicles used by government, aid groups, or private contractors in conflict zones.

Standards of performance

The basic benefit of using run-flat tires is continued mobility in case of a loss of air pressure, due either to a 'normal' puncture or to a hostile deliberate act including a bullet strike while the vehicle is traveling at high speed. Performance criteria are therefore in terms of distance and speed at which the vehicle can escape without becoming immobile and the steering control over the vehicle during this process.

The usual standard of performance, especially for military or security vehicles, are the Finabel standards.

Market share

Run-flat tires accounted for less than 1% of replacement tire sales in the U.S. in 2005. In 2006, it was expected that such tires would gain popularity with armored vehicle manufacturers, but growth figures were slow with one major model, the Michelin PAX System, no longer being developed by the manufacturer (though replacements will be produced for the foreseeable future).^[5] A Michelin study released in 2008 found that 3 percent of drivers worldwide want run-flat tires. U.S. market share is well below 1 percent. American Honda Motor Co. announced that the 2009 Honda Odyssey Touring and Acura RL were its last models available with run-flat tires and with Honda no longer using run-flats. This leaves only a handful of volume manufacturers offering them as standard fittings and only on some models. An exception is BMW, who are the largest fitter of run-flats as original equipment.^[4]

Factors contributing to small market share

Besides the cost, which can be more than double other tires of comparable size, run-flat tires can not be run flat if the flat is due to sidewall damage, a common cause of flats. Also, under the best circumstances, the speed and range that the run-flat tires can be run flat is very limited. Run-flat tires cannot be driven over 50 miles per hour and usually offer only up to 50 miles of extended mobility. These limitations lower the value of the extra expense for many buyers. In certain applications, depending on the vehicle and specific tire design, a run-flat tire can provide from 25 miles to 200 miles driving while flat with limited speed.

See also

• Airless tire
• Direct TPMS
• Tire manufacturing
• Tire mousse
• Tire-pressure monitoring system
• Tweel - Michelin's air-free tire

References