PUMPED UP
Check out the airless car tyres that will never puncture and help you SAVE fuel – and they’re going on sale soon
CAR Tyres have come on leaps and bounds over the years, offering increased comfort, more grip and less noise.
However, as good as they now are, they still puncture and they still require topping up to get the best fuel economy - something many drivers forget to do.
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Enter the airless tyre. A tyre that doesn't need topping up, so will always give you the best possible fuel economy, and that never punctures and ruins your day.
Most of the main tyre manufacturers you'll know have been working on them for some time, but the indications are that it might not be too long until we're fitting them to our cars.
US tyre firm Goodyear is currently testing an air-free tyre made from strong plastic spokes with a tough rubber band around them.
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Michael Rachita, Goodyear's senior program manager for non-pneumatic tyres, told the BBC: "There will be noise, and some vibration.
"We're still learning how to soften the ride. But we think you'll be surprised at the performance.
“As we move into a world where autonomous vehicles are becoming more common and many cities are offering transport-as-a-service strategies, having a maintenance-free tyre is hugely important."
Rachita was confident that these tyres will be a reality and will be fitted to people's cars before long.
"It's test-learn, test-learn. But we're at a stage that's given us a huge amount of confidence. This is the real deal."
READ MORE ON FUEL SAVING
Michelin is also at it, coming up with what it calls its Uptis tyre - or Unique Puncture-Proof Tire System.
Its tyres are made of a high-strength resin with fibreglass and rubber wrapped around an aluminium wheel.
It has already fitted them to a Mini Cooper for testing and wants the next Chevrolet Bolt, an EV sold in the US, to have them as standard from 2024.
Michelin reckons its tyres will eventually be airless, connected, 3D printed and full recyclable.
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