Punctures need not BE A PAIN
A damaged tyre is flat-out frustrating, but modern technology is here to help
Nobody wants to be stuck on the side of the road because of a flat tyre. Punctures often happen at the most inconvenient times, so it’s worth putting some thought into minimising the hassle.
Full-size spare or space-saver?
It’s getting harder to find a vehicle with a full size spare wheel nowadays, but it’s the best way to get mobile again without any restrictions — just remember that the tyre you place back in the boot has a puncture which needs to be repaired, because you might need it again. The good old space saver temporary tyre is often missing from new cars these days. This is mainly to maximise the space available in the back of vehicles, but it means you can’t undertake a roadside change. There are some clever options to help prevent punctures.
Run flat tyres. First appearing in the 1980s, Run Flat Tyres (RFTs) have been specially developed with reinforced sidewalls or internal supporting rings to maintain composure even when flat. This means that they will continue to support the vehicle’s weight by maintaining some of its shape, even if the tyre has experienced a complete loss of air pressure. RFTs can be placed on any rim but it is recommended that they’re used on RFT-specific wheels to prevent the tyre bead unseating. A tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) must be used to inform the driver if a tyre does lose pressure. RFTs are commonly used by European vehicle manufacturers and you can buy them from a variety of tyre retailers for Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, Goodyear and Pirelli tyres. All RFT solutions prevent the punctured tyre from adversely affecting the braking, acceleration and steering of your car. They usually allow you to keep travelling a distance up to 80km at a max speed of 80km/h, which should allow you to safely get to a place to organise a replacement.
Repair in a can. If you don’t want the hassle of changing your tyre immediately after puncture damage, you can invest in a can of tyre inflator/sealer, which inflates and temporarily seals the punctured tyre to help get you to the nearest practical place for tyre repair or replacement. You can get a can of all-in-one from an automotive parts retailer, or often vehicles are sold new with an electric pump and a separate bottle of sealer, which gets added to the flat tyre before being inflated. Tyre inflator/sealer is a product designed to offer a temporary tyre repair to allow you to get your vehicle to a tyre repairer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using this method and never put the sealant inside tyres to avoid potential punctures — it’s only meant as a temporary repair in the event that a puncture actually happens. Misuse could cause damage. Any tyre or repair method used as a temporary measure to get you to a place of safety or repair must be treated as such and the manufacturer’s recommendation adhered to with regards to speed and distance with which to travel. If a temporarily repaired or run flat is assessed and deemed unsuitable for repair, it will need to be replaced.
Airless tyres for the future?
Michelin unveiled its Tweel System back in 2005. It was originally designed for use on small vehicles such as ride-on lawn mowers and motorised golf carts. It was also used on heavy equipment at hazardous sites, where the risk of tyre punctures is high. Michelin is working with General Motors on a tyre called the Unique Puncture-proof Tire System (UPTIS); the aim is for these to be ready for production by 2024. Real-world testing of UPTIS prototypes will be on a fleet of Chevrolet Bolt EVs. Other large tyre companies like Bridgestone are also working on developing this technology. According to a global study from Michelin, about 12 per cent of tyres on the road are scrapped prematurely due to blowouts, and about 8 per cent are discarded due to irregular wear because of inflation issues. These tyres have many benefits for the motorist and the environment. They use fewer raw materials and less energy in their production and reduce the number of scrapped tyres as a result of unexpected punctures. As UPTIS tyres don’t lose pressure over time, they stop irregular wear issues from over- or under-inflation, can improve fuel efficiency, lower emissions and remove the danger of a tyre blowing out on the road.
How the AA can help. The AA has introduced AA Tyre Service in select areas of Auckland for AA members. The entirely mobile service can either fit a temporary tyre, or sell, fit and balance a replacement tyre at the roadside if required. Meanwhile, all AA service officers carry Holts Tyreweld foam, which temporarily mends a tyre, allowing members to get to a place of repair.